LSU's Jeffersonian Era A Work In Progress

LSU's Jeffersonian Era A Work In Progress
By Chris Low
ESPN.com

HOOVER, Ala. -- LSU's Jordan Jefferson understands why there was much consternation among fans this spring about his hold on the starting quarterback position.

After all, the hope was that Jefferson would run away from the pack and make it his job. But when the spring game ended, there were more questions than answers.

"I look back and wonder what it would have been if I would have had a better spring game," said Jefferson, who was 7-of-20 for 84 yards. "But that's not something I can really focus on. I'm just ready to take what I didn't do in the spring and put into fall camp."

Jefferson's timing with his receivers was noticeably off in the spring game, giving the passing game that same pedestrian look it had for much of last season.

Part of the problem was that LSU was using just four receivers, and they were playing for both teams in the spring game.

But Jefferson is quick to admit that he wasn't nearly instinctive enough last year at any point. He played much of the season afraid to make a mistake, which equated to the Tigers' passing game going belly-up in key games.

Jefferson passed for 96 yards in the loss to Florida and only 114 yards in the loss to Alabama before leaving that game with an injury.

"I feel there were times I was afraid to throw a pick instead of taking a risk, and I needed to step up in the pocket," Jefferson said. "I lacked that last year. I kind of faded out of the pocket or tried to run. I just need to trust in my O-line, step up in the pocket and let the ball go.

"I'm going to focus on staying in the pocket this year and give my receivers a chance to shine."