Garrett Nussmeier comments prove he’s different from predecessors

Garrett Nussmeier says he returned to LSU Football because he wants to stay and play in Louisiana. That attitude will set him apart from his predecessors.

In a recent interview, Garrett Nussmeier admitted that he opted against entering the transfer portal because Louisiana is his home.

“It matters to me to wear this state on my jersey and to have LSU on my helmet,” the redshirt sophomore said on Tuesday.

“I was born in Lake Charles. All my family is in Lake Charles. That’s my home, and being a kid who moved around so much, Louisiana was the only constant place in my life. Every time I would cross in this state, it felt like home.”

Nussmeier’s pride in his home state matters to Louisianans doubling as college football fanatics. I also think that a player’s motivation for strapping on the helmet matters a ton and often manifests itself on the field.

I won’t knock players that choose college programs because of the coach or the chance to start. Indeed, Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels are LSU Football products because they sought an opportunity that aligned with what Baton Rouge offered. Nevertheless, I can’t ignore the difference in motivation between Burrows and Daniels compared to Nussmeier.

Unlike his predecessors, Garrett Nussmeier is Louisiana’s native son who wants to bring glory to his home state more than anything. The Lake Charles (La.) product could be starting quarterback at most college programs in the country today. Instead, Nussmeier chooses to sit and watch for another season because he will eventually have the chance to lead LSU Football to a championship (or two).

Nussmeier is exceptional, and I see the potential for his legacy in Baton Rouge to eclipse that of Daniels and Burrow.

Suggesting an LSU Football quarterback can overshadow Burrow is blasphemous to some but well within the realm of possibility. Brian Kelly has the Tigers in the College Football Playoff hunt after only one season in Death Valley. Fans must consider that Nussmeier will have command of the offense for two seasons, of which Kelly’s recruits will start topping the depth chart.

Nussmeier is unquestionably talented and will have the utmost maturity after two full seasons of backing up Daniels. LSU Football fans currently spoiled with the best quarterback room in college football.