Is there a leader in LSU quarterback derby?
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, as things stand now Andrew Hatch will be defending national champion LSU’s starting quarterback when the Tigers open their season on Aug. 30 against I-AA champ Appalachian State.
Hatch, a Harvard transfer who is a sophomore in terms of eligibility, and redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee are battling it out during camp to be the No. 1. Hatch has yet to start in college, and Lee has yet to take a college snap. The Times-Picayune report said a strong fall camp by Lee could change things for the opener, and that both will play regardless.
Lee is more of a classic drop-back style passer, while Hatch offers more mobility, but each said he’s capable of handling all the duties. Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton said both throw the deep ball well.
“Any quarterback can get it to me deep. We just have to put the time and the work into it and go over it in practice,” senior wide receiver Demetrius Byrd said.
LSU coach Les Miles has never said if Hatch or Lee took a slight lead in spring drills. He has said both along with true freshman Jordan Jefferson will play this season. No true freshman has taken a snap at quarterback for LSU since Herb Tyler in the 1995 season.
Not since Josh Booty, Rohan Davey and Craig Nall battled before and during the 1999 season has LSU gone into a season with such an open market at the position. All three started that year before Booty ended up with the job for most of the next two seasons.
Lee said the coaches never posted a quarterback depth chart or told either who was ahead after spring drills.
“After the spring game, nobody knew,” he said. “They still hadn’t named a starter. We’ve just been working hard through the spring and the summer and just helping each other out.”
Senior center Brett Helms likes Hatch’s mobility.
“He’s more of a runner. He’s more athletic,” Helms said. “He’s got more speed. That’s one thing he brings to the table more so than Jarrett Lee, running the ball and using the option and things like that.”
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