Les Miles expects QB Anthony Jennings to return from suspension
LSU has had its fair share of off-the-field trouble this offseason, but Tigers head coach Les Miles expects several suspended players – including quarterback Anthony Jennings – to return to the team.
“Some guys are no longer with the team (Trey Lealaimatafao and Travonte Valentine). But the other guys are going through a legal process, and that legal process will take time,” Miles said Thursday at SEC Media Days. “When we get information, we'll make a decision then. I'm very optimistic that a number of those guys will return, only because I know the information. Again, that's not me. This is all about what's going on in the legal process.”
Jennings, along with defensive lineman Maquedius Bain and defensive back Dwayne Thomas, was arrested by campus police on June 18 for allegedly breaking into an on-campus apartment. All three were charged with unauthorized entry of a dwelling and Thomas was also hit with a simple burglary charge.
Jennings split time as LSU’s starter last season with Brandon Harris. Miles told reporters Thursday that he expects both quarterbacks to be in play for the starting role, despite Jennings’ current suspension.
“I feel pretty comfortable with where it’s going to go,” Miles said, per Nola.com. “I think eventually both guys will be on that team. I’m confident in both guys. There are some advantages that Brandon’s had. We’ll have to see how that works out. Competition will decide who starts.
“There will be plenty of opportunity for Brandon Harris to make his case long before we play the first game. Same thing is true for Anthony.”
Jennings started 11 games last season for the Tigers as a junior, throwing for 1,611 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions and rushing for 292 yards. Harris threw for 452 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 159 yards and three scores on the ground as a sophomore.
Miles said Thursday he expects better from the position in 2015.
"The good news is we have a guy who's started eight games or so and we have a guy that's been around it now and played through two springs and been through a fall," Miles said. "So our quarterback play will be better, legitimately better. There's been some things that we've done to kind of script and hone to make their skills and abilities more evident. So I think we'll get really improved quarterback play."
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