Les Miles is one of the most charismatic figures in all of college football. How can you not love this guy? He has solidified his spot among the top coaches in the country, as well as one of the top recruiters in the game today; and he has a pretty good track record thus far:
2 SEC West Division Championships
1 SEC Championship
1 National Championship
4 Bowl Games (All wins)
Despite last season's 8-5 finish--only a year after winning a national title--there are still high hopes that Miles will continue to build upon the colossal college football power that is LSU. The Tigers hauled in one of the best, if not the best, recruiting classes in the nation this past offseason, and with a defensive overhaul in order, better play from the QB(s) this year, and a sense of urgency, this team will be tough to beat.
Miles talked about last season's finish today at the media convention in Hoover, Alabama:
"I can tell you that coming off last year, eight victories and a Bowl win was not enough. Our football team's a little more wanting, a little bit more ambitious. I think that's spilled into the preparation in the off season. We had a very good spring. I think our summer, a price has been paid as we go into fall camp. Very much look forward to getting that team together." --Les Miles
Of course, being politically correct and always smiling for the camera is what every coach is supposed to do, so it comes as no surprise that the optimism is there. Hell, I'm optimistic; always have been. Even during the years where we had to swallow some of the toughest defeats in LSU history. Now, onto the rest of the quotables from Miles, some of which I've already touched on in previous posts:
"Offensively, certainly we'll be better. A year ago we put three freshmen quarterbacks on the field, all of which at one point in time got hurt. One currently has eight games experience as a starter, one three. I can tell you that both Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee will take the field with a lot more experience and comfort with what we expect of our quarterback.
"If we had to start today, I would start Jordan Jefferson, but I believe our offense will function extremely well with the idea that our quarterbacks are a little bit more veteran. Charles Scott, that offensive line, should catch speed quickly. I think our receivers are going to be an advantage for us. JoJo LaFell, Brandon LaFell, is expected by his coaches and his team to have a great year. Terrance Toliver, I think we can put a number of receivers on the field that can do damage to an opponent's defense.
"Richard Dickson, our tight end, coming into his final campaign, is poised to have a great year. It's a diverse offense. It's one that's gonna be difficult to defend. We look forward to taking the field with them." --Les Miles
Very confident, I must say. I like the term "diverse offense." It really is, and that's why I like Jordan Jefferson taking the snaps. His athleticism enables the offense to really open up the playbook and do some things that Jarrett Lee cannot. Not to say Lee is incompetent, but he doesn't compliment the eclectic blend of plays Crowton brings to the table as well as Jefferson does.
"Defensively, we got a new staff. We put John Chavis in as defensive coordinator. His experience in this league, his comfort with a dominant defense, met very comfortably with those men on our campus where we have played dominant defense for our time. I think the introduction in the start, this spring, certainly as we go forward, went well.
"Ron Cooper, our secondary coach, and Brick Haley, the defensive line, I think there's a great deal of experience and ability in the coaching staff. Again, our players want to play great, and understand theres a work habit and a work ethic there that's established. Again, I think it will fall together nicely.
"The defensive line, we'll graduate some guys. But there will be some men there that have experience. We recruited well behind them. I think there will be some competition as we come to the line of scrimmage. A veteran at linebacker, the entire corporation, from Harry Coleman, Jacob Cutrera, Perry Riley, Kelvin Sheppard, all of which have a great deal of experience, and will give us a line backing core that will make the transition.
"I think we're talented in the secondary. I think Chad Jones, being, you know, put in as our free safety, allowing him to get comfortable at a spot, will benefit his development. I think he's a very talented player. We look forward to that continuing.
"But I think our defense will be better, as well." --Les Miles
Here's an interesting quote regarding the whole "Who-didn't-vote-for-Tebow-?" debate:
"I know there's some issues out there that people want to talk to me about. I had everybody and his brother ask me did I vote for Tebow. I certainly did. He has always had great games against us. Personally, I'm for him. I like who he is. So, yeah, I voted for him.
"I can tell you this. I'm going to call Jefferson and my quarterbacks and hold them to that level of play. I think that anybody that didn't vote for him has that right certainly, but that's their call." --Les Miles
I like the idea of Miles holding whoever his quarterback is to that high of a level. Realistically, we'll probably never see another QB like Tebow who transcends the game the way he does. Jefferson has the potential to be one the best QBs LSU has seen in recent history. Of course, the "potential-to-be" applies to every player. The intelligence, intangibles, athletic ability, and competitiveness are all there for JJ. The question is, will he continue to progress? I know one game (the bowl game) doesn't etch anything in stone, but it's a great confidence booster for anyone. Jefferson should be proud of his performance. His numbers weren't necessarily the greatest. He didn't have as much yardage as I would have liked to have seen him pile up, but he was efficient. He protected the ball, didn't really make any mental errors, and he made plays with his legs at times. His underhand toss to Charles Scott was a good example of just how cognizant this kid is. He knows what to do with the ball.
For the rest of Miles' press conference, go here.
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