Lane Kiffin Explains Why QB Sam Leavitt Stayed Behind During SEC Media Days

Lane Kiffin was asked Thursday why LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was not among the Tigers' representatives at SEC Media Days.

Rather than bringing his starting quarterback to Tampa, Kiffin wanted Leavitt back in Baton Rouge with the team.

Kiffin explained that Leavitt's time was better spent leading offseason workouts and continuing to build chemistry with his teammates.

Kiffin also said that he has "great confidence" in Leavitt's health heading into the season.

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"Sam has done great, Kiffin said. He’s an elite competitor. We knew that coming in, but seeing it firsthand, how he’s attacked his rehab, coming back from his injury, learning the playbook. And gaining the respect from his teammates."

"He leads our players in a lot of player-led workouts, basically practices this time of year."

"One of the reasons we didn’t bring them today is so that he can stay and do our player practice this morning, so he’s able to do that. He’s done a great job."

"I have great confidence in his health. Now we have a play together, obviously, and grow together as an offensive staff with him and all the new pieces around him."

"But I have great confidence in where he is at healthwise.”

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