The LSU Football program is absolutely rolling in the transfer portal thus far as it seems like the Tigers are landing everyone they're interested in. The Tigers made their latest addition on Sunday when the Tigers landed Mississippi State Quarterback Michael Van Buren who will take a step back after starting this season to learn behind Garrett Nussmeier with the hopes of best developing down the line.
The two positions that have continued to standout as massive needs for the Tigers are Safety and the entire offensive line. LSU has to replace Major Burns who is out of eligibility and Sage Ryan and Jordan Allen who entered the transfer portal with the latter transferring to Houston.
LSU had only hosted one safety in Jacksonville State's Zechariah Poyser and they're currently hosting another in South Florida's Tawfiq Byard.
South Florida transfer safety Tawfiq Byard begins his official visit to LSU today. More on his interest in the Tigers here: https://t.co/7TOsYIhqYl pic.twitter.com/gUS1xAHgQt
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 16, 2024
Tawfiq Byard just wrapped up his second season in Tampa as he started this year for the USF Bulls racking up 54 tackles, 2 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Byard is the younger brother of two-time NFL All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard.
When you watch Byard on tape he's a great option to replace Major Burns as the safety playing near the line of scrimmage in the Star position. He's a sure tackler with great play recognition and isn't afraid to fly up and deliver a massive hit on the ball carrier.
Considering that LSU will lose Major Burns to the NFL and Kylin Jackson who excelled in the Star role, landing Byard would be an instant plug and play for LSU. If the Tigers are able to get Harold Perkins back deploying him in the star role then LSU can use Byard as a traditional deep safety as he's played great when in that role as well.