What LSU football should expect from transfer safety AJ Haulcy?

LSU football addressed one of its top offseason needs with the transfer portal addition of Houston safety AJ Haulcy.

Haulcy was a late addition to the class, committing to the Tigers in the spring portal window. LSU head coach Brian Kelly said he was content with the Tigers’ haul after the first transfer window, but LSU jumped at the chance to add Haulcy along with USF defensive tackle Bernard Gooden in the spring.

LSU’s safety position has struggled in recent years.

Jardin Gilbert, Sage Ryan, Da’Shawn Spears, and Major Burns played the bulk of the snaps in 2024. Gilbert and Burns were inconsistent. Spears was adjusting as a true freshman. Ryan had his moments, but he transferred to Ole Miss.

Gilbert and Spears both return in 2025, while Burns graduated. LSU hopes Gilbert and Spears take a step forward, but it’s clear Haulcy is the most proven option in this room.

Haulcy is LSU’s third stop. He began his career at New Mexico in 2022 before spending the last two seasons at Houston. He’s played 2,121 defensive snaps in three years, making him one of the most experienced players on LSU’s roster. LSU returns a handful of young blue-chip players, but not many with experience. LSU made experienced players a priority in the portal. Haulcy fits that bill.

Despite Haulcy’s late arrival, that level of experience puts him in a position to be an immediate starter.

LSU shouldn’t just expect a starter — Haulcy should be an impact player.

Haulcy will man the free safety role, but he’s versatile. As a freshman at New Mexico, Haulcy played 450 snaps in the box compared to 120 at free safety. At Houston, the bulk of Haulcy’s snaps came from a true safety alignment. He’s a guy who can play centerfield and make plays near the line of scrimmage.

According to PFF, Haulcy’s 85.5 coverage grade ranked second among Big 12 safeties in 2024. His…

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Publish date : 2025-07-29 12:15:00

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