BATON ROUGE -- LSU Football head coach Les Miles along with his coordinators held press conferences on Tuesday afternoon at the Football Operations Center, and the 105-man roster was made available to more than a hundred reporters on the team's annual Media Day.

LSU Media Day
August 7, 2012

HEAD COACH LES MILES

Opening statement...
"I think we have a nice team returning. Fifteen starters - six on offense and six on defense and three specialists. Ten scholarship seniors are available with a very, very deep junior class. I enjoyed the first three days of camp. We're in good shape. It felt like guys really put it in during the summer time. They continue to improve in practice. Offensively, the quarterback, [Zach] Mettenberger seems like he's getting better every day and continues to improve that chemistry. I think he's really working with our receivers and I think that group is tightening it up. I like the addition of Rob Bolden. I feel like the guy has taken some snaps in some big time games. We're still a ways away from knowing exactly what to call it and how to run it, but it's coming and we enjoy him. I think Stephen Rivers also is competing extremely well behind Zach [Mettenberger], so it looks like our quarterback position is better."

"Running backs -- I think is as competitive of a group of backs that I've been around with four running backs with seven or more touchdowns a year ago. We tied a school record with 35 rushing touchdowns and all the guys that were leaders at that position have returned. I like them all. [Spencer] Ware, [Michael] Ford, [Alfred] Blue, [Kenny] Hilliard, for that matter, Jeremy Hill. I think we'll be talented there. I think we'll do the right things there. Wide receivers - Odell Beckham is our leading receiver back and had a nice early fall. Russell Shepard I think is probably in as good of a position to compete and do things at receiver than he has been. Jarvis Landry is one of those guys that is going to play a lot of football and make us better. James Wright, Kadron Boone, all those guys. We have a real quality receiver group. I like the young receivers that we've got in this class, but that group is growing."

"The offensive line is veteran. We've returned six players who started at least one game. I think La'El Collins will be a guy at the left guard who will give us some more snaps and some real competition there. [Josh] Dworaczyk getting a sixth year. I didn't really know how valuable he'd be until I got here. He can play center, guard or tackle either side. So we're much improved by depth and he figures to play a very key role. I think that group will be very physical and will understand what they're supposed to do and give us the style of attack that we need to have. At tight end, Chase Clement returns seeing some significant action. But Nic Jacobs behind him is getting better and working hard and really emerging as a guy that we can really throw the ball to and can give us some real quality snaps there. I like Tyler Edwards, and Travis Dickson has had a very good early camp."

"On the defensive side, John Chavis is as good as there is in the game. I enjoy the fact that we keep getting just a little bit better with the number of years that we're consistent there. You're looking at defenses that are ranked in the top five in four categories, it's just that consistency that we need. I look forward to a very quality defensive line. Both Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery will be as good as there is. Guys behind them will be those men that really can go to the line of scrimmage and play with speed and play like our defensive ends. Bennie Logan currently wears number eighteen. That was a very significant direction. What happens is our past players kind of get together and pick a guy that they would like to represent that number. We go through the training staff and the equipment staff and everybody gets a vote. And Bennie Logan will be No. 18 just for being a leader and working hard and being a program guy. I think at linebacker that Kevin Minter, who's so veteran and played so well through the end of last season, I think he's just going to give us great play. I think Lamin Barrow, Tahj Jones, those guys in the perimeter and this young freshmen class at linebacker just keeps getting bigger and better. I think Lorenzo Phillips gained 20 pounds between his last game in high school and the scrimmage this year and looks really good. I wouldn't be surprised [Tahj] Jones and Kwon Alexander will play very significant roles. I think our linebacking corps is better and will be much better as we go forward. The linebackers have improved with the freshman class and so has our secondary. I think we're as good as we could be in the top four with Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon. Tharold Simon, at 6-foot-4, he gets the balls that other guys don't. And Tyrann Mathieu has as good of anticipation and quickness and ball skills as I've been around. And Eric Reid is just an outstanding guy and leader in the classroom and off the field and is really having a nice start. Craig Loston is a hard-hitting young guy who appears to be taking his experience and playing with it and that's what we needed to see. I think the incoming freshmen in our secondary will be talented enough to give us quality backups and in some cases play a very key role in our secondary."

"Special teams - Drew Alleman, who was 16-of-18 with field goals, was second in the nation at that spot. James Hairston was freshman All-SEC at kickoffs and continues to get bigger and stronger. And of course Brad Wing - tremendous leg and really starting to understand conceptually what we want from that spot as a punter. So they'll be back and we'll have Tyrann Mathieu as a return specialist."

"The schedule - North Texas, Washington and Idaho are our opening three. We are challenged to prepare and our team is responding. The thing that we've done is we've taken the same tack that we took a year ago in the fact that we're going to want to get our speed of execution to a very, very high level so we'll be prepared to play our best in the back end of the season."

"I think our players understand the culture in this room and what we expect - that they will get their degree, that they will compete in the classroom, compete on the field, and play for championships. I like where we're at and I like the position that the program is in. I do recognize that we're number one but I also recognize that we're getting our guys degrees and doing the things that we're supposed to do and I think our guys are looking forward to taking the field."

On how he keeps all of the running backs happy considering how deep the position is...
"It's a team event. Once you join this room they will contribute fully and we'll use their skills to mesh with the other people in this room. And when we win, we all win. And victory is the first goal. I think our running backs understand that. I think they're a group that has really come together around that philosophy and want to contribute."

On Tyrann Mathieu being a full-time cornerback...
"It's always the key - do you have a linebacker who could play even when you have these young freshmen linebackers that could play that spot a little bit more instinctively and let Tyrann [Mathieu] play corner, or do you move Tyrann [Mathieu] in there where you know the kind of play that he is capable of making and take one of these young corners and put him out there on the edge? One of the ways to go is leave Tyrann [Mathieu] out there at the corner and bring somebody else in. That's really in the works, to find out who that best player is."

On whether there is a change-of-pace quarterback or someone who can run the Wildcat...
"At this point in time, it's so early in camp that I'm not ready to say that guy exists just yet. Certainly there's a number of guys that would fit, but it's going to take some time to develop."

On how he wants to handle the four core running backs...
"Here's how I want to get this to work: I'd like to start with two guys and keep a third guy fresh for late in the game. Those two guys will be able to do the lion's share of the work and we'll keep a really quality back to have fresh legs. So I'd like to start with two, but I could end up with four very comfortably."

On Penn State transfer Rob Bolden...
"He's tried to get comfortable in the system and I think he's doing a really good job to be honest. I don't know exactly where he fits. I think that's something that's going to come with time. But we're optimistic that he can come in there and be a very competitive quarterback. When that will be, I'm not ready to say."

On what he's looking forward to the most...
"If you have to look at what I'm looking forward to, I think our team is looking forward to taking the field. I think there's an aggressor there that really speaks to where we want to start this season. I think our guys have a little bit of an edge to them about how we play. I think we look forward to taking the field and playing games again."

On being ranked No. 1 in the country...
"The good news is that we recognize the position. That's something that we've grown accustomed to. We recognize that it's just a spot. Everyone in the room recognizes it's a compliment to what we've done in the past but not yet what we've done in the season. And eight to 10 weeks from now, it will be a little different and let's see if we'll be in the same spot."

LSU DEFENSIVE COORIDINATOR JOHN CHAVIS

Opening Statement 
"It is great to be back. It exciting to be at LSU, a program where the expectations are very high along with the great fan support we have here. I appreciate the media for covering us here at LSU. I look forward to this day every year. It is my favorite day of the year. Right now, you are going to see the happiest John Chavis you are going to see for a long time. Let me tell you what a privilege is to work beside a great head coach (Les Miles). I've had the opportunity to coach with some really great head coaches. That opportunity is here at LSU. Coach Miles does a tremendous job of leading this program and setting the tone for this program. He is one of the best football coaches I have been around and one of the best leaders I have been around. I am excited to be here.  I have some great coaches coaching along beside me. (Brick) Haley does a tremendous job. When Coach Miles hired me, we talked about hiring a defensive line coach. I told Coach Miles, 'I know where the best one in the country is.' I said, 'He is in the NFL, I don't know if we can hire him.' He said, 'What do you mean? If he is the best, that's who we are going to hire.' Certainly, that's what he ended up doing. Corey Raymond had a chance to come back home and come back to LSU. He came back to his alma mater.  Corey brings some visions that will help us get even better, even though we have played well in the secondary. I think we have an opportunity to grow even more there. Thomas McGaughey does a great job with the special teams and helps assist the defensive line.  Obviously, we have a great group of coaches to work with. That makes is a lot of fun."

"The thing that makes it even more fun is a great group of talented athletes. We are very talented. We don't have all of the answers. We have some things that we have to solve before we play that first game, but certainly we have some very talented personal. When you start looking at our personal, it starts up front for us. I think with Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo as a pair, I don't think I would trade them for any two defensive ends in the country. These are guys that are very talented. They fit our style of play and have been very productive for us. There are other guys that can play. Bennie Logan, at defensive tackle, was over shadowed last year. He has played very outstanding football for us. He is a very talented young man. Certainly up front that is a nice place to start."

"In the secondary, we have Eric Reid, Tyrann Mathieu and Craig Loston returning. Loston made a step in spring practice. He was set back a little by injury, but right now he is having a great fall camp. Tharold Simon is a guy that has played a lot of corner for us already. There is some talent back there, as well as some young guys that will have an opportunity."

"We were productive at linebacker last year. We were not outstanding, but very productive. It helps when you have a great front and a great back end. There will be young people at linebacker that will have an opportunity to play and play often. We have a backup like (Lavar) Edwards, who has played a tremendous amount of football. But when we say backup, we roll our guys so much, they are going to come close to playing the same number of reps. (Jermauria) Rasco is a guy that played as a true freshman for us. We are certainly excited about him. Josh Downs is a guy that has played a lot of football for us over that last two years. We also have (Ego) Ferguson and Anthony Johnson. That gives you four good tackles. That is four tackles that you can compete and win in the SEC with. We have good depth there, and that is very important for us. Obviously, we are going to be looking forward to developing young talent as well. Quentin Thomas has had a good fall practice. He is a guy who hasn't taken a snap in a long time, but we're really excited about where Quentin is."

"At linebacker, Tahj Jones, Kevin Minter, Lamin Barrow and Luke Muncie are the guys that have played a role here. Beyond those four, we won't have a guy that has taken a snap. Today it is not etched in stone what guys will be giving us some playing time. I would say there will probably four freshmen that will be able to take the field and be productive for us. Deion Jones is the youngest guy on our football team. He is still a puppy, still 17 years old. Kwon Alexander is a very talented guy. Lamar Louis is a guy that benefited from being in spring practice. Lorenzo Phillips is a guy that is very talented and will have an opportunity to go to the field. We are going to be able to provide some outstanding depth. We are going to need some time with the young guys to get them mature, but we think Tahj Jones is a consistent playmaker. (Kevin) Minter played half the time last year. He did a very adequate job, he has improved his game. He is becoming a leader for us, he is a physical guy that can run. Lamin Barrow and Luke Muncie are both capable. I look at the linebackers as a group much like I did as the secondary two years ago. Two years ago who would have known what we would have gotten out of Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Tharold Simon as true freshmen. That year in the Cotton Bowl, we had four takeaways. Those true freshmen accounted for the four takeaways. Those guys are the leaders in our secondary. There is going to have to be some people that will step up in the secondary. It is (Jalen) Collins' time at corner. It is (Ronald) Martin's time at safety. (Corey) Thompson and (Jalen) Mills have really caught our attention. Those guys really show they have what it takes to get ready to play. We are going to have to get them ready to play especially in our nickel and dime packages."

On defensive formations for the upcoming season ...  
"We will probably be a little more in base, but it depends on what we are getting from the offenses. We are seeing more and more spread. We are going to be able to matchup. It will probably be less nickel, more dime and base."

On defensive tackle Anthony Johnson's progress ...
"He is a very talented guy. He looks like a totally different guy. A lot of times, we look at the end result. We don't remember the process. He has gone through an offseason program. Anthony is probably in the best condition he has ever been in. He is playing harder right now than he has ever played. He is doing the things Coach (Brick) Haley is asking him to do. When you put those things together with the amount of talent that he has, Anthony has the opportunity to be an outstanding player.

On defensive lineman Danielle Hunter's impact ...
"He is very talented guy. He has put on a good bit of weight, and it has been good weight. He has tremendous quickness, he is very talented. He is one of those young guys that will get the opportunity early. There is going to be quite a bit of competition. Competition makes them all better, particularly at that position."

On defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo ...
"Sam (Montgomery) has gained 20 to 30 pounds and hasn't lost a step. That's a credit to (strength and conditioning coordinator) Tommy Moffitt and what they have done in the off-season. We don't want him to put on that weight just to be bigger and stronger. He was already very strong for his size. The extra weight will be good from that standpoint. The one thing we have to make sure is from an endurance standpoint."

On expectations for Bennie Logan ... 
"He is doing great. Bennie has done a tremendous job for us. He is the one with the biggest amount of playing time. It is important to have a guy that provides that kind of leadership. That leadership is not just during the game. It is every day.  It was amazing to watch what Michael Brockers was able to accomplish in only two years of playing and then watch Bennie grow the same way. We certainly expect Bennie to play better this year."

On Tyrann Mathieu's playing different positions ...  
"I think Tyrann (Mathieu) can play any position.  He has taken advantage of those opportunities to play inside. There certain things we like to do with him from a pass-rush standpoint. I wouldn't be bothered if we had him at corner, nickel, dime or safety. He will play a lot of positions for us."

On the talent of the secondary ... 
"We have been blessed with a lot of talent. We will be a little younger.  It's rare that you have a back-up corner that gets drafted in the third round. That's the kind of depth that we were blessed with last year. I certainly believe will be exciting. There is some real push for playing time. We are not afraid to play young players. That's what we've done, and we are going to continue to do that."

On what it takes to be an elite defense ...  
"There are a lot of things that go into that. The first thing is talent, but the offense is a big part as well. It takes both sides. Our offense has done a tremendous job. You want to be where the expectations are high. There is an old saying 'the wind blows hardest at the top of the flagpole'. If that's the case, I want the wind to blow as hard as it can on us because we want to be on top of the flagpole again. It is a great feeling to know every single Saturday when you take the field you have a great opportunity to win. It doesn't mean you are going to win, but you have a great opportunity because you have the athletes and the support. You have everything that you need. What you have to do is play well and execute."

LSU OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR GREG STUDRAWA

Opening Statement

"We are really excited about what this group is doing and the aspects of our offense and the different things we can do with who we have.  Starting with our quarterback, Zach [Mettenberger], we are excited to see him play.  This will be his first year starting, having gotten to see him last year, this spring and now in the preseason.  We are excited about what he is doing and the leadership by taking over the team since last year.  He has looked forward to this opportunity and done many things during the offseason to make this team better.  We have two young guys behind him in [Stephen] Rivers and [Jerrard] Randall who are doing a good job in learning and growing.  We have a transfer in [Rob] Bolden who we are trying to get in our system.  Running backs are talented and very deep just like last year and they are all back with the addition of [Jeremy] Hill.  They are battling to see who gets those carries just like last year.  With our wide receivers, we lost Rueben Randle and he was the most experienced.  A young guy like [Odell] Beckham has grown up and matured by playing last year because there is nothing like a year of playing which will result in some great things.  We didn't get to see enough of Jarvis Landry because he missed two-a-days, so after the 29 practices he was coming from behind but you will like what you see out of him this year.  Guys like [Kadron] Boone and [James] Wright are really coming along with [Russell] Shepard in their consistency.

"Chase Clement is the leader of our tight ends after having a good year last year and we want to get him more involved in the passing game.  Nic Jacobs is a young guy who has really grown up after having a great Spring and Summer and we expect great things out of him.  [Travis] Dickson is another guy who has jumped out in blocking and the passing game along with [Tyler] Edwards.  With our fullbacks, [J.C.] Copeland has done a great job for our running backs and their success.  For the offensive line, we are excited for as deep and talented of a line we have been since I have been here.  Two all-conference players at the tackle position in [Alex] Hurst and [Chris] Faulk and they have had a great summer and look to build on the seasons they had last year.  P.J. Lonergan at center is back and has had a great camp and summer so far.  These guys are in probably the best condition they have been in because of [Tommy] Moffitt and what they do in the summer.  Because of what he has done, these guys are as strong as they are at the end as they were in the beginning.  At the guards we have [Josh] Williford and La'El Collins, but obviously [Josh] Dworaczyk, who is getting back in the swing of things, can play any spot up front to fill in and maybe win a starting job.  We have depth with Trai Turner, Elliott Porter and Vadal Alexander who enrolled early as a freshman.  Everything is going well and we are excited."

On the improvement of the offensive line ...
"I think experience and strength wise they are bigger and starting off they are in better physical condition and stronger than they have ever been.  With the weight and strength gains they have made, I see them in tremendous shape.  When you get into camp you start getting used to things, but these guys are doing things that took them awhile to get into and now they are getting into them early.  As much as they have progressed, we can progress by doing more things and getting more advanced the quicker they pick things up.  So number one, they are as strong and conditioned as they have ever been and number two, a lot of those guys have experience in playing together.  They know what game experience is like and know the things that happen to them when they are more experienced.  By that, the confidence level and how we play has been tremendous so far."

On Josh Dworaczyk's impact on the field last year ...
"Whenever I took over the coordinator's job last year there were things that I had to do and we didn't have an assistant position.  Our graduate assistant could not be with us so it really took a coach away from us, which added a responsibility to me. When I was doing other things or even coaching up a guy Josh had the other side.  The guys really had confidence in him and through the week in practice if I was busy they could ask him questions.  The biggest piece was during the game because [Steve] Ensminger was with the tight ends and everyone had their guys and the adjustments they were making, but Josh was specifically talking to these guys.  I may have been too busy getting the next series scripted or talking about what we are going to throw, so I didn't have time to go back and meet with those guys. He was down there to make adjustments with those guys quickly which was a huge benefit."

On Chase Clement becoming the complete tight end ...
"We want to get the tight end position involved and especially Chase because he has improved his ball skills catching the football tremendously.  This summer we have been trying to get him the ball with more play actions and nakeds which are things that Zach [Mettenberger] is really good at which involved the tight end.  He is going to get matched up on a safety or linebacker and he has to win those matchups.  He has done the best job now that he has learned and grown in the position.  He understands how to win, get open and catch the ball.  The more those things come, it will cue his confidence to get him involved in the passing game."

On transfer quarterback Rob Bolden ...
"I think he was looking for a change before everything even happened.  After talking with Rob and his father, he was not comfortable in the system there even before the scandal broke.  He wanted to go somewhere where he could win a national championship and compete for a starting position.  He had seen we lost two starters and [Liggins] did not qualify, so there was an opportunity there to come in.  Not to just be the starting quarterback but go somewhere that is a winning program and he can compete for a national championship, and that was important to him.  He thinks he is a throwing quarterback and he can run, but he wants to do both of those things.  We have had quarterbacks who have done both of these things, but he does not label himself either one and has done a great job of learning all the play action stuff. He is still a little lost but he is learning our system and trying to get the checks and cadences down."

On a timeframe for Rob Bolden to play ...
"He has a long way to go and we have thrown a bunch at him.  When you throw in the stuff for the veterans, you throw as much as they can swallow, so we aren't slowing down at all and everyday we are working on something new.  Right now, though, he is swimming and not anywhere near that position, but that is why you have 29 practices.  We have to get him to learn our system and get comfortable with things we do and then branch out and find a certain package for him.  We aren't slowing down but moving forward and putting yourself in and the young guys have to catch up."

On the importance of establishing the run ...
"I love running the football because to me it is how you control the game.  When you can physically control someone up front and have the ability to do whatever you can do, it helps your offense and defense.  It also helps in time possession and things like that.  It's a three-part game and we don't have to light up the world, just play smart football and not turn the football over.  We were very high in turnover ratio so just run the ball for 220 yards a game and control the clock.  We wanted to make big plays in the passing game, which we did, but we want to get better.  We still have to develop a play action game and a naked game because those are things that Zach [Mettenberger] is really good at.  When we do those things more efficiently, then you see two safeties back and we have accomplished what we wanted to which means we can do anything we want, whether run or pass.  I don't want to be as much toward the run because we'd rather be balanced.  It won't be an aerial show where we throw 70 times a game because we don't want them to know what we are going to do."

On Zach Mettenberger's tendencies ...
"I think you'll see play action with different two tight end sets which gets back to involving Chase [Clement], Tyler [Edwards] Nic Jacobs and Travis Dickson.  Those are four guys I really like in two tight end sets because you can run the ball outside and get play action and nakeds by getting Zach [Mettenberger] out of the pocket and giving him more options.  I think we want to do more of those things and get more of those 1st-and-10s and 2nd-and-medium to get the long rage passes which is where you'll get more of those.  In third downs it will be more drop backs, and we will let Zach [Mettenberger] do his thing but still get him involved in first and second down passing and also taking advantage of play action.  Zach has the confidence to zip that ball and make those throws, which is what we want to see."

On the commitment to throwing the ball ...
"We added periods in practice with a play action period, deep ball period and a period specifically to create those situations for Zach [Mettenberger] and the receivers."

On Zach Mettenberger's confidence ...
"The vertical passing game is part of anyone's passing game but that is where we have struggled.  Two shots yesterday where we had [Odell] Beckham and Jarvis Landry come down the middle one time, and if you stand in the end zone it looks like it's covered.  In the past we check it down, but Zach zipped it right in there through the linebackers and were 60-yard touchdowns.  Before, we would never have thrown those balls because it would have been a struggle.  That kid sits back there and he will make that throw because he has the confidence to do it. [Russell] Shepard and those kids are excited now because he [Mettenberger] has the confidence to make those throws which is what has the young guys so excited."

On Steve Kragthorpe ...
"He is doing very well and I really enjoy working with him.  I have been around a lot of good quarterback coaches but the fundamentals of what he brought and taught the guys last year and now with Zach [Mettenberger] has improved his game so far.  As far as I'm concerned it's teaching the guys technique to give them the tools that we give them.  All the little things like fundamental drops, throwing it deep, arm angles, shoulder angle for a quick throw and opening your hips are things that guys go by, but I have never been around a more fundamental teacher.  When you do those things though and take that kind of attention to a quarterback, it takes his game up to a whole different level. That is what Steve has done with all the guys.  He has brought [Stephen] Rivers miles above from where he started, so seeing them improve in all the areas it goes beyond the quarterback position."

On the running game ...
"You can bet we are going to run it and we are going to try and do some different things. We were really good at running up the middle, but we want to add some new things like misdirection or go outside.  We want to evolve the running game just like the passing game and making it as solid as it was and getting them carries. We watch all of our guys and we get better in the second half.  There wasn't a game where we weren't better in the second half because you wear people down and the backs keep coming at you and you get tired of tackling.  We want to get our yards per carry up and be more efficient."

On the team's defense ...
"I don't know how they play that many stunts and blitzes, but I'm glad we don't have to play them.  I've said it before but I think this year's team is the fastest I have ever been around since I've been here.  Those guys in the secondary are breaking on balls before we can even break on our balls and our timing is good.  It's exciting when you have a defense like that to call plays knowing you are going to get the ball back, but we talk things through about controlling the clock and running the ball. We are proud about getting more plays than them because we want to keep them off the field. If they play 50 plays a game then no one will score on them.  If we limit their plays and get ours around 75 or more then it is a winning formula."

On Stephen Rivers' development ...
"He is light-years ahead of when we first saw him. He was a bright kid who picked things up very easily.  Like his brother though he had a weird release, but it was quick and we saw a big guy with the awkward release.  The throws he made weren't always a cannon but they were all on the money. He could make the out throw, the slant and three step which are all the things we look for a guy in camp.  Two years down the line, he is stronger and now throwing the ball with a purpose and a little more zip.  He has always had a good touch for the deep ball and has really come along nicely and one of the most improved guys from the spring to the fall."

On expectations for P.J. Lonergan ...
"I expect the best football he has played because he is the general out there and he gives us the ability to get tempo by getting out of the huddle quicker, going no huddle, or even giving Zach [Mettenberger] some checks.  He is the field general out there and makes all of the calls and protection checks. Having him out there with his knowledge is invaluable and all of the guys look to him. He got better last year and made a lot of improvements, and at the end he knows that.  I expect him to play the best football and be the best."

LSU OFFENSIVE PLAYER QUOTES

QB Zach Mettenberger

On wide receivers ...
"We are going to try to do different stuff on offense this year. Going out there everyday with the talent that we have is definitely an ease for me at quarterback. I can't be on target and they can still make a catch for me."

On throwing the ball more ...
"I do not think it is just because of my abilities. They are confident in the receivers we have and the backs to catch the ball. We have a very veteran offensive line who we know will protect me and I think that is the biggest key of us throwing the ball this year."

On being the defined starter ... 
"It helps for a team big time. They do not have to worry about who is going to be in the next series. Just have one definitive starter is going to be really big for this team. Hopefully, I can just go out there and lead this team and get the ball to the play makers."

WR Russell Shepard

On throwing the ball more ...
"We are working to it. That is what this camp has had a big focus on. We started this spring. The thing was to become a balanced team. Let's throw it 30 and run it 30. It is all the same thing, balance is balance. We feel like we have all of the pieces to do it and we are ready."

On losing Rueben Randle ... 
"We have to come together as a group to replace him. We have to really come together and make each other better. That includes being competitive, watching a lot of film, and everyone being accountable for each other. We feel that if we can come together and do our part as a receiving core, we can make up for losing a great weapon like Rueben."

On being more aggressive with Mettenberger as quarterback ...
"One thing about Zach is that although he has not played in many games, he is still not a young guy. He has been in college football going on four years. He knows the game. He is very intelligent, and I think he brings a confidence to that position. That is something that we feed off of."

WR Odell Beckham Jr.

On being a stand out player ...
"Honestly you can not say I'm that guy with the receiving core we have, anyone can be that guy. This summer we all just worked on getting better each and every day and improving on little things. I feel we are going to have a strong season this year."

On Mettenberger's confidence ...
"It is honestly just the way he is. He has that arm strength and knows that he can make those throws. He is a risk taker. He will throw those balls and trust us to make plays."

LSU DEFENSIVE PLAYER QUOTES

CB Tyrann Mathieu

On his natural ability ... 
"It's just about me going out there and practicing the things we do every day in practice. It's stripping the ball, catching interceptions and making good tackles."

On coverage skills... 
"I like to say I'm a pretty good cover guy, but it's always something everyone can work on everyday, including myself. I don't think it's tough to move around as a cover guy and I absolutely like bouncing around to different spots. At the end of the day, it's whatever puts my team in the position to win the game. I'm going to do it to the best of my ability."

On being humble ... 
"All I can say is that I'm blessed and I know that I have to remain humble. I also know I can look to my teammates whenever I'm feeling down."

DE Sam Montgomery

On taking it to next level... 
"Our defensive line pushes each other all the time. We have a unity in our room and expect the best out of each other while our coach pushes us in the right direction so we can all make our plays."

On knowing there is a solid defensive backfield behind him ...  
"It feels good to know we have such solid defensive backs, but everyone on our line has a direct assignment. While it's a relief that we have such great defensive backs, it's also a huge responsibility on our part to keep the line tight."

On teammate Barkevious Mingo ... 
"It makes me comfortable knowing that (Barkevious) Mingo is on the other side with such speed and focus. I know the left side is taken care of while I have the right side; both of us just making magic."

DT Bennie Logan

On replacing past defensive linemen ... 
"It would be hard to replace those guys like (Glenn) Dorsey and (Tyson) Jackson. But it's about the little things that can separate you and what you can do to make your team better. All I can do is the things the coaches expect me to do and to work hard every day."

On the No. 2 on the SEC Championship rings ... 
"We use that No. 2 two on our rings as motivation. We learned from that loss and we've built from that. We also had a great summer workout and camp, and our guys are just eager to go and be successful this year."

On receiving the No. 18 jersey ...  
"I was surprised because I'm a big guy and a defensive lineman. I was just delighted to be a part of it and wear the No. 18. I think the respect I got from my teammates came through my hard work."

On stepping out and making a name for myself ... 
"I don't feel like I need to step out and be anything spectacular. I'm just going to continue doing what I'm doing and work hard at practice. It's the little things you do that will eventually separate you."