Defensive Tackles the LSU Tigers can turn their focus to after missing out on targets
The LSU Football team is off to a slow start in the transfer portal, missing out on several of the nation's top defensive tackles. The initial plan was for the LSU Tigers to add one or two starting caliber defensive tackles however, the plan may need to change as the Tigers missed out on top defensive tackles Phillip Blidi, Damonic Williams, and Simeon Barrow Jr. There are still a few starting caliber players available in the transfer portal that could serve as viable options for Brian Kelly's team.
CJ West - Kent State
The LSU Football team offered CJ West a scholarship nearly the moment he entered his name into the transfer portal. West won't graduate until the Summer meaning he'd join whichever program he picks late in the summer. The defensive tackle has been solid throughout the past three seasons where he's recorded 108 tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. The Tigers are seemingly against Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana in the race for West. If the Tigers landed West, he's the most plug and play defensive tackle remaining in the class and he'd make an instant impact on the defense.
Adin Huntington - University of Louisiana-Monroe
Huntington was at one point a teammate of CJ West at Kent State before transferring to ULM for the 2023 season. In his lone season at ULM, Huntington recorded 62 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The Tigers' interest in Huntington is unclear at the moment but, based on the proximity the Tigers could make a strong push to keep him in the state. Huntington would come with two years of eligibility making him an attractive option.
Johnny Bowens - Oregon
The Former Four-star recruit Bowens redshirted his Freshman year at Oregon recording one tackle. As a recruit, Bowens was the 26th-ranked defensive tackle and 186th overall recruit. The Tigers have a connection thanks to defensive line coach Bo Davis who pushed hard to land Bowens while coaching at Texas. Landing Bowens would give the LSU Football team at minimum a rotational piece while he could develop into a starter under Bo Davis
LSU Football Staff needs to move fast
The LSU Football team has lost out on it's biggest targets meaning now they need speed up this process in hopes of landing the depth the defense desperately needs. The Tigers will need to now land at minimum two bodies to the defensive tackle room as they're lacking both depth and high-end talent. If the LSU Football team continues to miss out on top transfer targets, the team may need to look into moving players from defensive end to defensive tackle which isn't the best idea.