Three Transfer Safeties LSU Football Could Target in the Portal Market

As college football continues to evolve, the transfer portal has emerged as one of the most significant changes in roster building. LSU Football, under head coach Brian Kelly, has embraced the use of the portal to enhance its roster, improve team depth, and address key areas of need. After a successful 2023 season, which saw LSU make significant strides in both offense and defense, one area that could use improvement is the safety position. While the Tigers have talent in their secondary, the transfer portal presents an opportunity to bolster their depth and upgrade the overall quality of play.

In this article, we’ll examine three transfer safeties that LSU could target in the portal to strengthen their defensive backfield. These players bring a combination of experience, playmaking ability, and physicality that could immediately help the Tigers’ defense.

The Need for Safety Depth at LSU

Before diving into potential targets, it’s important to understand the safety situation at LSU. The Tigers’ secondary has seen improvements under the leadership of defensive coordinator Matt House, who brought a fresh approach to the defense. In 2023, LSU featured solid performances from players like Greg Brooks Jr. and Major Burns, but their safety unit still had some moments of vulnerability. The departure of experienced players to the NFL and the unpredictable nature of college football injuries have made it clear that adding depth at safety could be essential for LSU as they aim to compete for SEC titles and a potential playoff berth.

Safety is a critical position in modern defensive schemes. Safeties are tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including covering receivers, helping to stop the run, and providing support in pass coverage. In a pass-happy SEC, having strong and versatile safeties can be the difference between winning and losing crucial games. With the 2024 season fast approaching, LSU could target a few key players who fit the mold of what they need: athletic, experienced, and capable of making an immediate impact on the field.

1. Jordan Mosley (Alabama)

Background:

Jordan Mosley is a former four-star recruit who spent his first few seasons at Alabama. While his time in Tuscaloosa has been somewhat limited in terms of consistent starting roles, Mosley’s ability and raw talent have never been in question. Standing 6’0” and weighing 205 pounds, Mosley possesses a combination of size, speed, and ball skills that could immediately elevate LSU’s safety depth.

Why LSU Should Target Mosley:

• Experience in a Top Program: Playing at Alabama, one of the premier football programs in the country, Mosley has been coached by some of the best minds in the game. He understands the expectations and the high level of competition that comes with playing in the SEC. LSU would benefit from bringing in a player who has been in high-pressure environments, particularly in crucial SEC games.
• Versatility: Mosley’s ability to play both deep safety and closer to the line of scrimmage makes him a valuable asset. LSU could use him in a variety of roles, depending on the situation. His ability to play coverage as well as support the run game would make him a great fit for the Tigers’ defense, which utilizes safeties in different positions to match up against dynamic offenses.
• Athleticism: One of Mosley’s standout traits is his athleticism. He has the speed to cover a wide range of ground in the passing game and the quickness to be an impact player in run support. In the modern SEC, where offenses are more dynamic and versatile than ever, having a safety who can quickly react and cover a lot of ground is invaluable.
• Playmaking Ability: Though his role at Alabama may have been more limited, Mosley has shown flashes of ball-hawking ability. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and position himself to make plays in the passing game would make him an ideal candidate to fill a prominent role at LSU.

Fit at LSU:

LSU’s defense has focused on improving versatility and getting players who can thrive in different positions and coverages. Mosley’s ability to transition between various safety roles would make him a seamless fit for Matt House’s defense. If LSU is looking for someone who can step in right away and make an impact, Mosley could be a great addition.

2. Tykee Smith (Georgia)

Background:

Tykee Smith is a veteran safety who began his career at West Virginia before transferring to Georgia in 2021. During his time with the Bulldogs, Smith has been part of one of the most successful defenses in the country, contributing to Georgia’s national championship run. While he hasn’t always been a full-time starter, his experience in big games and his ability to contribute in different defensive packages would make him an intriguing option for LSU.

Why LSU Should Target Smith:

• Championship Experience: Having played for one of the most dominant defenses in college football history, Smith is battle-tested in the most intense environments. He knows what it takes to win on the national stage, which would be invaluable for LSU as they look to improve their defense and compete at the highest level of college football.
• Football IQ: Smith has a reputation for his excellent understanding of the game. His ability to read offenses, recognize plays early, and communicate with teammates sets him apart from many other players at his position. His leadership and mental approach to the game would be a tremendous asset for LSU, especially in high-stakes SEC matchups.
• Coverage Skills: One of Smith’s standout abilities is his knack for playing tight coverage on receivers. Whether it’s in man-to-man or zone coverage, Smith has demonstrated an ability to stay close to his assignment and make plays on the ball. In an SEC that thrives on passing attacks, LSU could use a player who can handle receivers in the passing game while still being a factor in run defense.
• Tackling Ability: Smith’s tackling ability is another strong point. Despite playing in the secondary, he has shown the ability to step up and be an enforcer in the open field, which would help LSU in its efforts to stop the run and force turnovers. His physicality would bring an added element to LSU’s defense.

Fit at LSU:

Tykee Smith’s background in a championship program and his skills as both a coverage and run-support safety would make him an excellent fit for LSU’s needs. His leadership and experience would also provide much-needed stability to a secondary that may be transitioning to a new generation of playmakers. Smith could be a great mentor for younger defensive backs while contributing immediately as a key player.

3. Kamren Kinchens (Miami)

Background:

Kamren Kinchens has been one of the brightest young stars in the ACC. Hailing from Miami, Kinchens made an immediate impact as a true freshman and quickly emerged as one of the top safeties in the conference. Known for his ball-hawking skills, he led the ACC in interceptions in 2022, and his ability to read the quarterback and create turnovers has made him a standout player.

Why LSU Should Target Kinchens:

• Turnover Machine: Kinchens’ ability to create turnovers is one of his most valuable attributes. His seven interceptions during the 2022 season put him on the map as one of the top playmaking safeties in college football. For LSU, a player who can turn the ball over in critical situations is a key asset, especially in a conference where every possession counts.
• Speed and Instincts: Kinchens has elite speed and instincts that allow him to track the ball and make plays. He is often in the right place at the right time, which is a key quality for a safety. His ability to read the quarterback’s intentions and position himself to make plays would fit well with LSU’s aggressive defensive philosophy.
• Football IQ and Leadership: Kinchens has proven himself to be a smart player with excellent football IQ. His leadership abilities have been noted both on and off the field, and he would bring a sense of confidence and poise to LSU’s secondary. A player like Kinchens, who can lead by example while also making plays, would be a huge asset for LSU.
• Big-Game Experience: Playing at Miami, Kinchens has faced tough competition in the ACC and has been tested in high-stakes games. His experience against top-tier offenses would translate well to the SEC, where the competition is equally fierce.

Fit at LSU:

Kinchens’ ability to generate turnovers and his playmaking mentality would be a perfect fit for LSU’s defense. The Tigers have often relied on creating turnovers to swing momentum, and Kinchens’ ability to be a ball hawk could make him an immediate difference-maker. Additionally, his speed and instincts would allow LSU to utilize him in a variety of defensive schemes, making him a versatile addition to their backfield.

Conclusion

As LSU looks to enhance its secondary, these three transfer safeties—Jordan Mosley, Tykee Smith, and Kamren Kinchens—represent players who could significantly bolster the Tigers’ defense. Each player brings a unique skill set that could fill the void in LSU’s safety unit. Whether it’s Mosley’s versatility, Smith’s championship pedigree, or Kinchens’ playmaking ability, any of these players would provide the Tigers with an immediate impact and help elevate their defense to the next level.

With the SEC becoming increasingly competitive and LSU continuing to aim for national relevance, the ability to secure top-tier talent through the transfer portal is essential. The addition of one of these safeties could be just the boost LSU needs to further solidify its defense as one of the top units in the nation.