LSU Football entered the Spring Transfer Portal period with a glaring need at defensive tackle, a fact underscored by head coach Brian Kelly himself.
Kelly explicitly stated that bolstering the defensive tackle position was the team’s sole focus in terms of roster additions. Despite their efforts, the LSU Tigers have faced significant setbacks in their pursuit of top defensive tackle prospects, sparking considerable apprehension.
Their pursuit took a hit when they missed out on TCU transfer Damonic Williams, who ultimately committed to Oklahoma on Thursday night. Williams, widely regarded as the premier defensive tackle in the transfer portal, had been a target for LSU, benefiting from Bo Davis’ connection with him.
Further compounding their woes, LSU lost out on defensive tackle Phillip Blidi to Auburn, despite impressing him during a visit to the Spring Game. The latest blow came when Michigan State defensive tackle Simeon Barrow Jr committed to Miami on Friday night, after considering LSU among other options.
With their primary targets slipping through their grasp, LSU finds themselves in a precarious position, potentially needing to lower their sights in order to simply add bodies to the defensive line room.
Although LSU extended an offer to Kent State Transfer CJ West early in the transfer portal process, their pursuit of him appears to have waned. However, there’s a possibility that the LSU Football staff may intensify their efforts to secure West’s commitment in a bid to shore up their defensive tackle position.
Looking ahead to the future, it’s evident that LSU Football will need to address their depth concerns at defensive tackle on the recruiting trail. Currently, the team has no commitments at the position for the 2025 recruiting class, despite their vigorous recruiting efforts.
With 37 defensive tackle prospects already offered scholarships, the LSU Tigers are poised to make this a top priority, with the hope of securing commitments and potentially flipping some recruits before signing day arrives.
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