Three Potential Transfer Safeties for LSU Football in the Portal Market
The LSU Tigers football program has established itself as a perennial powerhouse in college football, with a rich history of success both in the SEC and on the national stage. To maintain and enhance their competitive edge, the Tigers have turned to the transfer portal, which has become a crucial tool for rebuilding and strengthening rosters in recent years. As LSU seeks to bolster its defense and continue competing for championships, one position that could use some attention is safety.
Safety is a pivotal position on the defensive side of the ball, and with the SEC’s high-powered offenses, LSU must ensure that their defensive backs are up to the challenge. With talented players like Jay Ward and Major Burns already contributing to the Tigers’ defensive backfield, adding another dynamic safety through the transfer portal could help provide depth and stability. In this article, we explore three potential transfer safeties that LSU could target in the transfer portal market to further solidify their defense for the upcoming season.
1. Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL)
One of the standout names in the transfer portal for safety positions is Kamren Kinchens, a safety from Miami. Kinchens, a product of Miami’s local talent pipeline, has been one of the most consistent and impressive defensive players for the Miami Hurricanes since his arrival on campus. His ability to make plays from the safety position, whether in coverage or as a run defender, has earned him praise and recognition as one of the top defensive backs in the ACC.
Kinchens possesses excellent instincts and ball skills, making him an ideal fit for LSU’s defense. He excels in pass coverage, showing an ability to track the ball, and has a knack for making interceptions. As a hard-hitting safety, Kinchens is not afraid to step up in the run game, making him a well-rounded player. In 2023, he was among the team leaders in tackles and interceptions, demonstrating his impact on the field.
LSU could benefit significantly from Kinchens’ experience in a high-powered conference like the ACC, as he has consistently faced elite competition. He could provide immediate depth and an upgrade to LSU’s secondary, especially as the Tigers seek to compete against high-caliber offenses like those found in the SEC. Kinchens’ ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and his athleticism could give LSU’s defense a much-needed boost in both coverage and physicality.
Kinchens is also familiar with playing in a fast-paced, high-pressure defensive scheme, which is similar to the defensive philosophy LSU employs. This would allow him to integrate quickly into the defense, making him a potential immediate starter in the Tigers’ secondary. With his high football IQ, leadership, and versatility, Kinchens would be a welcome addition to LSU’s defense.
2. Jalen Catalon – Arkansas (Transfer)
Another potential safety that LSU could look into is Jalen Catalon from Arkansas. Catalon, a former All-SEC performer, is one of the most highly respected safeties in the country. His ability to make plays all over the field, both in coverage and in the box, has made him one of the top defensive players in the SEC during his time at Arkansas.
Catalon had a stellar freshman year in 2020, where he recorded 99 tackles and was known for his instinctive play and ability to read quarterbacks. He also had two interceptions that season and displayed exceptional leadership qualities on the field. While injuries have somewhat hindered Catalon’s career over the past few years, there is no denying his talent and potential when healthy.
At full health, Catalon could be an excellent fit for LSU’s defense. His ability to defend the pass and make plays in the run game would complement the Tigers’ defensive unit well. Catalon is a highly physical player who excels in tackling and has the ability to be a true playmaker on defense. He also has the leadership qualities needed to help guide a young and talented LSU secondary.
In 2023, Catalon showed glimpses of his old form, finishing with significant tackles and playing a key role in Arkansas’ defense. LSU could look to capitalize on his talent, especially given the SEC’s heavy reliance on a strong safety play. Catalon has the experience, athleticism, and physicality needed to make an immediate impact for LSU.
If healthy, Catalon could quickly slide into a starting role in LSU’s secondary, bolstering their depth and giving them an experienced leader on the back end. His ability to read offenses and disrupt passing attacks would be invaluable for LSU, especially when facing elite quarterbacks in the SEC. With LSU’s focus on building a stout defense to compete for championships, Catalon could be a key piece to their defensive puzzle.
3. Alonzo Adams – Kent State (Transfer)
One under-the-radar but intriguing safety prospect for LSU is Alonzo Adams from Kent State. Adams may not have the same profile or national recognition as the other safeties mentioned here, but his play at Kent State suggests that he could make an impact at a program like LSU.
Adams was a standout performer for Kent State over the past few seasons, showcasing excellent coverage ability and impressive ball skills. His work as a free safety was highlighted by his ability to create turnovers and play an important role in his team’s secondary. In 2023, Adams finished the season with a solid number of tackles and forced turnovers, and his ability to cover ground in the deep secondary set him apart as a dynamic player.
One of Adams’ strongest attributes is his range. His ability to cover large areas of the field, especially in passing situations, allows him to track down opposing wide receivers and make critical plays on the ball. He has great instincts and is an adept tackler who has no problem stepping up to make tackles in space.
For LSU, Adams could offer much-needed depth at the safety position, particularly if the team is looking to add a player with a high ceiling who could develop into an elite safety in the SEC. While Adams may need time to adjust to the physicality and speed of the SEC, his experience in a competitive MAC conference has prepared him for the challenge.
Adams’ potential to be a playmaker for LSU could be exciting. As the Tigers look to build a defense that can compete against SEC powerhouses, having someone like Adams, who can be a disruptive force in both the passing and running games, could pay significant dividends.
Why LSU Needs a Transfer Safety
LSU’s defense has always been a cornerstone of the program’s success, but as the Tigers continue to face increasingly potent offenses in the SEC, the need for a strong secondary becomes even more important. The transfer portal offers LSU the chance to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately, and the addition of a talented safety could be a key part of LSU’s strategy moving forward.
While LSU has solid players in the secondary like Jay Ward, Major Burns, and others, bolstering the depth and adding competition at safety could give the Tigers an edge against high-caliber SEC offenses. Whether in coverage or in the run game, a safety with the right skill set can help prevent explosive plays, provide leadership in the secondary, and be a game-changer when the defense is called upon in key moments.
With LSU looking to compete for SEC titles and national championships, the transfer portal is an important tool for the team to fill gaps and add talent in critical positions like safety. The three players mentioned above – Kamren Kinchens, Jalen Catalon, and Alonzo Adams – represent strong options who could come in and make an immediate impact for LSU, giving them the edge they need to compete at the highest level in college football.
The LSU Tigers are in prime position to make another deep run in the SEC and contend for national championships, but strengthening the secondary, particularly at the safety position, could make all the difference in their pursuit of success. The transfer portal is an excellent opportunity for LSU to land immediate contributors, and the addition of a playmaking safety could provide a major boost to their defensive unit.
Whether it’s the dynamic abilities of Kamren Kinchens, the seasoned leadership of Jalen Catalon, or the potential upside of Alonzo Adams, LSU has a number of viable options to enhance their safety depth. Adding a transfer safety could be the missing piece to ensure LSU has the defensive playmakers necessary to compete with the nation’s elite teams. With this addition, LSU could further solidify its position as one of the top programs in college football.
