LSU’s 16th addition out of the transfer portal is a highly thought of safety from North Carolina State.
Tamarcus Cooley played nickelback for the Wolfpack in 2024 and had 39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and six pass break ups. His two interceptions came in a bowl game loss to East Carolina.
Cooley has three years of eligibility left after playing one season at North Carolina State. He signed out of high school to play at Maryland, but only appeared in two games.
On3.com ranks him as the second-best safety in the transfer portal and his head coach at North Carolina State thought a lot about him.
“He played really well in a lot of ways,” NC State head coach Dave Doeren said. “In the box, setting edges, fitting in the run. Then in coverage he had number of pass breakups. He had the big interception at the end of the game. He did a good job fitting a lot of formations and surface areas. There’s a lot going on there communication-wise on motions. For a young guy to have to manage all that, it was impressive.”
The six-foot-one defensive back also visited Ole Miss and Kentucky.
When you look at all of LSU’s additions in the transfer portal, offensive tackle is the one position they have yet to address.
