Way too early projection for the defensive two-deep

The LSU defense has a lot of returning players and a lot of new faces. Head Coach Brian Kelly convinced Matt House to leave his post in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs to run his defense. House’s last gig as a defensive coordinator came at Kentucky.

Jamar Cain opted to come to LSU over USC to be the defensive line Coach. He was previously with Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma but is now tasked with turning around a pass Rush that was good but not great. House will handle the linebackers.

Kerry Cooks will handle the safety’s for the defense. Cooks was a previous Oklahoma Assistant who also worked with Kelly at Notre Dame. The final addition is Robert Steeples at Cornerback. He was with the Minnesota Vikings but comes to Baton Rouge to Coach on the defensive side of the ball. Steeples was Mekhi Wingo’s Coach in high school.

Much as we did with the offense, we attempt to project the defensive two-deep depth chart ahead of spring ball.

Strongside Edges

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Ali Gaye, Senior Soni Fonua, Senior

Ali Gaye is returning for one more year on the Bayou, in hopes of boosting his NFL draft stock. After coming to LSU as a junior college transfer and a strong junior season, injuries sidelined him in 2021. Gaye should be a strong candidate to wreak havoc in the backfields in 2022. Fonua will be a solid rotational piece behind him.

Nose Tackles

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Jaquelin Roy, Junior Bryce Langston, Redshirt Freshman

Jaquelin Roy had a huge season for LSU after they lost to Glen Logan. He got plenty of playing time behind Neil Farrell Jr. but now it is his turn at defensive tackle. Bryce Langston, who was listed on the two-deep for the Texas Bowl will likely get the first crack at the backup. The Tigers have some other young tackles who could work into the rotation.

Defensive Tackles

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Maason Smith, Sophomore Jacobian Guillory, Redshirt Sophomore

Maason Smith was as advertised in his freshman season. He made an impact on the interior, and on the outside when he was moved to edge defender. He likely slides back inside for Jamar Cain where he and Jacobian Guillory can look to be disruptive. Smith was named Freshman All-American for his efforts last year.

Weakside Edges

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BJ Ojulari, Junior Mehki Wingo, Sophomore

BJ Ojulari was LSU’s best pass rusher last season. He led the team in sacks and quarterback pressures. With Cain now in the fold, Ojulari could be used in a similar manner to Nik Bonitto. Wingo comes over from Missouri and is listed as a defensive tackle, he is a guy who can play multiple spots in this defense.

Linebackers

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Micah Baskerville, Senior West Weeks, Sophomore

The new linebacker leader for the upcoming season is likely to be Micah Baskerville. While some speculated that they would move on, they opted to return for another year. West Weeks transferred in from Virginia and he and Greg Penn III are likely backups for the senior.

Linebackers

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Mike Jones Jr., Junior Harold Perkins, Freshman

This will be the biggest position battle for several reasons, they have to replace Damone Clark and Harold Perkins is a very talented linebacker. Can the former Clemson linebacker hold him off? One should expect a good rotation between the two once the season kicks off. It will be difficult to keep Perkins off the field.

Outside Cornerbacks

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Mekhi Garner, Redshirt Junior Damarius McGhee, Redshirt Freshman

The cornerback overhaul begins with Mekhi Garner and Damarius McGhee. McGhee was recently highlighted as the guy who could replace Derek Stingley Jr. but Garner is the Veteran player. He joins the team from nearby Lafayette, where he played for the Ragin Cajuns.

Outside Cornerbacks

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Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Senior Raydarious Jones, Redshirt Junior

Another position battle that I will give the nod to the newcomer. Bernard-Converse was the All-Big 12 for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He comes to his home state to finish out his career. He is a very physical cornerback that will likely be a force for the defense.

Nickel Cornerbacks

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Greg Brooks Jr., Senior Sage Ryan, Redshirt Sophomore

Greg Brooks Jr. is one of two Arkansas defensive backs looking to start for LSU. He is a willing tackler with some ball skills. For now the senior will likely get the nod but Sage Ryan could be coming for the role this next season, provided he stays healthy.

Free Safety’s

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Jay Ward, Senior Major Burns, Junior

Jay Ward is back for another go-around. He was their best coverage safety, Ward converted from cornerback due to a need at the position. Burns needs to stay healthy to get on the field. The two could provide some playmaking that the defense desperately needs.

Strong Safety’s

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Joe Foucha, Senior Todd Harris Jr., Senior

Foucha is the next player returning home to try and lock up a starting spot. By my count, they would give four of the five secondary spots to transfers. Harris was the day one starter last year but Foucha brings a little more to the table. The former Razorback does well playing around the line of scrimmage.