All the work Tyrann Mathieu had put into one of his biggest weakness, covering receivers one-on-one, had gotten quarterback Zach Mettenberger's attention.

"He made huge strides in being able to be a lock-down cover corner. That was a big thing he wanted to work on this offseason," Mettenberger said, then added, "We got to look to the young guys to make plays now."

On Saturday, LSU scrimmaged without Mathieu, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist who was kicked off the team Friday for what was reportedly the latest of several failed drug tests since his arrival on campus in 2010.

With Tharold Simon, LSU's most experienced pass defender, lined up at one cornerback slot, Mettenberger said he didn't have to be told to throw in the direction of freshman cornerback Jalen Mills, who took most of the snaps Mathieu would have had with the first-team defense.

"We're going to pick on those young guys ... and see how they handle the pressure," Mettenberger said. "Mills has had a great camp so far. He's got a lot of talent. ... I'm looking for big things from him."

As for Mathieu, he's looking for another place to play this season. He already has visited McNeese State, an FCS school in Lake Charles, La., about a 3½ hour drive west on Interstate 10 from his native New Orleans.

Mathieu's departure left LSU with major voids to fill both on defense and special teams. Nicknamed the Honey Badger because of his relatively small stature (5-foot-9, 175 pounds), ferocious play and streak of blond hair, Mathieu had a knack for causing turnovers as a blitzer and making tacklers miss as a punt returner.

LSU players, including Mettenberger and veteran offensive lineman Josh Dworaczyk, agreed it would be pointless to deny how good Mathieu was and how much it hurts to lose him as a playmaker and a teammate. At the same time, they stressed that great teams must be able to overcome the loss of top players.