Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff continue their search for depth at the defensive tackle position in the NCAA transfer portal.
The spring window is open and the Tigers have already made their first offer, but more are on the way as the program looks to add talent to its interior defensive line.
The message from Kelly is clear. Stack defensive linemen through the portal to be competitive in that area under new position coach Bo Davis.
“I don't see any position other than the defensive tackle position that needs to go into the transfer portal,” Kelly said during spring training.
Now, with the spring season in full swing, a target has emerged for the Bayou Bengals.
Latest buzz on LSU's defensive tackle search in the transfer portal:
Visitor: Philip Bridy (Indiana)
Bridie, one of the most coveted transfers in the portal, contacted Brian Kelly and others before continuing with his visiting schedule last week. He visited LSU after a trip to Washington. From there, he is scheduled to head to Oklahoma on April 19th.
LSU, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M will continue to be the schools monitored in Bridy's recruiting efforts, according to people familiar with his recruiting efforts. LSU offered graduate transfer before the spring window opened.
The veteran lineman, who has one year of eligibility left, is hoping to increase his draft stock and enter a situation where he has a chance to win.
Bridy was scheduled to visit Arizona State University before his trip to LSU, but later canceled that trip and made plans to visit Baton Rouge midweek.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder spent three seasons at Texas Tech before joining the Indiana Hoosiers. During his time with the Red Raiders, he appeared in 34 games and recorded 39 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Bridie, who played at Indiana University in 2023, appeared in 12 games and started 11, recording 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, two QB hurries and one pass breakup.
Offer: CJ West (Kent)
Brian Kelly and others on Tuesday made an offer to Kent State transfer defensive lineman CJ West, one of the nation's top prospects in the spring portal.
For LSU, the scholarship going to West is the first offered by the program as the Bayou Bengals continue to seek depth on the defensive line.
West attracted offers from programs across the country, including Arkansas, Miami, and Texas A&M, with Bo Davis and the Tigers in particular getting into the act early.
West recorded 110 tackles, including 19.5 tackles for loss, in four seasons at Kent State, and seven sacks in 36 games with the Golden Flashes.
West led the team in total sacks with seven sacks in two of his four seasons with the program. As soon as he got into the backfield, West deflected one pass, forced a fumble and recovered another during his stint at Kent State.
In his senior season in 2023, West recorded 40 total tackles, seven for loss, and two sacks.
Target: Simeon Burrow Jr. (Michigan State)
A new name has surfaced on LSU's radar as Michigan State defensive lineman Simeon Burrow entered the portal on Thursday. One of the most coveted players at his position (currently), sources suggest the Tigers will pursue a move to the Spartans.
Burrow spent four seasons at Michigan State and is currently looking for a new home for his final season of eligibility, but with LSU joining early, he will be wined and dined during the transfer process. .
Burrow played in 34 games and played in 30 games with 110 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 2 field goal blocks, 1 pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. was recorded.
Commitment: Gio Paes (Wisconsin)
LSU added the commitment of Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez before this week's transfer window opened. The graduate transfer will add depth to the program after spending the past four seasons with the Badgers.
Paez played in 13 games and started six for Wisconsin last season, totaling 23 tackles and two quarterback hurries.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder played in 32 games and recorded 36 tackles for the Badgers over the past three seasons. This summer, he is fully committed to Baton Rouge, where he will be coached by Bo Davis.
More LSU news:
LSU Football: Top freshman wide receiver enters NCAA transfer portal
Introduction to the transfer portal: Where does LSU football stand in the second window?
Wide receiver big board: Who is driving LSU football to deliver on its promise?
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