Summer days as a football fan are like a Nevada desert – hot, infinite, and miserable. The arrival of SEC Media Days is the oasis we need to survive until the first games in late August. Media Days are the television equivalent of preview magazines. They provide depth chart projections, team record speculation, and a few interesting quotes to which fans can overreact. It’s important to listen to what the coaches and players say this week, but it’s even more important to interpret what they say without verbally saying it. For example, LSU’s player representatives were BJ Ojulari, Jack Bech, and Mike Jones. Brian Kelly is telling the college football world that Ojulari is a star, Bech is mature enough to be a leader as a sophomore, and Mike Jones will be a key component of the defense. Mike Jones’s development at MLB is particularly important with the loss of Damone Clark to the NFL. Kelly was the first coach to address the room, and he did not disappoint with cliches and “coach speak” answers.

• When asked about the allure of LSU, Kelly mentioned the “shared vision with the administration”. Those words effectively told anybody listening that Kelly did not feel he was getting the administrative support he needed at Notre Dame to reach the potential of the program.
• Kelly said he would “keep an eye” on the offensive line. I’m not convinced it will be a weakness, but it’s far from a sure thing.
• In response to a question about overcoming the lack of NIL funds, Kelly’s rebuttal was “I don’t know that we don’t have as many funds…What we’re doing relative to NIL is as competitive as anybody else.” His recruiting wins lately reflect his words, to say the least.
• Kelly stated that the most important traits for his quarterback is to “take care of the football, get the ball to playmakers, and make plays”. Kelly understands the advantage he has with an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. The starter might not be the most physically talented of the group, but the one that can get the ball out accurately and on time.
• On and off the stage, Kelly repeatedly mentioned the “state of Louisiana” regarding recruiting. LSU’s 2023 class is on a hot streak with players from all over the country, but he realizes the importance of locking the state down. He also wants the players and coaches of Louisiana high schools to notice his emphasis on in-state recruiting.

Brian Kelly was exactly what one would expect him to be at Media Days – composed, professional, and prepared. I couldn’t help but notice the quiet confidence he exuded in several of the off-stage interviews. Coach Kelly thinks his team is better than the national pundits project them to be. As I closely examine every position group, I wouldn’t bet against him. GEAUX TIGERS!