Tag: Duce Chestnut

Brian Kelly provides another update on CB Duce Chestnut’s status with team

Brian Kelly said that Duce Chestnut remains on scholarship but is currently inactive.

LSU’s already thin secondary has been without one of its major offseason additions in recent weeks.

Cornerback [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag], a transfer pickup from Syracuse this past spring, is currently away from the team for undisclosed reasons and has not played since the Week 4 win over Arkansas.

Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] has said multiple times that a decision on Chestnut’s future with the team would be made soon, but in his latest update on Thursday, he provided little new information other than saying that Chestnut is inactive but remains on scholarship.

“Duce is inactive,” Kelly said. “He is still on scholarship, he is still on the roster, but he’s inactive right now.”

Without Chestnut, LSU has leaned heavily on a pair of other transfers in [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] and [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag], which has represented the starting outside duo in recent weeks.

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Brian Kelly provides brief update on Duce Chestnut’s status with team

Duce Chestnut is still away from the team, and Brian Kelly said he will likely be able to provide more information next week.

LSU’s secondary has had some struggles so far this season, and one of its top offseason additions is currently away from the team.

Syracuse transfer cornerback [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag] began the season as a starter but was quickly supplanted by fellow transfer [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag]. After appearing in the first four games, Chestnut has missed the last two with coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] only offering that he was away from the team.

Kelly was asked again about Chestnut’s status on Thursday, but he provided little news on that front. He said he would meet with Chestnut again in the coming days and likely would have another update next week.

Chestnut entered the year expected to be a major contributor, but he’s one of several offseason additions that haven’t really panned out so far.

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LSU cornerback Duce Chestnut not currently with team, Brian Kelly says

Brian Kelly said a decision on Duce Chestnut’s future with the team will be made in the coming weeks.

LSU’s already struggling secondary took another hit this week as [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] announced Thursday that Syracuse transfer cornerback [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag] is not currently with the team.

According to Kelly, a decision on Chestnut’s future with the program will be made in the next few weeks, though he declined to go into further detail.

Chestnut was a Freshman All-American with the Orange and an All-ACC honorable mention last season. He began the year as a starter, appearing in the first four games, though he was supplanted in the starting lineup by fellow transfer [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag].

In those four games, Chestnut totaled four tackles with an interception, putting him in a tie for the team lead.

Chestnut did not travel with the team to Oxford, Mississippi, this past weekend for what Kelly only called a coach’s decision at the time. Now, an LSU defensive backs group that also lost cornerback transfer [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag] with a leg injury before the season is even thinner.

It’s unclear if Chestnut will return to the team at some point, but in the meantime, Harris and [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] — another transfer — will likely be the starting cornerback duo.

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NEW: LSU cornerback JK Johnson likely out for the year after undergoing surgery

JK Johnson underwent successful surgery on his left leg and will be out until December, at the earliest.

LSU’s secondary took a major blow in fall camp when Ohio State transfer [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag], who was expected to compete for a starting spot at outside cornerback, went down with a leg injury.

Now, it seems that Johnson is unlikely to return to the Tigers in 2023.

On Wednesday, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said that Johnson underwent successful surgery to repair a left leg fracture and will be out until December, at the very earliest. This means that if Johnson were to play, it likely wouldn’t be until the postseason.

A former top-100 recruit, Johnson played in 15 games with five starts in two seasons with the Buckeyes.

Without Johnson, LSU has turned to transfers [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag] and [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag], though [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag] — another transfer — got the start against Grambling in his debut with the Tigers and could be moving toward the full-time starting role.

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Sage Ryan ready to take on bigger role in 2023

Sage Ryan could be poised for a breakout third year with the Tigers.

LSU’s secondary features a lot of new faces after another big-time transfer portal haul. But perhaps one of the most intriguing players in the group is one that LSU recruited and developed themselves.

After redshirting his first season in 2021, [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] saw a lot of action off the bench in 2022. He played in all 14 games, but he only made one start.

Ryan is looking to change that this time around, and he’s vying for a starting spot at nickel in 2023. After seeing action as a utility weapon in high school, Ryan said focusing on one position has helped him grow.

“It was hard my first two years to adapt because I only played offense in high school and was a top athlete,” Ryan told the media, per On3. “When I finally focused on one position on the defensive side, it was a different challenge for me. When I broke down the playbook it really helped me understand everything. Now, things are moving a lot slower for me on the field.

“I’d say my man coverage and my ball skills have been the main focus – just making a play with the ball in the air. It was mostly my one-on-one coverage. I’ve got zone coverage down, with my eye progressions, but it’s just doing your job.”

Ryan will certainly face some competition at nickel. The Tigers added a potential starter there in Syracuse transfer [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag], and true freshman [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] has repped at safety and nickel in what has reportedly been an impressive camp.

Still, Ryan has the benefit of experience and knowing the defensive system, which should help him secure his biggest role yet on defense.

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2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 22 Duce Chestnut

Duce Chestnut comes in after two years as a starter at Syracuse.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

Once again, arguably the biggest storyline on the defensive side of the ball this offseason is the class of transfer additions in the secondary. One of the more intriguing players in that group is [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag], who was a standout in his first two seasons at Syracuse.

Duce Chestnut Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Camden, New Jersey

Ht: 5-11

Wt: 200

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three Stars | No. 7 in New Jersey | No. 31 Cornerback

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2021 (Syracuse) 12 43 32 3.5 0 0 8 3
2022 (Syracuse) 12 40 27 1.5 0 0 1 1


Depth Chart Overview

Chestnut immediately became a starter after arriving at Syracuse, starting all 12 games as a true freshman while earning Freshman All-America and Third Team All-ACC honors. He also finished as the runner up for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He started all 12 games again last fall, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention. His interception numbers dropped from three to one, though he took his lone pick to the house against Wagner.

After arriving at LSU this offseason, he’s expected to take over the starting nickel role, though he’ll have to compete with returning player [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], who showed some promise last season, as well.

Duce Chestnut’s Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 15 Sage Ryan

Sage Ryan will look to build on a promising redshirt freshman season.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re taking a look at a returning player who could be poised to break out among a group filled with transfers. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] missed much of his true freshman season due to injuries, but he took a step forward last fall, becoming a regular contributor

Sage Ryan’s Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana

Ht: 5-11

Wt: 202

247Sports Composite Ranking

Five Stars | No. 2 in Louisiana | No. 2 Safety

Class in 2021: Redshirt Freshman

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo Sack PD INT FF FR
2021 4 6 2 0 2 0 0 0
2022 14 23 14 0 0 0 2 2

Depth Chart Overview

Ryan was the second-highest-rated recruit in LSU’s 2021 recruiting class coming out of high school, but he had a minimal impact as a true freshman due to injuries. In the four games he appeared in, he totaled just six tackles and two pass deflections.

He saw a much bigger role this past fall, appearing in all 14 games with one start against Ole Miss, in which he totaled a career-high five tackles. He finished the year with 23, forcing two fumbles and recovering two as well.

Ryan can play nickel or safety, but his easiest path to the field is likely at the former spot. He’ll compete with Syracuse transfer [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag] for that starting job this fall.

Sage Ryan’s Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 12 JK Johnson

JK Johnson started five of the 13 games he appeared in as a redshirt freshman for Ohio State last fall.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

After losing a lot of production in the secondary from the 2022 team, the Tigers went heavy to the transfer portal to plug the holes. One of the top additions is cornerback [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag], who was a rotational player with Ohio State as a redshirt freshman last fall but is expected to take a step forward this fall.

JK Johnson Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 180

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 1 in Missouri | No. 3 Cornerback

Class in 2022: Redshirt Freshman

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2021 (Ohio State) 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0
2022 (Ohio State) 13 20 16 0 0 0 0 0


Depth Chart Overview

A former top-50 recruit coming out of high school and the top prospect in the state of Missouri, Johnson redshirted his first season at Ohio State after appearing in just two games.

He saw a much bigger role as a redshirt freshman last fall, appearing in 13 games and making five starts. He had minimal production, making 20 tackles while not breaking up or intercepting any passes.

He hit the transfer portal after the season, and he lands with an LSU team that has to replace [autotag]Mekhi Garner[/autotag], [autotag]Jarrick Bernard-Converse[/autotag], [autotag]Colby Richardson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jay Ward[/autotag]. Johnson will likely be in the mix to earn a starting spot on the outside this season alongside transfers [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag] and [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag], as well as returning contributor [autotag]Laterrance Welch[/autotag].

JK Johnson’s Photo Gallery

Aaron Murray thinks LSU football will be better than Alabama in 2023

Aaron Murray is the latest to join the LSU hype train.

What many thought would be a rebuilding year for coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] in Year 1 at LSU quickly turned into something more.

The Tigers upset Alabama, winning 10 games and the SEC West in 2022. Now, this is a team garnering College Football Playoff hype, but to get there, it likely needs to beat the Crimson Tide again.

Even though that game will be in Tuscaloosa, it may not be viewed as an upset by the time we get there. During an appearance on the 3 and Out podcast, Aaron Murray said he thinks LSU is the better team right now, citing its depth.

“LSU has built depth this offseason,” Murray said, per On3. “They’ve done a great job in the portal. They’ve done a great job recruiting, but it’s not to the level of Alabama,” Murray said. “But, if you asked me today, if you just want to compare starter vs. starter, LSU has more, I would say if you did a whole point category, LSU would get more points for me than Alabama if we want to break it down.”

LSU also has an advantage when it comes to the quarterback situation. Starter [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] is back, while Alabama looks to replace Bryce Young in a three-way battle between Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner.

“Especially at the big-time areas,” Murray said. “I think they’re better at quarterback. I think with their transfer running back that they have in there, which is kind of a coin flip, I think they’ve got better tackles, I think they’ve got better receivers, got a better tight end. Offensively, they’re better and they’ve got the quarterback. I mean, that’s the big hiccup. You know this. In today’s game, you need a QB, and right now for Alabama, we don’t know who that quarterback’s gonna be.

“And whoever it is of those three guys that they have on the roster right now, it’s not going to be to the same level as Jayden Daniels is.”

Murray also offered praise for LSU’s defense, which loses some major pieces but added big-time transfers like [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag].

“Then you look at LSU on defense,” he said. “They’ve got [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] back at defensive tackle, who is probably gonna be a first-rounder. They’ve got [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag]. The best linebacker in the country. Like position by position starter-wise, LSU is as talented as anyone in the country. It’s the two-deep. It’s all of a sudden if those starters get hurt at a couple key positions, they don’t have the depth to compete.

“And the problem is you face Alabama at the end of the season, how healthy are you going to be by the time you go to Tuscaloosa? That’s the only question, but if LSU is healthy, they’re the better football team this year.”

Murray is certainly not alone in this opinion, and it’s one we’ll likely see more as we approach the start of the season, especially if LSU can knock off Florida State in what will likely be a season-opening matchup between top-10 teams.

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LSU’s transfer portal class could put the team in College Football Playoff contention

LSU has been able to acquire a lot of talent through the transfer portal under Brian Kelly.

Since the advent of the transfer portal, the entire strategy behind roster-building has shifted.

Now, coaches can turn bad situations around much quicker, and contenders can take the leap from good to great with just a couple of additions. LSU will be one of the teams hoping to do just that this fall.

After bringing in a lot of veteran transfers last offseason, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] has done the same this time around. The team was particularly active on defense, bringing in [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag]. But the offense added promising Power Five position players like receiver [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] and running back [autotag]Logan Diggs[/autotag].

On3’s Jesse Simonton listed the Tigers’ transfer portal class as one that could impact the College Football Playoff race.

Brian Kelly doesn’t want to live long-term via the transfer portal, but the former Notre Dame head coach has used the outlet as a way to beef up LSU’s roster his first two seasons in Baton Rouge.

The SEC West champs added 13 transfers to the roster during the 2023 cycle.

For the second straight autumn, the Tigers’ secondary will feature a whole new host of faces, with Denver Harris, a former 5-star recruit from Texas A&M, Darian ‘Duce’ Chestnut, a Freshman All-American in 2021 from Syracuse, Ohio State backup corner Jakailin Johnson and Zy Alexander, an FCS All-American who had nine picks in two seasons at Southeastern Louisiana, all competing for starting spots.

All-Pac 12 transfer Omar Speights will pair with Harold Perkins to form one of the top 1-2 LB tandems in the country, while Maryland tackle Mason Lunsford (a 13-game starter last season) is a great addition to an offensive line that returns all five starters in 2023.

The Tigers also signed several quality defensive linemen/edge defenders who figure to compete for playing time this fall.

Two potential game-changing transfers on offense are former Alabama speedster Aaron Anderson, a New Orleans native, and Notre Dame tailback Logan Diggs.

Running back was a question mark for LSU entering the summer, but the recent addition of Diggs, who signed with Kelly in 2021 and had over 1,000 total yards as a sophomore in 2022) fills a real need.

With the rest of its returning roster + notable additions like Speights and Diggs, LSU has the makeup of a College Football Playoff team. Whether the Tigers can win the SEC West again and crack the field will likely depend on how a reshuffled secondary shakes out — starting in Week 1 in a monster game vs. FSU.

The Tigers certainly added a lot of new pieces, but this team should be talented once again after a surprisingly successful 10-win season in 2022.

LSU will hope these additions are enough to take yet another leap in 2023.

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