The biggest outstanding need for the LSU Football team currently is reinforcements in the Secondary. The Tigers have brought in transfer Ja'Keem Jackson and Mansoor Delane but, LSU still needs to add at least one safety but, more likely two safeties and possibly another cornerback.
In the Texas Bowl, LSU's secondary was far and away the biggest issue and concern you'd have going forward. At Cornerback, Ashton Stamps and PJ Woodland struggled giving up a few big plays while also taking a few too many penalties. The Tigers played Jardin Gilbert, Javien Toviano, and DaShawn Spears at safety but, the play wasn't at the level the Tigers would've hoped.
On Thursday, LSU set up a visit with Auburn Transfer defensive back Keionte Scott who could fill needs at cornerback or safety depending on the staffs choice but, he's taken a few visits and will take a few more before visiting LSU. Thursday also saw four defensive backs enter the transfer portal from NC State which should be appealing to LSU.
NC State starting safety Devan Boykin is set to enter the transfer portal, sources tell @MichaelClark247 and Pack Pride.
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) January 3, 2025
Boykin missed the 2024 season, but was the Wolfpack's top safety in 2023 with 54 tackles and three interceptions.
✍️: https://t.co/LjIIddAK1T pic.twitter.com/oTrXEaeGSQ
Devan Boykin is a solid option to come in and help LSU instantly at safety as the Tigers pursue players at the position. In 2023, Boykin was the top safety for NC State racking up 54 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a pass defense. The lone concern would be that he missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL suffered in 2023 Bowl Prep.
BREAKING: NC State CB Brandon Cisse plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2025
The 6’0 195 CB started every game he played in this season (9)
Was the highest rated CB on the team in 2024
2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/RmQpP6f7qZ
As LSU still eyes potentially adding transfers at Cornerback, Brandon Cisse could be an option for the Tigers. No one expected Cisse to enter the portal which means he may already have his next school picked out but, he's a solid player in coverage and a willing tackler.
BREAKING: NC State starting DB Tamarcus Cooley plans to enter the Transfer Portal, per his rep @bzsportsmgmt
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2025
The 6’0 200 DB totaled 39 Tackles, 9 PBU, 2 FF, & 3 INT this season
Highest graded player on NC State’s defense (PFF)
3 years of eligibility https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/nYxWJxSYFb
The player that should be most appealing to LSU is cornerback Tamarcus Cooley who enters the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining. Cooley started at Nickel for the Wolfpack grading out as their highest rated defender per 24/7 Sports. Considering the Tigers are eying Auburn's Keionte Scott who plays Nickel, Cooley may be a better player and a long term piece for the Tigers.
BREAKING: NC State starting Safety Bishop Fitzgerald plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2025
The 6’0 195 Safety totaled 55 Tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 8 PBUs, 1 FF, & 3 INT this season
All-ACC Honorable Mention
1 year of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/ChqyQGnxAu
Finally, as LSU looks to find players that can play in the secondary especially at safety, Bishop Fitzgerald is another name to watch. Fitzgerald was once the top safety out of the Juco level and jumping to the SEC would be another adjustment but, he could be an option.
It'll be interesting to follow in the days to come whether or not LSU pursues any of the four especially as players continue to enter the transfer portal.