LSU OC Mike Denbrock Talks Jayden Daniels Progression, Plus OL, TE, WR, RB Updates

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock spoke with the media after practice on Thursday and provided updates on the Tigers' offense. Here's what he had to say:

On the progress so far in practice: "We are finding out who we are going to be. It's going to take a minute. I'm pleased with the effort. We have the depth necessary to compete at several positions. I'm encouraged by what I see and excited with what I see."

On Malik Nabers: "I have a lot of respect for Malik on many levels, but mostly because he comes to better his craft every single day. There is not a time when he doesn't have his complete attention on getting better at what he does on the practice field. He's a good example to our younger players."

On Jayden Daniels' progression: "Year two allows him a comfort level from a knowledge standpoint where he feels he can let it rip a little more. We continue to encourage that, and he's taken it upon himself to play that way and be aggressive. He understands that he has dynamic people around him that need to have their hands on the football, and he's continued to develop with that."

On the TEs: "The completeness of Mason Taylor's game is really going to show this year. Mac Markway has had the best camp on the young TEs. 'KP' Pimpton is an unbelievable talent, a raw piece of clay any coach would love to have. He has already gained 15lbs here, getting to 245lbs as a true freshman."

On the veteran players in year two: "There's more understanding on the offense as a whole. We were in survival mode offensively last year. Now we are deeper into the details. Everything gets better with time. Our vet's recognition level has gotten better, better, & better."

On being more explosive: "I thought we caught a lot of footballs with our backs to where we were trying to score last year—a lot of stops and comebacks. We have been working more on catch-and-run opportunities for our great athletes and allowing them to be what they are: pretty dangerous football players (with the ball in their hands). I've seen real positive progress there."

On the OL: "I think heading into the FSU game last year, there were a lot of unknowns. It's a whole different feeling and vibe now with the growth that we made over last season. It gives us a head start now. They believe in each other, and we believe in them. That group has some excitement around it."

On the OL additions: "It's always a work in progress, especially for the true freshman who are dipping their toe in the 2-deep. Mason Lunsford (Maryland transfer) has made some good contributions and will provide some depth inside. I like the additions to the room. There is a lot of good material to work with there and I know coach Brad Davis is excited about that."

On new WR Aaron Anderson: "He has to touch the football. It's our job as a coaching staff to make that happen. He's valuable in the screen game, jet sweeps, but he's not just a "speedy" one trick pony. He has unbelievable ball skills. He can break people down in space. We have to get him the ball."

On WR Chris Hilton: "I love the direction Chris is headed. He has begun to stake his claim for playing time. He's been backing up Malik. He's a smart player that we can move around. He's going to play for us. He's done so much better. I'm excited about where he's going."

On freshman WR Shelton Sampson: "He's as gifted as any receiver we have on the roster, but he's swimming in the deep end like all the young guys. He has incredible athleticism, a great catch radius, and can run."

On the stacked RB room: "It's exciting that so many RBs can step up and play. It allows us to have a lot of options we can explore and be more versatile. The competition there has been back and forth. It will take some time to sort out. There is quality depth there."