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LSU defense losing players to the Transfer Portal does not help 2024 outlook coming out of spring practices

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 4/19/24

The LSU Tigers offense looks like it's ready to dominate once again in 2024 despite losing Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas Jr., and Malik Nabers, but the same cannot be said for the defense. While Garrett Nussmeier may certainly be an incredible quarterback, his dominance at the spring game highlighted some real issues in the LSU secondary. And today the problems are certainly not getting any better.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports not just one, but two young LSU defensive backs are entering the Transfer Portal. The highest impact player of the two from last year is safety Ryan Yaites. Yaites played in all 13 games, logging over 120 defensive snaps as a true freshman. Yaites was a top 250 player in the country in last year's recruiting class.

LSU safety Ryan Yaites has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247sports.

Was a Class of 2023 four-star recruit.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/RG01vr76o8
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2024

While Yaites hadn't secured an every down role just yet this spring, he was clearly the future at strong safety for the Tigers and would have played a significant rotational role at the very least in 2024.

The second LSU defensive back entering the portal is Jeremiah Hughes. Hughes, another second year player, was slated to be in the mix for dime packages this fall, but clearly wants to see if he can go play near every down somewhere else.

LSU second-year cornerback Jeremiah Hughes has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247sports.

Played in 13 last season as a freshman.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/mtyyc4iq63
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2024

The defense has been the primary focus for the Tigers this spring, as it was their Achilles heel last fall. Head Coach Brian Kelly has spoken openly and often about improving on the defensive side of the ball, and finding the right fits with their new scheme. Perhaps both Yaites and Hughes just weren't the right fit, but either way we can expect the Tigers to go portal shopping for defensive back depth right away.

Expect them to pursue former Texas A&M Aggies safety Jacoby Mathews, a Louisiana native as a top priority to replace Yaites. There are several top cornerbacks available too, including former five star Cormani McClain who just left Colorado. McClain may have some off-field questions, but he would immediately be a top three corner on LSU just based on talent alone.

Be looking for more LSU Football coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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