LSU quarterback talks mobility, shows off speed during spring practice

Entering his senior season with the Tiger football program, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is now the projected starter for the first time in his career. With fans not exactly knowing what to expect from the veteran signal caller, he took some time during spring football to discuss his mentality from a mobility standpoint heading into the new year.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier isn’t concerned with level of mobility

The moment has finally arrived for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. After three long years of riding the bench, the veteran out of Lake Charles, LA, will finally get his opportunity as a starter in 2024, and it sounds like he’s ready for his moment.

While there’s never been a question about his arm talent, it’s his running ability that has many fans concerned heading into the new season. After spending the last two years watching Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels run for over 2,000 yards with the purple and gold, it seems as though many fans have forgotten what it’s like to not have a highly mobile signal caller.

Still, these concerns are nowhere near the front of Nussmeier’s mind as he moves through spring football. Earlier this week, the soon-to-be senior spoke to the media and explained what fans might expect to see from their new starter.

“I think having some sort of a running ability to keep a defense honest is important,” Nussmeier began. “I haven’t had a chance to showcase that or do that yet, and it’ll come. I understand, and everyone knows that’s not my play style to be running 50 percent of the time, but I think it’s important to run 15 percent of the time, or when things aren’t good and you’ve got to get a couple third downs a game with your feet. And I know that, and whenever it’s there, I’ll take it.”

Through three seasons with LSU football, the former four-star recruit has technically carried the ball just seven times for a concerning -58 yards. However, the numbers become far less worrisome when considering just one of said carries was an attempt to run the ball, while the rest ended up as sacks.

Even so, it’s important to remember that running the ball isn’t what Nussmeier specializes in. He’s something of a gunslinger and can throw it with the best players in the country. In 18 appearances, the Tiger quarterback has thrown the ball 219 times for 1,720 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“I wouldn’t say that my focus is showing everybody how athletic I am. I don’t really buy into that or listen to anything that’s said about me or us. I’m just focused on doing things the right way and when it’s time for me to run, I will do it.”

The Tiger quarterback has already shown the ability to use his feet

Even despite what many fans have to say about the 6-foot-2, 198-pounder and his mobility, it’s not like he hasn’t shown the ability to run in the past.

Just this week, the LSU quarterback showed off some solid movement, looking both strong and smooth while running alongside true freshman Colin Hurley.

The Nuss Bus can certainly move🗣️

He’s not JD5 but I’m sure Nuss can find a way to factor into this “new look” run game in some capacity. #LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/TIluIGYE8Z

— John Eads WAFB-TV (@JohnEadsWAFB) March 21, 2024

Furthermore, when it comes to moving around the pocket, defenders are going to have some serious trouble getting the senior signal caller to the ground. While he’s unlikely to use his legs to gain yards past the line of scrimmage, he instead elects to use them to extend plays and open up his pass catchers down field.

Garrett Nussmeier with a play Joe Burrow would approve of. pic.twitter.com/CJ0UAFRTUt

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 4, 2022

Fans will get their first glimpse at the veteran Louisiana product as the 2024 starter later this spring. The National L Club Spring Game is scheduled to take place on April 13 in Tiger Stadium and the game will be open to the public and will be streaming live on SEC Network+ at 1:00 p.m. CST.

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