Hilliard paces LSU offense with 100 yards rushing in scrimmage

LSU’s Kenny Hilliard continued to build on what has been an outstanding fall camp for the senior running back Tuesday as he rushed for 100 yards in LSU’s second full-scale scrimmage of the preseason here at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.
The Tigers open their 10th season under Les Miles Aug. 30 when 13th-ranked LSU faces 14th-ranked Wisconsin in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN.
LSU will take today off from practice as it will have only a walk through and position meetings.
LSU also will take part in the school’s annual “Move-In Day” at various dorms on campus as the players will assist incoming freshmen moving onto campus. LSU returns to practice Thursday.
Tuesday’s scrimmage focused on all phases of the game, including special teams situations, which were held outside on the artificial turf. The rest of the scrimmage, which featured 80 live tackle plays and another 40 “thud” snaps, took place indoors.
The scrimmage featured the first team against the second team on both sides of the ball for a majority of the workout.
“We got a lot done in what was a lengthy go,” Miles said in a news release. “We worked a lot of special teams situations, and we finished with the two-minute drill. I think both quarterbacks are playing well and competing. There hasn’t been any separation between them, but they both provided a high level of execution today.
“We have four talented tailbacks. Kenny went for 100-yards today,” Miles said of the Patterson High alum. “He’s had a really good camp, and he was special today as was Terrence (Magee). I think we are going to have four very capable backs.”
Miles said that he will continue to let the two quarterbacks — sophomore Anthony Jennings and true freshman Brandon Harris — compete before making any decision on who the starter will be for the season opener.
“There’s an opportunity to see both quarterbacks play,” Miles said. “We still have several practices left. I think I’ll wait (to name a starter) until I see how I want to play the guys. We’ll tell the starter on Thursday (of game week) when we put together the final (play call) list.”
Miles said that freshmen receivers Trey Quinn and Malachi Dupre each caught a few passes and that the offensive line did a good job during the 120-play scrimmage.
Miles said that Dupre is beyond the minor injury that slowed him during the first part of camp.
“He’s really just getting back to health,” Miles said. “He will maintain this opportunity to play. He, along with D.J. Chark and Trey (Quinn), are competing every snap for playing time. All three of those guys are going to play this year.”
Miles said that the defense line performed well and that the secondary provided a pair of interceptions.
“The defense tackled well and they made it tough to get balls off,” Miles said of the pressure applied by the defensive front. “That defensive unit is pretty special. They are fast to the ball.”
On special teams, Miles singled out the performance of kickers Trent Domingue and Cameron Gamble, saying both did a good job with their kicking.
Miles said that one key piece of the workout was there were no injuries.