LSU Transfer Portal: Tigers Pursuing Several Louisiana Natives 2.0

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are in the midst of the busiest time of the year as they navigate through Transfer Portal entries, the Early Signing Period and bowl preparation over the next few weeks.

Over the last 10 days, it's been all about recruiting for this program. Kelly harped on the importance of hitting the recruiting trail before bowl preparation ramps up over the next few weeks.

This week, the Tigers began preparation, but it hasn't stopped the coaching staff from traveling all over the country for in-home visits.

When it comes to the Transfer Portal, this program has already begun doing the dirty work behind the scenes on a few Transfer Portal targets.

Kelly and Co. have stressed the importance of pursuing Louisiana natives via the portal and this offseason will be much of the same.

We've seen several key Bayou State natives enter the portal through the first 10 days, but who is LSU targeting?

Louisiana Natives LSU is Pursuing:

Jardin Gilbert: Safety

Former Texas A&M safety Jardin Gilbert is at the top of LSU's list and could be the first Transfer Portal prospect to pop for the Tigers. The Louisiana native officially entered the portal last Tuesday and the Bayou Bengals immediately began getting to work.

Gilbert played his high school ball at University High, which is located on LSU's campus. A former four-star recruit, the coveted portal prospect spent three years at Texas A&M with several potential suitors reaching out.

Safety is clearly a position of need for Kelly's program with several players being targeted in the portal. With a lack of depth and experience, the Transfer Portal will be used to the Tigers' advantage.

Look for LSU to push for Gilbert over the next few days. A player that could reveal a decision sooner rather than later, the Tigers are heavily in the mix for his services.

Zavion Thomas: Wide Receiver

Mississippi State wide receiver Zavion Thomas announced his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal last week after two years with the Bulldogs' program.

Now, the Louisiana native is back on the market with LSU showing immediate attention to the elite wideout and return specialist.

Thomas is a player we expect the Tigers to handle sooner rather than later. He'll be a hot commodity in the portal, but LSU is expected to put a full court press on him.

He visited Baton Rouge on Monday where the visit went well, according to those familiar with the situation.

After a 2023 season where he totaled 503 yards on 40 receptions, Thomas could be a key piece to what LSU builds next season. Keep tabs on the Louisiana native.

Jyaire Brown: Cornerback

Brown, a Louisiana native, entered the Transfer Portal with three years of eligibility remaining after departing Ohio State. The former four-star cornerback has received interest from several SEC programs with the Tigers certainly in the mix as well.

An official LSU offer hasn't been reported yet by Brown, but Kelly has harped on the importance of pursuing Louisiana natives in the portal with multiple years of eligibility.

For Brown, he checks both boxes. During his two seasons with Ohio State, he totaled nine tackles and three defended passes with the chance to take that next step with more playing time. Look for the former Top 250 prospect to become a hot commodity in the market with LSU entering the mix.

Decamerion Richardson: Mississippi State

Brian Kelly and the Tigers have clearly shown their desire to reach out to Louisiana players in the Transfer Portal. On Wednesday, another Bayou State native entered the free agent market in Decamerion Richardson.

The Bossier City, Louisiana product spent four seasons in Starkville and will exercise his COVID year for the final season of eligibility. That is, if he doesn't enter the 2024 NFL Draft. For now, all signs point towards the veteran cornerback to play another year of college ball.

LSU has already reached out to the Mississippi State native and the Tigers will certainly be a program in the mix for his services. Richardson has already taken a visit to Oregon, and remains a player who has the NFL Draft in mind as well, but the Tigers will do their due diligence.

Richardson appeared in 45 games at Mississippi State, making 26 starts as one of the SEC West’s top cornerbacks. He tallied 177 tackles through four seasons with a sack, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and 10 passes broken up.

Will Sheppard: Wide Receiver

Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal last week and will have a long list of potential suitors.

LSU hasn't officially offered the Louisiana native yet, but there is mutual interest between both parties. With Brian Kelly looking to seek out portal players from the Bayou State and Sheppard's SEC production, it could be a match made in heaven.

The Production: Totaled over 2,000 yards and 21 TDs in his 3 years at Vanderbilt. Finished Top 5 in the SEC in touchdowns and yards in 2023.

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, the Mandeville (La.) product will be a name to keep tabs on over the next few weeks.