For the past few years LSU fans have had the image of wide receivers running wide open through the secondary with their hand up waiting for the opposing team to hit the wide open wide receiver for the big touchdown. LSU's defense slipped from its standard wasting one of the program's best offenses in 2023 with one of the program's worst offenses.
After the 2023 season, Brian Kelly brought back the architect of so many great LSU Secondaries, hiring Corey Raymond back to coach the cornerbacks while also bringing in Jake Olsen to coach the safeties. When LSU's secondary showed signs of improvement the saying for the Tigers faithful was "Wait until Corey gets his guys in the room".
Corey Raymond and LSU finally have the right pieces in the defensive back room
The Tigers rebuild of the secondary started by signing an elite recruiting class landing the next crop of star defensive backs. DJ Pickett headlined the group as the Nation's top cornerback recruit and this spring he lived up to the hype and may start Week 1 against Clemson.
When the first transfer portal window rolled around, it was clear that LSU needed to add a cornerback or two as well as a safety. The Tigers quickly landed Ja'Keem Jackson, a former Corey Raymond recruit who started Week 1 for Florida before getting injured who'll have a chance to start Week 1. Mansoor Delane was next with a proven track record in the ACC with versatility to move around the defense. Tamarcus Cooley was one of the best defensive backs in the Country and after years of awful safety play LSU fans were thrilled to get an instant upgrade.
After the winter transfer window, LSU fans were thrilled with the outcome as the Tigers had clearly went out and loaded up addressing a massive need. All of the intel from spring camp showed the defense took a clear next step with the additions at cornerback but, the Tigers still had question marks at safety.
When the spring transfer portal opened and Houston safety AJ Haulcy entered the transfer portal it was a clear must add for the Tigers as he's the level of player LSU has lacked for years. Miami looked like the team set to land AJ Haulcy after rolling out the red carpet for AJ Haulcy. Despite Miami getting the visit, the LSU Football team emerged as the team to beat for Haulcy before he made it to campus Sunday for a multi-day visit.
On Sunday Night, LSU sealed the deal, getting their biggest offseason addition as Haulcy, the 2nd-ranked safety to transfer this year and the 13th-ranked player to transfer. In Haulcy, LSU gets a hard-hitting, ball-hawking safety who will be a massive upgrade over what LSU has had the past few seasons.
There isn't a position in LSU's secondary that you can argue isn't improved compared to the starters last season aside from Zy Alexander who has an argument. Some of the best news for LSU are players like Ashton Stamps, PJ Woodland, and DaShawn Spears who all got a ton of playing time in 2024 are now key reserves for the Tigers and they do so with experience.
It was clear coming into the offseason that LSU needed to go through a serious talent overhaul in the secondary. The staff went out and checked off every box, which gives LSU a secondary worthy of competing for an SEC Championship and going on a College Football Playoff run.