DEFENSIVE BACK U Column: LSU’s secondary has potential despite current issues facing group

BY TRE ALLEN @treday0314

For LSU football, the secondary has been regarded by many as its biggest weakness entering the season.

Even though the Tigers have been nicknamed “DBU,” many people aren’t confident that LSU can hold its own in the secondary.

However, this defensive back unit is underrated and has potential to outperform expectations. The secondary is similar to how it was built last year, and that was through the transfer portal. The Tigers lost multiple defensive backs to the NFL, such as Jay Ward, Colby Richardson, Jarrick-Bernard Converse and Mekhi Garner, but they reloaded this offseason.

LSU added cornerbacks Zy Alexander from Southeastern Louisiana, Duce Chestnut from Syracuse, Denver Harris from Texas A&M, Andre’ Sam from Marshall, and JK Johnson from Ohio State, who is currently injured.

Alexander, a 6-foot-2 lengthy cornerback with three years of college experience, had four pass deflections and three interceptions last season. He took two of them back for touchdowns and showed off his shutdown ability at the FCS level, earning him a spot at LSU.

Chestnut is someone who brings tremendous play recognition and tight coverage. His ball skills are his biggest strength, as he had four interceptions and nine pass deflections in his career at Syracuse.

Another strength is his tackling ability. Adding that with

RECRUITING his already lockdown coverage, he shows why he was one of the best corners in the Atlantic Coast Conference for two years.

Harris came over from Texas A&M as a five-star recruit only appearing in five games, due to being suspended twice. Although he didn’t see the field much last season, his talent as a corner is undeniable. Being ranked the No. 2 corner as a transfer, according to 247sports, the Tigers are adding a talent- ed player. He has a nose for the football as he is constantly looking to jar the ball loose and isn’t afraid to tackle in the open field. see POTENTIAL, page 10