LSU showcased a new look defense on its first day of fall camp. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] was back with the cornerbacks, opening up a spot at safety.
With a spot open at safety, [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] slid in to take the first-team reps. Allen was a three-star in the class of 2022, Brian Kelly’s first signing class at LSU. The On3 Industry Rankings rated him as the No. 51 safety in the class and the No. 23 prospect in the state of Louisiana.
Allen didn’t play much as a freshman in 2022 and saw just 47 defensive snaps. That was enough to keep his redshirt. As a redshirt freshman last year, Allen saw a good bit action the back half of the season.
His 37 snaps against Florida in Week 11 were a career high. Allen struggled, posting a 50.4 PFF grade, but he continued to see time in November. Against Georgia State and Texas A&M, the results were better.
Allen rotated in against Wisconsin too, playing nine stops and notching a defensive stop.
The #LSU Practice Report:
– Sage Ryan + Ashton Stamps ran as the 1st Team CBs.
– Jardin Gilbert + Jordan Allen as the 1st Team safeties. Major Burns at STAR.
– Shelton Sampson started off the day with a pair of heavily contested catches.
– Stamps was sharp.Big day for the DBs. pic.twitter.com/FsmbpYEv1u
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) August 1, 2024
LSU is thin in the secondary, especially at corner. That trickle down will affect will affect the safeties with Ryan needing to play corner.
Veteran safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is moving to the star position, meaning LSU’s backend will have a different look this year. The Tigers landed former Texas A&M safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] in the transfer portal, who brings starting SEC experience, but other than that, there are questions.
Allen could prove to be the answer. Even if he doesn’t assume a full time starting role, Allen looks to be factoring into Blake Baker’s defensive plans. LSU safety coach [autotag]Jake Olsen[/autotag] did good work with the safeties at Missouri and could be what this group needs to take a step forward.
Baker likes to play an aggressive style of defense. That will put pressure on the young secondary at times. If another safety emerges, that can help LSU limit the big plays allowed this fall.
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