Notebook: Brian Kelly Talks Transfer Portal, DL Hire And More
Brian Kelly and his LSU Tigers continue attacking the offseason as we pass the halfway mark of spring camp. With fresh faces emerging as starters, a defensive line coach search in the works and the second transfer portal window opening soon, it’s been a busy stretch in Baton Rouge.
Kelly addressed the media on Tuesday where he dissected the plan moving forward in the portal, a timeline on a DL coaching hire and a couple youngsters shining during camp.
A few takeaways:
Transfer Portal
There are a few holes to be filled on this roster. The Tigers’ offensive line depth is limited and adding a few veterans on defense is key moving forward. As the second transfer portal window nears, LSU will be active once again.
“I still think there’s a couple of needs on defense. I think we’re still interested on the offensive line, there’s an interest to add to our offense,” Kelly said Tuesday. “I would say that we’re guarded at this period of time as to somebody who’s going to make a difference in an LSU football lineup. These are probably going to be guys that can add depth to what you’re doing.”
For Kelly, it isn’t specifically about diving into the portal and securing a day one starter. Instead, he’s looking to add depth.
“I don’t think you can go out there swinging for a starter that’s gonna come in and change the trajectory of your starting lineup. These are guys that can contribute and be part of your depth. I think that’s what we’re looking at,” Kelly said.
DL Coach Search
When defensive line coach Jamar Cain accepted a position with the Denver Broncos this spring, it left this position group “stranded,” but interim Gerald Chatman stepped up to the plate instantly.
Chatman is a candidate to take over long term, but Kelly and his staff are certainly going through their fair share of options.
“We wanted to get through the spring (practices),” Kelly said. “We feel like we’re in a great situation with (interim defensive line coach) Gerald Chatman on staff.
“So, there was no rush like ‘we’ve got to go find a defensive line coach’. He’ll be a candidate for the position, as well.”
The plan has always been to get through spring camp and then put their foot on the gas to fill the position. It hasn’t changed.
“We’ll begin that process once we finish up the spring calendar for us, and then we’re on the road (recruiting),” Kelly said. “So, we can get on the road and get to candidates and make it a whole lot easier.”
“Expect something within the next three weeks or so,” Kelly said. “It’s LSU. We’ve got a great list of candidates that we have interest in.”
Secondary Depth
LSU’s secondary has emerged as a position group with significant depth. After adding several Power Five transfers, an FCS standout and elite 2023 signees to the roster, this unit has significant talent heading into fall.
Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander is quickly turning heads in Baton Rouge. Alongside Texas A&M transfer Denver Harris, the two have shined during camp.
“You know we have a little bit of experience when you take a look at [Zy] Alexander, [Denver] Harris and [Duce] Chestnut who played a lot at Syracuse,” Kelly said on Tuesday. “I don’t feel like we have put ourselves in a position where we are throwing freshmen out there.”
But there have been a few hurdles to jump. The Tigers lost safety Greg Brooks to a foot injury for a few practices, and as he gets back to his old self, they’re being cautious with his workload. Along with Brooks, LSU saw Major Burns go down with an injury.
Burns will be out for the rest of spring camp after reaggravating a foot injury.
“Since we are being extra cautious with Burns and Brooks, [Javien] Toviano is getting a chance to play some nickel and [Ryan] Yaites is playing a ton of safety,” Kelly said. “I don’t know if they would have gotten that work otherwise, so it’s great that they are. It was great for Yaites today as we were running two-minute and he had to make a ton of checks.”
“I think we are younger to where we are going to have a little bit more continuity and consistency at the position. I think we have put ourselves in a position where we can develop this talent over the next few years.”
The Tigers will hold their Spring Game on April 22 at 1 p.m. where LSU fans will get the chance to gain a better understanding of what this program is working with as the 2023 season nears.
