I had thought that he was 100%. I guess with him being picked as all SEC for the upcoming season I just assumed his injury was completely healed. However, in the Times Picayune this morning I read where Miles said, "I'm not ready to say that he can take on a full-fledged, two-a-day practice schedule. I think his playing time will be limited." I hope that when Miles refered to playing time, he means practice time, not game time. Does anyone have any scoop on whether or not Arnold is expected to be 100% for the 1st game or how he is looking?
I think we should only use him in big games. No need to waste him against Miss State, Ole Miss, Tulane, and LA Tech.
It's been said that he has the knees of an old man. There's no way he can play a full-time schedule and stay healthy for a full season. The coaches will have to decide how they're going to use him in a way that maximizes his usefulness. He probably won't be able to play full games without great risk. I think I'd start by excluding him from non-conference games (and yes, that probably includes VT).
So we should include him against Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Kentucky and exclude him against Virginia Tech?
We should use him in limited roles in all games early in the season. If we use him for certain games it could hurt LSU more than help. Oline needs cohesivness and he needs to build confidence. If he is playing not to get hurt he will probably get hurt. Set an early season routine with him and let it stick until he is ready to play full time.
As most of you know, Lyle Hitt was the starter over Will in spring. Miles has said good things about Hitt and some not so good things about Arnold, so Hitt will most likely be the starter. And he won Most Improved Offensive Player in the Spring Game.
VT is much more important than Ole Miss and Miss State. So why the hell would you play him against them and not against VT? If he played in the Miss State game I doubt he would be able to play in the VT game. I have heard he has literally no cartilidge in his knee or ankle.
I think every game is important and I'd hope he can at least start in all of them, at least till we can build a comfortable lead, hopefully in the first half, then rest him. I'm sure it'll depend on his shape and the degree to which the injury affects his play. As a coach, you hate to give a signal to a team that "This game is not important" or one to worry about........NEVER underestimate your opponent. What position does he play, anyway?
For LSU?? :wink: Nootch played guard......and tackle. His HS coach told him to guard the water cooler and tackle anyone who came near it. :hihi:
