We are going to start getting a good look at what Brian Kelly sees as the solution to his problems in regards to rebuilding the LSU roster. Starting on Sunday, we could see a run of news with the vast majority of it coming by way of the transfer portal. Here's the skinny.
At this point I am expecting LSU to sign double-digit transfers via the portal, with the possibility of a dozen or more being very real. The majority of these prospects will likely have two or more years of eligibility remaining, giving Kelly and stuff some much needed plugs for a boat that traveled through pirated waters before settling at the Port of Baton Rouge. Before we get into the names, let's look at the needs.
Offensive line: The Tigers already landed one transfer in FIU OL Miles Frazier. Look for them to add at least two more offensive linemen in the portal. They still want a center and could also use another guard and tackle. They would be open to taking 3-more linemen, according to a source, as long as they are all LSU caliber guys.
Secondary: This has become a huge need with Flott declaring for the NFL Draft following the news Elias Ricks transferring. The need is at every position, so do not surprised to see them take a corner, nickel and safety via the portal.
Linebacker: They would like to add 1-2 linebackers via the portal. They are still waiting to see what Baskerville does. If he leaves, the number likely becomes 2.
Defensive line: The biggest need here is defensive tackle. There does not seem to be much concern at defensive end--at least one that is comparable to defensive tackle. In fact, they could even take two. You see where this is going don't you?
Receiver: Yes, they are also in the market for a big-bodied receiver. This is another position that could see multiple transfers if the right guys line up to join the team. At this stage I do expect them to take one receiver.
Running Backs: Yep, they want a running back as well. Some familiar names have been surfacing of late, and we will get to that shortly.
Tight end: They would like one, but don't feel like it is high on the priority list at the moment, with other positions being in dire straights heading into the spring.
QB: Nope.
The names:
They would love to pursue UL guard O'Cyrus Torrence, but there appears to be some roadblocks in the way at the moment.
Two familiar names to keep an eye on at the running back position are Notre Dame running back Logan Diggs and Penn State running back Noah Cain. UL portal entree Montrell Johnson is another one to watch, along with Ashaad Clayton out of Colorado. All familiar names that have either been recruited or were on the board for LSU in the past.
We don't have a FutureCast option for transfers, but if we did I would instantly drop one on UL cornerback Mekhi Garner. The 6-2, 215-pounder is intriguing and being courted by a slew of schools after entering the portal. Arkansas nickel Greg Brooks and safety Joe Foucha recently entered the portal as well recently, along with Missouri cornerback Ishmael Burdine. The Louisiana natives are likely to get a hard look from many schools, with Brooks being the most heavily sought out of the group.
With 32 spots open (25 HS and 7 transfers), there is an opportunity to rebuild quickly, but only if the evaluations are strong. Luckily for LSU fans, this group has a strong reputation in regards to their evaluations. They can take more than 7, but each spot beyond seven would come from the allotted high school scholarship numbers. That isn't a bad thing for Kelly and Co. at the moment, as they need plug and play guys and would have a difficult time reaching 25 high school signees anyway.
At this point I am expecting LSU to sign double-digit transfers via the portal, with the possibility of a dozen or more being very real. The majority of these prospects will likely have two or more years of eligibility remaining, giving Kelly and stuff some much needed plugs for a boat that traveled through pirated waters before settling at the Port of Baton Rouge. Before we get into the names, let's look at the needs.
Offensive line: The Tigers already landed one transfer in FIU OL Miles Frazier. Look for them to add at least two more offensive linemen in the portal. They still want a center and could also use another guard and tackle. They would be open to taking 3-more linemen, according to a source, as long as they are all LSU caliber guys.
Secondary: This has become a huge need with Flott declaring for the NFL Draft following the news Elias Ricks transferring. The need is at every position, so do not surprised to see them take a corner, nickel and safety via the portal.
Linebacker: They would like to add 1-2 linebackers via the portal. They are still waiting to see what Baskerville does. If he leaves, the number likely becomes 2.
Defensive line: The biggest need here is defensive tackle. There does not seem to be much concern at defensive end--at least one that is comparable to defensive tackle. In fact, they could even take two. You see where this is going don't you?
Receiver: Yes, they are also in the market for a big-bodied receiver. This is another position that could see multiple transfers if the right guys line up to join the team. At this stage I do expect them to take one receiver.
Running Backs: Yep, they want a running back as well. Some familiar names have been surfacing of late, and we will get to that shortly.
Tight end: They would like one, but don't feel like it is high on the priority list at the moment, with other positions being in dire straights heading into the spring.
QB: Nope.
The names:
They would love to pursue UL guard O'Cyrus Torrence, but there appears to be some roadblocks in the way at the moment.
Two familiar names to keep an eye on at the running back position are Notre Dame running back Logan Diggs and Penn State running back Noah Cain. UL portal entree Montrell Johnson is another one to watch, along with Ashaad Clayton out of Colorado. All familiar names that have either been recruited or were on the board for LSU in the past.
We don't have a FutureCast option for transfers, but if we did I would instantly drop one on UL cornerback Mekhi Garner. The 6-2, 215-pounder is intriguing and being courted by a slew of schools after entering the portal. Arkansas nickel Greg Brooks and safety Joe Foucha recently entered the portal as well recently, along with Missouri cornerback Ishmael Burdine. The Louisiana natives are likely to get a hard look from many schools, with Brooks being the most heavily sought out of the group.
With 32 spots open (25 HS and 7 transfers), there is an opportunity to rebuild quickly, but only if the evaluations are strong. Luckily for LSU fans, this group has a strong reputation in regards to their evaluations. They can take more than 7, but each spot beyond seven would come from the allotted high school scholarship numbers. That isn't a bad thing for Kelly and Co. at the moment, as they need plug and play guys and would have a difficult time reaching 25 high school signees anyway.
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