Link Gumbo: 3-6-18

LSU was well represented at the NFL combine in Indy over the weekend. Ten former Tigers were in attendance. You can find all participants results at mockdraftable.com. One of the most impressive performances of the weekend belonged to DJ Chark. Chark showed why his LSU teammates commonly referred to him as “Flash”. Chark’s 4.34 in the 40-yard dash was faster than any other wideout in Indy. Chark also flashed his hops has he was able to hit an elite 40” vertical jump.

Derrius Guice did not test as well as DJ Chark. Guice ran a solid 4.49 40-yard dash but was well below average in the other events. Guice might not have dominated the combine, but when NFL scouts turn on the tape, they know they are getting a real solid football player.

The big story on Monday was surrounding Donte Jackson and whether he would break the 40 record. Jackson ended up falling short of the record, running 4.32 with a bad start and tweaking his calf. Jackson also had a solid 124” broad jump. Some NFL teams are still worried about Jackson’s size as the draft approaches.

Arden Key has been called the most interesting player in this draft class by some so this was an important weekend for him. As you probably remember, Key mysteriously stepped away from the LSU program last February and did not return until summertime. Key also has off-season surgery and did not return until the Mississippi State game where clearly was not in great shape. Key weighed in at 238, at one point he was in the 270’s. According to mockdraftable.com, 238 pounds is only in the one percentile compared to other edge rushers. The most important part of Key’s weekend were the parts we could not see. Teams wanted to sit down with Key behind closed doors and make sure there were no red flags. On the field, Key’s best event was the 20-yard shuffle.

In #DannyEtlingIsAGoodQB news-Etling ran a faster 40-yard dash than Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield.

LSU baseball had their first 3-0 weekend of the season as they beat Toledo, Sacred Heart, and SLU. Luke Johnson had his Three Strikes piece recapping the weekend. The most exciting thing of the weekend might have been Zack Hess’ 13 strikeout performance on Friday night to beat Toledo 8-1. Hunter Feduccia also hit his first career homer which just happened to be a grand slam. Caleb Gilbert seemed to find himself on Saturday as he pitched into the 8th inning, not allowing any runs. Matthew Beck finished what Gilbert started and LSU got a 7-0 win over Sacred Heart.

AJ Labas made his debut on Sunday as LSU avenged their loss earlier in the week to SLU with a 4-2 win. Labas pitched two shutout innings while allowing two baserunners. Ma’Khail Hilliard came in and got the win for LSU. Hilliard has now pitched 12 scoreless innings to start the year. LSU is doing this without what most would consider to be their two best hitters in Zach Watson and Josh Smith. The Jordan brothers have stepped up big time and both have an OPS over 1.000.

LSU now turns their attention to a midweek game vs Southern tonight.

Zack Hess’ 13K performance earned him National Player of The Week from Collegiate Baseball Magazine.

LSU Basketball closed out the regular season with a 78-57 win on Senior Day. Seniors Duop Reath, Aaron Epps, Randy Onwuasor, and Reed Vial were all recognized. With the win, LSU finished with an 8-10 SEC record. This victory also gave LSU an 8th top 50 wins. A solid season for a team picked to finish last in the SEC. Aaron Epps scored 16 points for the Tigers, Tremont Waters added 14 as well as 10 assists.

With LSU being the 10th seed and Mississippi State being the 7th seed, the two will meet again in St. Louis. They will play in the second round as they have both earned first-round byes.

LSU Gym notched their second SEC Championship in a row when they beat Auburn on Sunday. LSU put up a 198.100, it was the third time the Tigers crossed the 198 benchmark this season. Highlights include Kennidi Edney scoring her career high on bars as well as 10’s on the floor by both Finnegan and Hambrick.

Ross Dellenger talked to Rick Perry of TAF about some ongoing and upcoming projects. Renovations to the football ops building have already begun. TAF is also working on a new baseball facility with a baseball only weight room as well as a Skip Bertman statue. TAF and Joe Alleva are also working to get started on some major renovations to the PMAC. Also in that piece, you will find a Q&A with Perry.

Speaking of our man Delly, his Spring Football countdown continues with an outline on the six games quarterback Myles Brennan received snaps in last season, plus LSU’s suddenly flush inside linebacker position, which will have five scholarship players for two spots.