Les Miles: Over-signing number is 'in play,' presidents favor action

Just ran into Les Miles in the lobby here. The LSU head football coach was already holding court with a trio of other reporters, so I quickly asked him if he had addressed roster management issues, and if he had to please repeat it.

“I said that there has to be an alligator handler in every class. In fact Troy has got the swamp people. We’ve got to make sure that we keep a quality contingent of free-spirited men around.”

And no, I’m not making that up. Miles was kidding, of course, apparently alluding to an earlier interview. He was nice enough to turn serious and provide an update on the controversial over-signing issue, a few minutes after the SEC coaches’ meeting had broken up.

“The number is certainly in play,” Miles said, referring to the proposed limit on 25 signees per class. The current limit is 28. “The chancellors and the presidents certainly have a strong opinion. The A.D.s and coaches (may feel) slightly different. I think it will come to a point where we decide on a policy. And I think the intent certainly is to make college football better.”

Miles was then asked if the minds of the chancellors and presidents could be changed.

“You know I don’t if that’s the focus in any way,” he said. “I think it’s more just really (finding) a good policy.”