LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Safeties
The LSU secondary has seen significant movement all offseason with several moving parts in August.
The emergence of Tulane/Marshall transfer Andre Sam has stolen the show, but with returning pieces in Major Burns and Greg Brooks prepared to shine, where does this unit stand?
The Safety Depth Chart
Major Burns
Burns returns to Baton Rouge for another season with the chance to take his game to another level. A seasoned veteran, Burns has taken on more of a leadership role for the Tigers during Fall Camp.
There have been concerns surrounding the LSU secondary when it comes to talent level and depth, but Burns returns as a player who’s showcased his abilities at the highest level. When healthy, he’s a versatile weapon defensive coordinator Matt House utilizes well.
Burns has worked with the safeties all offseason and even saw a few reps at linebacker during drills during preseason practice. Pencil in the returning Tiger as a starter. You can pencil Burns in as a starter once again.
Greg Brooks
It’s been a challenging offseason for Brooks. The Louisiana native was banged up during spring camp and missed some time during fall ball as well. For Brooks, staying on the field has been a concern which led to the Tigers adding some depth this offseason in Tulane/Marshall transfer Andre Sam.
Like Burns, Brooks is a stud when healthy. He showcased a “Honey Badger” type tenacity last season and came up in a big way for this program when called upon, but remaining on the field will be of the utmost importance. For now, he continues working in with the first-team, but different sets has seen Brooks slide over to nickel.
Andre Sam
The first-year Tiger will play his final season of eligibility in Baton Rouge and has quickly asserted himself as a starting caliber talent. Sam’s rise this offseason has been a bright spot for this LSU secondary.
With both Burns and Brooks battling the injury bug during their careers, it was important for Brian Kelly and Co. to secure a durable, experienced player to their safety room. Insert Sam.
The sixth-year senior shined for Marshall a season ago, and with some questioning whether Sam could compete in the SEC, Fall Camp became a stretch where he proved his worth. It’s a small sample size, but Sam looks more than ready to take on a significant role for the Tigers in 2023.
Jordan Allen
Allen has taken both second and third team reps during preseason practice as the redshirt freshman looks to take on an increased role this season. He’s had an impressive offseason to this point and has rotated in as the No. 4 safety on this roster at times behind Burns, Brooks and Sam.
But one injury to this safety room and Allen quickly inserts himself as a player who will take major snaps this season. At 5-foot-11, 196-pounds, Allen plays low to the ground but utilizes his close out speed to attack opponents.
Look for second-year Tiger to make an impact in some capacity this season for LSU.
Other players on the depth chart to monitor:
Freshman Javien Toviano
Freshman Kylin Jackson
