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Predicting the LSU Tigers' Defense Two Deep Depth Chart amid fall camp for 2024 college football season
By Travis May,
6 hours ago
To call the 2023 LSU Tigers defense a disappointment would be a massive understatement. The unit ranked 109th in yards per play allowed (over six yards allowed per snap), surrendering well over 400 yards per game. The pressure up front was lacking, big plays given up were frequent, and miscommunications were a significant issue.
Brian Kelly decided to make a change an bring in new defensive coordinator Blake Baker who brought great success to Missouri over the last two seasons. Baker had of course been with LSU back in 2021 as the linebackers coach, but he's back in Baton Rouge now. Let's dive into Baker's scheme and the two deep depth chart of LSU Tigers who will be playing within it.
2024 LSU Two Deep on Defense
Defensive Line
DE - Sai'vion Jones DE - Paris Shand
DT - Jacobian Guillory DT - Dominick McKinley
DT - Jalen Lee DT - Gio Paez
DE - Bradyn Swinson DE - Gabriel Reliford
LSU sent a handful of defensive front prospects to the NFL this past off-season in Maason Smith, Mekhi Wingo, and Jordan Jefferson so they'll need some different names to step up. Sai'vion Jones, Jacobian Guillory, Bradyn Swinson, and Paris Shand are the most experienced returning defensive front members on the team. All four should play prominent roles.
Jones, Shand, and Swinson have been widely reported this off-season as clear "multiple" players who can play a variety of edge and defensive line roles (likely spanning from 3 to 9-tech) for new defensive coordinator Blake Baker..
Jalen Lee is likely in for a hugely increased role following very limited action, but he's not absolutely locked into the second defensive tackle role alongside Guillory. Transfer Gio Paez, five star true freshman talent Dominick McKinley, and even JUCO transfer Shone Washington will be in the mix to win over a bigger role as the season progresses. True freshman phenom edge defender Gabriel Reliford and Da'Shawn Womack will also push for "Buck" role snaps in Baker's scheme where they mix up their pre-snap alignment (in odd vs. even fronts).
LSU fans have gotten used to seeing Harold Perkins bringing pressure off the edge frequently over the last two years, but Blake Baker is going to have him lean into an off-ball role quite a bit more. He'll be playing the "Will" spot, but given his versatility Perkins should definitely mix it up in a variety of roles still this season.
Gren Penn will hold it down in a near every down role again in the other off-ball linebacker spot. Behind him Whit and West Weeks will provide strong depth. Whit actually surprisingly logged over 300 snaps a year ago proving to be one of the team's best tacklers.
Defensive Backs
STAR - Major Burns STAR - Kylin Jackson
CB - Sage Ryan CB - Javien Toviano
SS - Jardin Gilbert SS - Austin Ausberry
FS - Jordan Allen FS - DaShawn Spears
CB - Ashton Stamps CB - PJ Woodland
Major Burns looks like he will be playing the pivotal "Star" role in Baker's scheme this season for LSU. If he does have to miss any time Kylin Jackson has emerged as an impressive direct backup in that hybrid linebacker/defensive back role. Jackson is already looking like the true future there in camp too.
Sage Ryan was working with safeties in spring ball, but as camp has opened is slotting back in with the cornerbacks. This is good news considering how incredible he played there a year ago as one of the lone defensive bright spots. That likely means that Ashton Stamps secures the other starting corner role, with PJ Woodland working his way in as the team's third corner as a true freshman. Toviano likely brings decent depth.
The question marks will be at safety. Transfer Jardin Gilbert logged almost 1000 snaps in his three seasons with Texas A&M, so he should provide one strong option. However, Jordan Allen, transfer Austin Ausberry, and true freshman DaShawn Spears are obviously questionable, at least to start the year. Allen has opened fall camp as a presumed starter, but DaShawn Spears is pushing for snaps already. Worst case, Sage Ryan moves back to safety some to help if there are depth issues in-season there.
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