After searching for a defensive tackle for a month, LSU committed to Grand Valley State transfer Javier Suggs on Wednesday night.
Suggs announced his decision on social media, giving the Tigers another defensive interior option as they look to strengthen the position. Suggs, a native of Flint, Michigan, chose LSU over Kentucky, Michigan State and Wisconsin. He has two years of eligibility.
Suggs is listed at 6-foot-3 and 282 pounds and played in 22 games over the past two seasons at Grand Valley State. He posted similar numbers both years, totaling 42 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 1/2 tackle, eight sacks, and four hurries.
Suggs is the second defensive tackle to transfer from LSU this offseason, joining sixth-year University of Wisconsin player Gio Paez.
LSU has a connection to Suggs that helped recruit him. LSU coach Brian Kelly began his coaching career at Grand Valley State University, where he won his two Division II national championships. Kelly's youngest son, Kenzel, also played under Suggs.
Suggs had ultimately identified six schools before LSU offered him a scholarship last week. The day after he received the offer, he announced a revised top four that included LSU. He then made a final visit to Baton Rouge from Sunday to Tuesday before returning home to make his decision.
Before adding Suggs, LSU had been searching for a transfer defensive tackle for several weeks. With Marson Smith and Mekhi Wingo declaring for the NFL Draft and the lack of depth at the position and the departure of proven starters, the position became a priority. LSU entered spring practice with five scholarship defensive tackles, one of whom was a converted offensive lineman.
When players entered the transfer portal last month, LSU targeted TCU junior Damonic Williams and Michigan State senior Simeon Burrow. It hosted both but sources said they wanted more non-immigrant funds than the Tigers were offering, which was a key factor in their decision. Williams chose Oklahoma and Burrow chose Miami.
LSU also offered scholarships to Indiana transfer Phillip Bridi and Kent State transfer C.J. West. Bridi, who visited Baton Rouge, headed to Auburn. West committed to Indiana.
LSU currently has nine defensive tackles on its online roster. This will result in the transfer of freshman Ahmad Brough and the addition of Suggs, Paez and five-star freshman Dominique McKinley this summer. Preferred walk-on Preston Hickey could also compete for snaps as LSU figures out its depth chart. Sixth graders Jacobean Guillory and Jaylen Lee started the spring game.
