Defensive backs, defensive linemen, a veteran receiver and possibly a quarterback are the big needs for LSU as they look to add talent through the transfer portal.
They have started to address some of those needs. And just like in previous years under Coach Brian Kelly, they found a couple of Louisiana natives looking to play for their home school. Previous examples include Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Joe Foucha, Andre Sam, Greg Brooks, and Jalen Lee.
On Thursday, LSU received commitments from Mississippi State receiver Zavion Thomas and Texas A&M safety Jardin Gilbert, Thomas is a former John Ehret star who just had a breakout sophomore campaign where he caught 40 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown. He can also return kicks and punts, an area of need for the Tigers.
Thomas returned a kick for a touchdown in 2023 and returned a punt for a touchdown in 2022. Gilbert was a four-star recruit coming out of University High in Baton Rouge. He played three seasons at Texas A&M, but only two in 2023 because of a season-ending shoulder injury. Gilbert had 80 tackles and two interceptions during his time as an Aggie.
In a recent X (Twitter) post, Gilbert said, “We not finished yet, stay tuned!!” According to 247sports, LSU has also offered Mississippi State cornerback Decamerion Richardson. Richardson just completed his fourth season and in 2023 had 79 tackles and seven pass break ups. He’s still looking for his first interception, but is another Louisiana kid, who was a three-star prospect coming out of Bossier High School.
Richardson played well against LSU. In 2023, he had eight tackles, in 2022 he had a career-high eleven tackles against the Tigers.
The transfer portal can give, but it also can take away. Before Gilbert announced his commitment to LSU, LSU’s Sage Ryan announced he’s entering the transfer portal. Because of a lack of cornerbacks, Ryan had to play cornerback this year, even though he was recruited out of Lafayette Christian Academy as a four-star safety.
It’s possible Ryan wanted to make the move back to safety, but saw it was not possible with the addition of Gilbert and Major Burns likely returning for another season. Also entering the transfer portal is former Lafayette Christian star Fitzgerald West. West arrived at LSU as an offensive lineman, moved to defensive line and only played in two games in 2023.
West’s departure will really sting if both Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith decide to enter their name into the NFL draft.