It was known that Matt Flynn, the Offensive MVP in the BCS Championship game against Ohio State, would be absent since he's a fifth-year senior. However, the Tigers expected to see Ryan Perrilloux, the Southeastern Conference Championship MVP, back in action when spring drills begin.
Tigers coach Les Miles indefinitely suspended Perrilloux last week for violating team rules. It's the third suspension for Perrilloux during the past nine months.
``I am not going to spend a lot of time thinking and talking about (Perrilloux),'' said Miles at a pre-spring football press conference Wednesday. ``I am focusing on the guys who are competing for a position on this team now. I'd appreciate if you don't ask me any more questions about him.''
Perrilloux made two starts last season one against Middle Tennessee and one in the SEC title game. He completed 51-of-75 passes for 694 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
But his on the field performance has been overshadowed by his off-the-field problems. He was suspended last summer for attempting to enter a casino with a fake identification card. Then, he was suspended one game in the regular season for an incident at an off-campus nightspot.
Miles said he was not required to reveal to the media what is occurring regarding Perrilloux's situation.
``My discipline is about team discipline,'' Miles said. ``My responsibility is to the program and the team and not to the media. You guys get no vote and no say about the suspension. In time, you'll get to know stuff.
``The reality of it is (Perrilloux) is no longer part of the team (at this time). It's a very serious issue.''
With Perrilloux sidelined, the only two scholarship quarterbacks for spring practice are Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee.
Hatch, who transferred from Harvard, played in one game last season. Lee, a highly regarded recruit, was redshirted a year ago.
``These two guys will divide every rep this spring,'' Miles said. ``They'll be guys we want to develop and teach the position. We have 15 practices. They'll be at a certain level after eight practices. Hopefully, at the back end of spring, they'll be at a higher level.''
Miles feels comfortable with the roster of players who will have the opportunity of winning back-to-back national titles.
``We'll have new leaders and new playmakers,'' Miles said. ``We are not the same team. The attitude's been great. The work that has been done in the weight room is as good as it has been.
``The guys understand what they achieved. They understand they are not the same team. This team must develop. They are very hungry.''
LSU's spring game is set for April 5. The Tigers open the season Aug. 30 at home against Appalachian State.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/2/207439