One of the decisions that the LSU Tigers were waiting on for the 2022 season has been made. After discussions about his future, starting safety Jay Ward will return next season according to Shea Dixon of 247Sports.
Ward made the move over to safety after playing cornerback and finished with a team-leading two interceptions in 2021. Ward also snagged three interceptions in 2020, finishing second on the team to Eli Ricks. He appeared in 11 games this past season. Ward finished with 69 tackles, one TFL, four passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Ward will likely take his free safety spot once again in the new defense led by Matt House. His presence will be much needed with a complete revamp of the secondary after losing four cornerbacks that made starts for the defense in 2021.
Derek Stingley Jr and Cordale Flott are both heading to the NFL. Dwight McGlothern transferred to Arkansas and Eli Ricks transferred to Alabama. The team will have Todd Harris Jr back along with former Razorbacks safety Joe Foucha. Major Burns dealt with injury concerns but his return will give the group a boost. The team is still waiting on the decision of Jacoby Mathews, top safety still remaining on the 2022 recruiting board.
LSU has added a few pieces through the portal on defense but Ward’s return might be the biggest of all of them.
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