LSU football released a new depth chart before kickoff vs. Baylor and a key defender was absent.
Starting safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] was not listed with Da’Shawn Spears and Javien Toviano listed as the starters. Gilbert was not listed as depth, either.
There was no official reason or report given for Gilbert’s absence. He was with the team in Houston earlier this week.
For LSU, this means the safety room grows even thinner. LSU was already without Major Burns (opt-out) and Sage Ryan (transfer portal).
Jordan Allen and Kylin Jackson also entered the portal, leaving LSU without experience down the depth chart.
With Gilbert out, LSU is down its three starting safeties.
Plenty of eyes will be on Spears and Toviano as they get a chance to stake their claim on a full-time role entering 2025. Both were highly touted recruits.
Spears is a true freshman who saw action throughout the regular season. Toviano was mostly a depth piece in 2024 as LSU toyed with his position. In recent weeks, the Tigers decided to leave Toviano at safety.
Without depth in the secondary, expect LSU to show more 4-3 looks. That allows LSU to start Whit Weeks, Greg Penn, and Dahvon Keys at linebacker.