LSU’s acquisition of safety Tamarcus Cooley from the transfer portal marks a significant enhancement to their defensive backfield. Cooley, who showcased his talents at NC State in 2024, brings a blend of experience, versatility, and athleticism that is poised to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ safety depth chart.
Background and Collegiate Performance
Hailing from Knightdale, North Carolina, Cooley began his collegiate journey at Maryland in 2023 before transferring to NC State for the 2024 season. During his tenure with the Wolfpack, he recorded 39 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. His performance earned him an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 80.8 overall, with an 81.8 in coverage, underscoring his proficiency in pass defense.
NC State head coach Dave Doeren lauded Cooley’s adaptability, stating, “He played really well in a lot of ways—in the box, setting the edge, fitting in a lot of formations… For a young guy to have to manage all that, it was impressive.”
LSU’s Safety Depth Chart Pre-Cooley
Prior to Cooley’s arrival, LSU’s safety roster experienced notable departures, including Sage Ryan entering the transfer portal and Major Burns graduating. This left the Tigers with returning players such as Jardin Gilbert, Dashawn McBryde, redshirt freshman Joel Rogers, junior Austin Ausberry, and incoming freshmen C.J. Jimcoily and Jhase Thomas.
While these athletes possess potential, the group lacked substantial starting experience and depth, making the addition of a seasoned player like Cooley crucial for the upcoming season.
Cooley’s Projected Role and Impact
Cooley’s versatility allows him to perform effectively both in coverage and near the line of scrimmage. His ability to set the edge, contribute to run support, and excel in various coverage schemes makes him a valuable asset. Given his experience and skill set, Cooley is anticipated to compete for a starting position immediately, providing leadership and stability to a relatively young safety group.
His presence is expected to elevate the overall performance of LSU’s secondary, which ranked 76th nationally in pass defense during the 2024 season.
Strategic Importance of Cooley’s Transfer
Head coach Brian Kelly has been proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to address team needs, and Cooley’s commitment represents the 16th addition for LSU this offseason. Kelly’s strategy focuses on infusing experienced talent to complement the existing roster, aiming for immediate improvement in critical areas. Cooley’s arrival addresses a significant gap in the secondary, aligning with the team’s objective to enhance defensive performance in the 2025 season.
