LSU head coach Brian Kelly spoke highly of his defense and defensive coordinator Bake Baker at SEC media day on Monday.
“I think we’ve got an outstanding defensive coordinator and a defensive staff,” Kelly said. “Blake Baker is, in my opinion, elite in the field of defensive coordinators. We needed to give them some more tools.”
As part of the nation’s top-ranked transfer portal class, LSU brought in nine defensive players. Four-star safeties TaMarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy add to an overhauled secondary while five defensive line additions complement returning linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins.
“We weren’t good enough as a team and a lot of that had to do with addressing some shortcomings we had on defense,” Kelly said. “We think we’ve done that. I love our roster.”
Kelly’s staff hit the portal heavy for edge rushers and came back with three experienced power four contributors in Florida State’s Patrick Payton, Florida’s Jack Pyburn and Nebraska’s Jimari Butler. Altogether, the Tigers are primed for a standout season
“I love our team and the way they interact, the camaraderie of our group, the seriousness and focus, their intent,” Kelly said. “I think we’re going to have a defense that is going to be representative. Anytime you go on the road and play a team like Clemson, you better bring a defense with you.”
LSU saw dramatic improvement in Baker’s first year leading the Tigers’ defense.
In 2023, LSU ranked 108th nationally in yards per play allowed, 113th in turnovers, and 91st in yards per run allowed. In 2024, LSU showcased a top-60 scoring defense. Baker looks to build on that in year two.
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Publish date : 2025-07-15 12:30:00
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