LSU's football staff continues its evaluation process with the goal of adding depth to the defensive line this offseason.
After missing three of their top targets in recent weeks, the Bayou Bengals are back to square one looking to fill holes in this area.
LSU hosted No. 1 and No. 2 uncommitted defensive tackles Damonic Williams and Simeon Burrow Jr. in the NCAA transfer portal in recent weeks.
Now in Baton Rouge, the precious transferees have revealed their destination after countless journeys.
Damonic Williams: Oklahoma State
Simeon Barrow: Miami
In addition to both Williams and Burrow committing to other countries, Indiana transfer target Phillip Bridy, whom LSU hosted a visit a few weeks ago, also committed to Auburn.
The hot topic is LSU's inability to utilize the portal effectively during this spring season, but with defensive line coach Bo Davis joining the staff, he has the ingredients to put together a solid group. There is.
It would make sense for the Tigers to add another defensive tackle or two as the offseason continues, but there are still reinforcements that have put pen to paper.
Here, we take a look at the current state of LSU's defensive tackle room, the options left in the transfer portal, and where the Tigers could go from here.
Veterans: Jacobean Guillory and Jalen Lee
Guillory and Lee handled the majority of LSU's first-team reps during the past two months of spring training, when Guillory was selected as the starter. The fifth-year senior returned to Baton Rouge with an opportunity to take control of this position group, and he did just that this offseason.
At 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds, he stepped into the role during camp and quickly became the vocal leader of this defense. He took first-team reps throughout camp and didn't miss a beat while filling in for snaps taken by both Mekhi Wingo and Marson Smith.
Speaking of Lee, the second-year Tiger lined up next to Guillory for most of camp. The Florida transfer is expected to get significant snaps this offseason as there is a lack of depth in this position group. At 6-foot-3 and 307 pounds, he looked a little lighter and more mobile during spring training.
For Lee, it was a battle through spring ball. He's sharing first-team duties with offensive lineman-turned-defensive lineman Kimo Makaneole, and he needs to have a productive offseason to take some impactful snaps this fall.
Click here for the current state of the defensive tackle room.
The Young Stars: Demillion Johnson, Sean Washington, Preston Hickey, Ahmad Brough
Johnson… The true freshman arrived in Baton Rouge this offseason, but was thrust into critical snaps due to the Tigers' lack of depth. Johnson is a player who will take some time to add a season to the game, but the defensive tackle will likely redshirt his first year in the program while he gets acclimated to the college game. In the long run, expect young people to move forward in the right direction.
Washington… A JUCO transfer, Washington headed to Death Valley with high expectations. After attending LSU out of high school, he opted to sign with the Georgia Bulldogs for his freshman campaign before taking the JUCO route. On the recruiting scene, LSU's signing makes Washington a coveted target for Power Five programs. It will be interesting to see the snaps he takes in Death Valley this fall, considering it may take some time for him to get to the next level.
Hickey… The walk-on took second-team snaps during spring training and became an impressive rotation piece when the Tigers needed him. Now, LSU will monitor where Hickey falls on the depth chart as he looks to add reinforcements through the NCAA transfer portal.
blow… Early enrollee Ahmad Blou changed positions. After arriving in Baton Rouge as a defensive end, Breaux recently moved to the inside defensive line given the depth issues the program currently has. The freshman is currently 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, but there is no doubt he will need to add significant size to make an impact sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, he would be an interesting prospect for LSU long-term.
Signed by: Dominic McKinley
The five-star freshman arrived in Death Valley this summer, where he will immediately assume a key role for LSU. Defensive line coach Bo Davis got the coach's commitment earlier this year, and after McKinley officially put pen to paper in February, he never looked back. Now, the five-star signee will be in the spotlight this offseason heading into the season opener against USC, considering he's a player who will have to take snaps.
Transfer addition: Gio Paes
The Wisconsin transfer will head south this summer and will be a key part of the Tigers' rotation in the 2024 season.
Paez, a native of Los Angeles, California, redshirted his first season with the Badgers. He played in just one game in his second year, but 2020 was counted as a season due to the coronavirus. He played in 32 games and recorded 36 tackles over the past three seasons.
Defense line plan:
“We can move (defensive end) Bradyn Swinson inside, we can move Paris Shand inside, then we can move Dashaun Womack to the edge and (linebacker) Harold Perkins to the edge.” Brian Kelly said this spring. I think some defensive linemen can move the team and be really dynamic. On first and second down, you have to work really hard to get after the quarterback. But when it came to stopping that run, Jacobean Guillory was outstanding. In terms of what he wanted from Bo Davis, he was outstanding and a force. He has to find another man. That's what we're looking for. We're trying to develop a second player and have some depth behind them. ”
For LSU, it's a complete reset for the coaching staff. Defensive line coach Bo Davis will once again begin recruiting players as he looks to strengthen the front line for the future.
Here are the nine best uncommitted defensive tackles left on the market, according to On3 Sports.
– Adin Huntington: UL-Monroe (6'0, 260 lbs.)
– Anthony Dunn Jr.: Florida Atlantic (6'4, 250 lbs.)
– CJ West: Kent State University (6'2, 305 lbs.)
– Andrew DePepe: Michigan State University (6'4, 230 lbs.)
– Terrell Allen: Tennessee State University (6'0, 235 lbs.)
– Curtis Perry: Alabama (6'2, 267 lbs.)
– Thomas Gore: Miami (6'0, 280 lbs.)
– Johnny Bowens: Oregon State (6'2, 250 lbs.)
– Decarius Hawthorne: Florida Atlantic (6'2 260 lbs.)
More LSU news:
LSU WBB: National champion guard Kateri Poole reveals destination
Popular LSU transfer cornerback Jeremiah Hughes secures two official visits.
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