The LSU Football Transfer Portal Buzz: Tigers Host Pair of Defensive Back Targets
As college football evolves, one of the most significant factors shaping team rosters has been the transfer portal. The portal has fundamentally changed the way teams manage their rosters, enabling coaches to seek immediate help from players looking for new opportunities. LSU football, under head coach Brian Kelly, has been making waves in the transfer portal, especially as they focus on strengthening their defensive backfield. After a strong 2023 season, LSU is looking to continue its upward trajectory in the SEC and national rankings, and the addition of key transfers could play a pivotal role in that.
This offseason, the LSU Tigers have been actively seeking defensive backs to enhance their defensive unit. Specifically, they’ve been targeting two players who could bring immediate impact to the team’s secondary: Jahari Rogers from UCF and Dorian Dacres from West Virginia. Both players possess the kind of skills and experience that LSU’s coaching staff believes could elevate their defense to the next level. The recruiting visit of these two defensive backs has sparked significant buzz around LSU’s plans to improve their defense and potentially make another run for the College Football Playoff in 2024.
In this article, we’ll break down the significance of these two transfer portal targets, explore how they would fit into LSU’s defense, analyze how the Tigers are looking to improve their secondary, and highlight how the team is positioning itself for success in the upcoming seasons.
The Importance of LSU’s Defensive Backfield
Before delving into the specific players LSU is targeting in the portal, it’s important to understand the role that defensive backs play in Brian Kelly’s defensive system. Throughout his tenure at Notre Dame and LSU, Kelly has shown a commitment to developing a strong, well-rounded defense that can not only shut down opposing offenses but also create turnovers and generate pressure in the passing game.
In the SEC, where high-powered offenses are the norm and teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee consistently field elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, having a strong secondary is crucial. LSU’s defense is built on speed, strength, and versatility, and defensive backs are at the heart of that system. The Tigers’ defense struggled at times in 2023, especially in their secondary, where inconsistency in coverage and lack of depth were concerns. For LSU to take the next step as a national contender, upgrading the talent in the secondary is a must.
Additionally, in today’s pass-happy college football landscape, elite defensive backs who can shut down wide receivers, create turnovers, and add versatility are in high demand. LSU understands this and is actively working to improve its pass defense. That’s where the transfer portal comes into play—offering immediate access to experienced players who can contribute from Day 1.
Jahari Rogers: A Physical Cornerback from UCF
One of the first defensive backs LSU has targeted in the transfer portal is Jahari Rogers, a cornerback formerly with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Rogers’ recruitment has created significant buzz in Baton Rouge, as he is regarded as one of the top cornerbacks available on the transfer market. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Rogers has the physical tools to excel at the highest level. His combination of size, speed, and coverage ability makes him a potential game-changer for LSU’s secondary.
Rogers played a crucial role in UCF’s defense, starting in several games during his time with the team and earning praise for his ability to lock down wide receivers. He is known for his physicality in both man and zone coverage, and his ability to disrupt the timing of wide receivers at the line of scrimmage would be a significant asset to LSU. His ball skills are also notable—Rogers is not just a lockdown corner; he’s capable of making plays on the football, whether it’s breaking up passes or coming away with interceptions.
In terms of fit within LSU’s defense, Rogers could slot in as a starting cornerback on the outside, opposite Deuce Chestnut, the standout cornerback from Syracuse who also transferred to LSU. Chestnut and Rogers would form a dynamic duo at cornerback, providing LSU with a significant boost in coverage and defensive flexibility. Having Rogers and Chestnut as the starting corners would give LSU the ability to play more aggressive, press-man coverage, knowing they have two reliable cornerbacks capable of handling top-tier SEC wide receivers.
Rogers’ physicality and coverage skills would make him an ideal fit for LSU’s defense, which prides itself on creating turnovers and being aggressive at the line of scrimmage. His addition would provide immediate depth and potentially elevate the level of play in LSU’s secondary.
Dorian Dacres: A Versatile Safety from West Virginia
Another major target for LSU is Dorian Dacres, a safety from West Virginia. Dacres is a versatile defensive back known for his ability to play both as a free safety and strong safety, making him a great fit for LSU’s defensive scheme, which often uses multiple coverages and positions defensive backs in different roles. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Dacres has the size and athleticism to make an impact in the SEC. His physicality and ability to cover the deep pass make him an intriguing option for LSU’s secondary.
During his time at West Virginia, Dacres displayed impressive instincts, making plays in both the pass and run games. His ability to read quarterbacks and his awareness of offensive schemes allowed him to make key interceptions and break up passes. Additionally, his size and physicality allow him to step up in run support and provide valuable depth in the defensive backfield. Dacres would be an excellent addition to LSU’s safety group, providing versatility and a physical presence that could be key against the power-running teams in the SEC.
In LSU’s defense, Dacres would likely compete for the starting strong safety role, where his physicality would be an asset against the running game while also providing the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His ability to play both safety positions gives defensive coordinator Matt House plenty of options in terms of rotating players and creating mismatches. Dacres’ versatility and ability to contribute in both the run and pass game would make him a valuable addition to LSU’s secondary.
The Recruitment Process: How LSU Is Attracting Defensive Backs
LSU’s recruitment of these two defensive backs speaks to the Tigers’ growing reputation as a destination for elite talent in college football. Under Brian Kelly’s leadership, LSU has become known for its ability to develop players and compete at the highest level of college football. Kelly’s success at Notre Dame, where he developed numerous NFL-caliber players, has helped raise LSU’s profile as a premier destination for transfers looking to play in the SEC and contend for national championships.
Moreover, LSU’s tradition of success in the secondary adds to its allure for defensive backs. The Tigers have produced numerous NFL-caliber defensive backs over the years, including players like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Greedy Williams. With that history and the chance to compete for national championships, LSU offers a unique opportunity for players like Rogers and Dacres to elevate their game on the national stage.
The recruitment visits of Rogers and Dacres have been met with enthusiasm from LSU fans and analysts alike, with many believing that these two defensive backs could help solidify LSU’s defense and make it one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. The Tigers’ active pursuit of high-quality transfers signals their commitment to building a competitive roster that can compete with the best teams in the SEC and beyond.
LSU’s Secondary in 2024: What It Could Look Like
With the potential addition of Rogers and Dacres, LSU’s secondary could look very different in 2024. Assuming both players join the team, LSU would have a cornerback duo of Rogers and Chestnut, which would be one of the most talented in the SEC. The Tigers also have Jay Ward, who has experience in both cornerback and safety roles and could serve as a versatile depth piece. Meanwhile, Dacres would join Major Burns as part of the safety rotation, giving LSU two physical, skilled safeties capable of making plays on the ball and providing run support.
This revamped secondary would give LSU the ability to compete with the elite offenses in the SEC, such as Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. With a secondary this talented, LSU could afford to be more aggressive in its defensive schemes, sending extra rushers to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks while trusting its defensive backs to lock down receivers.
Moreover, the potential for turnover creation would increase dramatically with the addition of these experienced playmakers. Both Rogers and Dacres have shown the ability to make game-changing plays in the past, and their ability to force turnovers would be a huge asset in helping LSU get the ball back for its high-powered offense.
Conclusion: LSU’s Future in the Transfer Portal
The addition of Jahari Rogers and Dorian Dacres to LSU’s defensive backfield would be a significant boost for a team that is looking to solidify its defense and make a run at the College Football Playoff. Both players bring a wealth of experience, physicality, and versatility that will allow LSU to compete with the best teams in the SEC. By continuing to target top-tier talent in the transfer portal, Brian Kelly and his coaching staff are positioning the Tigers to remain one of the premier programs in college football.
As LSU continues to make moves in the portal, the buzz surrounding these defensive back additions highlights the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. If these transfers commit to LSU, the Tigers’ secondary in 2024 could become one of the most formidable in the nation, helping to propel the team to greater success in the upcoming season.
