LSU climbing up, but we’re ‘not there yet,’ Kelly states

• Alex Scarborough, ESPN Personnel WriterJul 17, 2023, 03:57 PM ET

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  • Covers the SEC.Joined ESPN
  • in 2012.
  • Graduate of Auburn University.NASHVILLE, Tenn.– LSU

protective lineman Mekhi Wingo and running back Josh Williams both provided the very same pointed message about the Tigers entering this season:” We’re coming.”However LSU coach Brian Kelly tamped down runaway

expectations Monday at SEC media days.”They’re coming,”he told ESPN,”however I do not know that they exist yet. “The Tigers shocked numerous by going 10-4 in Kelly

‘s very first season in charge, including an overtime win over rival Alabama. However they followed that signature success with a close call at Arkansas and losses to Texas A&M and Georgia.LSU defeated Purdue smoothly in the Citrus Bowl to liquidate the season.Entering this season, expectations are even greater.But Kelly said he concerned LSU knowing that would always

be the case, whether it was Year 2 or Year 3.

Kelly referenced LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson just recently winning national championships.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated”The bar is set that you’re betting champions,”Kelly stated. “However, again, that’s why I took the job.”Kelly stated the key is consistency.”There’s 2

programs that are a model of that. It’s Georgia and Alabama,” he said. “We’re new to that. And among the reasons why I’m in this position is that there was

n’t consistency. So, constructing consistency, you’ve got to do it more than just one year. You’ve got to do it year in and year out. We’re not there yet. “Kelly cited the roughly lots transfers they brought in via the portal this offseason as proof that the roster is not completely formed yet.” That’s the first indicator you’re not there yet, however we

‘re coming,” he stated.”We’re improving, we have much better depth. I think there’s an excellent sense that you can develop in this program.

I think that’s why [backup quarterback] Garrett Nussmeier stayed and didn’t get in the transfer website. He feels like he’s going to be developed.”So, all those things point towards a program that there’s players that believe that they can be developed and can bet champions. And there’s a fan base that thinks, that believes that can happen also.”Wingo said the standard doesn’t change from year to year.” That’s to win a national championship,” he said. “However we simply need to get to a point where everybody in the locker room comprehends that is the requirement, and that is going to take us working hard day by day and taking it game by game to eventually accomplish that objective.”Wingo, who ranked 2nd on the group in takes on for loss(six), stated the end of last season taught the Tigers an important lesson about getting “too comfy.” “We learned that you can’t lose focus, you understand, can’t

get tired of doing the ideal thing over and over, can’t take any opponent lightly,”he stated.” Towards completion of the year, games are going to get harder

, your body’s going to be tired. You have to take those extra steps in taking care of your body and push through it.” LSU opens against Florida State in Orlando on Sept. 3.