While the LSU Football team has done a ton in the transfer portal filling needs across the board one need still remains unfilled as LSU hasn't landed a safety yet. The Tigers will lose two starters at safety as Sage Ryan transfers to Ole Miss while Major Burns is out of eligibility.
The Tigers have tried to address this need bringing in Zechariah Poyser before he committed to Miami and USF's Tawfiq Byard. The visit with Byard went well enough for LSU that he has LSU in his finalist grouping along with Colorado and Vanderbilt.
Former South Florida safety Tawfiq Byard will soon decide between Colorado, LSU and Vanderbilt. More here: https://t.co/Fuk43KSN2u @PeteNakos_
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 23, 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. The Tigers will be weaker at the star position as Javien Toviano moves into a role as the deep safety while Kylin Jackson was in-line to earn time at the role but, entered the transfer portal.
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 seems like his best fit in this defense and then LSU can use Byard as a traditional deep safety as he's played great when in that role as well.