LSU Football: Projecting LSU's Defensive Depth Chart
Harold Perkins headlines a talented LSU defense heading into the 2023 season with this program flaunting an embarrassment of riches up front.
With Perkins and defensive lineman Maason Smith leading this unit, the Tigers are in good hands, but questions remain surrounding the secondary.
Zy Alexander has emerged as a true talent at cornerback and will serve as LSU’s No. 1 corner in 2023, but who comes after?
The Defensive Depth Chart
Defensive Line
DT: Maason Smith, Jacobian Guillory
DT: Mekhi Wingo, Jordan Jefferson
DE: Sai’vion Jones, Paris Shand
EDGE: Ovie Oghoufo, Bradyn Swinson
There are no surprises when it comes to LSU’s interior defensive line with Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo. The dynamic duo will be special this season and have the chance to wreak havoc this year.
Aside from Smith and Wingo, it’s been Sai’vion Jones who’s penciled himself in as a starter up front at defensive end. Along with Jones, it's been an impressive rise for Paris Shand, an Arizona transfer who will backup Jones, giving this unit depth.
At the JACK linebacker role will be Texas transfer Ovie Oghoufo. He’s shined during camp but must remain on his toes as Bradyn Swinson continues taking that next step. The Tigers will look to utilize both skill sets this season with Oghoufo the likely starter against Florida State.
LSU Football: Projecting LSU's Offensive Depth Chart
Linebacker
LB: Harold Perkins, West Weeks
LB: Omar Speights, Greg Penn III
Harold Perkins emerged as one of the top defensive talents in America as just a true freshman in 2022. Now, after taking on a full-time role at linebacker during camp, it’ll be a big season for the sophomore. Alongside Perkins will be Oregon State transfer Omar Speights. The All-Conference talent has shined during camp with the two forming a talented dynamic next to one another. From there, Greg Penn III, one of the team’s top tacklers in 2022, will be the next man up with West Weeks and Whit Weeks following.
Defensive Backs
CB: Zy Alexander, Ashton Stamps
CB: Duce Chestnut, Laterrance Welch
Nickel: Sage Ryan
Safety: Major Burns, Jordan Allen
Safety: Greg Brooks, Andre Sam
Zy Alexander has emerged as a lethal threat in the cornerback room and will serve as LSU’s No. 1 corner this season. After a huge offseason during both spring and fall camp, he’s earned the trust of his teammates and will take on a major role.
After Alexander will be Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut. There were times where he flashed during Fall Camp and this program will need him to continue his rise into camp with Ashton Stamps following as the No. 3 cornerback.
*Nickel and safety will be where things will get interesting. During the Fall Camp scrimmage, we saw Sage Ryan slide over as the first-team boundary corner opposite of Zy Alexander. With this, Greg Brooks went to nickel as the starter, moving Andre Sam and Major Burns as the first-team safeties.*
This could be the direction LSU goes in to start the season against Florida State if Ryan remains healthy. Brian Kelly has harped on consistency and Ryan has shined during camp in that way.
