Here’s what the LSU football safety room looks like heading into preseason practice

BATON ROUGE — As much work as the cornerbacks needed from the disappointing 2023 season performance to now, LSU football’s safeties needed just as much work.

The Tigers’ pass defense was abysmal last season and, while there were some injuries at both safety positions, the group’s issues were glaring.

For Brian Kelly and new safeties coach Jake Olsen, there are some players that have experience — while some others that the coaching staff are really high on. Junior Sage Ryan started last year and while he’ll likely get most of his work this preseason at corner to help with depth, he’s spent plenty of time playing on the backend and can still do so. Senior Major Burns is one of LSU’s top NFL prospects and looks to perform better after leading the defense in tackles last season.

Sophomore Jordan Allen, who played a lot in the second half of 2023, is a player that LSU coaches are excited about coming into the season. Freshman Dashawn Spears has a ton of skill. Junior Jardin Gilbert and freshmen Kylin Jackson and Joel Rogers have been with the team and looks to carve out roles.

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Projected starters: Major Burns, Sr.; Jordan Allen, Soph.

Reserves: Dashawn Spears, Fr.; Jardin Gilbert, Jr.; Joel Rogers, Fr.; Kylin Jackson, Fr.; Ju’Juan Johnson, Fr.; Austin Ausberry, Soph.; Quad Wilson, Sr.; Tyson Short, Fr.; Skip Velotta, Sr.

As far as talent, the safety spots may be the one of the deeper rooms on the team in 2024. Burns sets the table for this group that just hasn’t quite found its way yet — and now having to learn a new system.

Allen looks primed to be a key contributor — likely a starter a free safety. Spears will surprise…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-lsu-football-safety-room-190443064.html

Author : The Daily Advertiser

Publish date : 2024-08-08 19:04:43

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