This article was written by ESPN.com's Chris Low, and is available on ESPN.com also.

It would be premature to anoint LSU's Jordan Jefferson as the next up-and-coming star quarterback in the SEC.
He's started all of two games.


But as the Tigers do their best to forget about their nightmarish problems at quarterback a year ago, Jefferson has given everybody on the Bayou hope that he's the guy who can put the sizzle and the consistency back into the offense.


"The thing about Jordan is that he's in control back there," LSU senior running back Charles Scott said this spring after watching Jefferson separate himself from the rest of the pack. "He knows where to go with the ball, and he gets the ball in the hands of the playmakers.


"And when there's a play to be made by him, he makes it ... either with his arm or his legs. He's a whole different quarterback than the young, true freshman we saw last season."


But, hey, that's what experience will do for you.
Jefferson started the last two games a year ago, including the Chick-fil-A Bowl rout of Georgia Tech.


The practice time leading up to the bowl game was invaluable for Jefferson because it was his show. He knew it, and so did the rest of the team.
He responded by hitting the first nine passes in that game and delivered a steady performance in winning Offensive MVP honors.


In the spring -- his first spring practice -- he took another step. And now with voluntary summer workouts going strong, it's Jefferson chance to further solidify his hold on the starting job entering preseason practice.
"Any time you're in the offense over time, things become a little more comfortable," LSU coach Les Miles said.


The 6-foot-4, 209-pound Jefferson is more than just comfortable. He has the kind of versatility offensive coordinator Gary Crowton loves in a quarterback.


While he might not be as dynamic in the open field as freshman quarterback Russell Shepard, Jefferson is fast enough to hurt teams with his scrambling ability.


Crowton will have more flexibility to call plays because defenses will have to respect Jefferson's dual-threat capabilities.


"I gained a lot from last season," said Jefferson, who appeared to be headed for a redshirt year after hurting his shoulder against Mississippi State. "You realize how certain plays work and why they work against certain defenses."


Jefferson has seemed to embrace the competition, too. The fact that the highly touted Shepard was on campus this spring and going through practice only seemed to drive Jefferson that much harder.


"It's all about who works the hardest and who plays the best," Jefferson said. "We all want the same thing, and we all push each other."

nope!

post of the year

You never know. He should be better this year than last. LSU really needs him to play well so the pressure might get to him.

I know they don't want to give the ball back to Lee. Yikes.

This kid torched my alma mater in high school and I have to say he is the real deal. The fact that so many outlets are reporting he has looked even better in the offseason than he did against Georgia Tech should concern the rest of the league. After all, LSU had a pretty solid offense last year even with Jarrett Lee spotting the other team 7 points in just about every game.

I'm counting on this guy. I picked LSU in the west.

You won't be disappointed. JJ is going to be tremendous, and his supporting cast is outstanding. Watch for the Tigers to surprise everyone.

Hope you're ready for us to break our losing streak on you. MSU over LSU is my upset pick of the season.

You better start playing with those cowbells now because that's about as much satisfaction as you're going to get. I have always liked Miss State and their fans, and we have always beaten you handily. But this year? Son, believe me when I tell you this team is going to be the real deal; they are pizzed off about last season and ready for some serious payback. Unfortunately, your Bulldogs will get caught in the storm.

Our boys have a lot to play for as well, and I think LSU will overlook us in favor of looking ahead to their road trip to Athens. Not that we'll completely dominate you, but I think the offense will click just enough to upset LSU on a last second field goal. We seem to have a breakthrough against you guys once a decade, and our time's running out.

I hope he hits his stride after he plays us though!

Yeah I hope he sucks against Auburn too.

LSU has it all this year. They're the most complete team in the west.

That's a bold prediction.