LSU opened the Charles McClendon Practice Facility to the media today for individual drills as the football team hit the field for the first day of spring practice.

“The first day of spring ball is kind of fun,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “I think there’s a lot of new guys and personalities stepping forward.”

Junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger looked sharp as he tossed balls against an invisible defense. Mettenberger worked almost exclusively with senior tight end Chase Clement, who had more than one drop, when the tight ends got the chance to catch passes.

“He just needs reps,” Miles said. “He sees the throws. He was sharp today. … It was a nice first day, a lot of positives.”

Coming off a season-ending knee injury, senior offensive lineman Josh Dworaczyk stepped up to mimic the tight end in footwork drills but Miles said although Dworaczyk could practice, he didn’t.

The defense returned airmailed passes from assistant coaches in pursuit drills before moving to a tackling circuit. Former Tiger Ron Brooks, back from Indianapolis after posting the second highest 40 time for defensive backs in the NFL combine, watched from the sidelines.

Sophomore cornerback and Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu was at the formal Bednarik award presentation and did not practice.