Tag: Greg Brooks Jr

BREAKING: Pair of key defensive starters out for LSU against Mississippi State

The Tigers are missing two major contributors on defense for Saturday’s SEC opener.

LSU’s defense will be without two of its most impactful players on Saturday when the Tigers face a new-look Mississippi State offense.

Linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag], who was listed as doubtful on Thursday but still traveled with the team, didn’t dress and won’t play Saturday. Starting nickel [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] also won’t play against the Bulldogs for undisclosed reasons.

Mason Taylor reportedly went through warmups and remains a game-time decision.

These are two very tough losses for the Tigers. Both are very experienced players and major contributors on the defensive side of the ball. With Speights out, you’re likely to see a heavy dose of [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag], Whit Weeks and [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag].

Without Brooks, [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] is likely to get the start at nickel.

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LSU names team captains for the 2023 season

Coach Brian Kelly announced the 2023 team captains on Tuesday.

LSU coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] has named the team captains for the 2023 campaign.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, offensive lineman [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] and defensive back [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] were chosen as the team’s leaders for the upcoming season.

The selections are hardly surprising. Daniels enters his fifth year as a starting quarterback in college and was a preseason All-SEC selection. Brooks also enters his fifth season, and the pair of former transfers should anchor each side of the ball in their final seasons.

Campbell and Wingo are younger, but both were chosen to wear the honorary No. 7 and No. 18 jerseys, respectively. Wingo also represented the team at SEC Media Days along with Daniels and running back [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag].

LSU kicks off the 2023 season Sunday night in Orlando against Florida State as it looks to avenge a season-opening loss from last fall.

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11 LSU players named to Preseason Coaches All-SEC teams

LSU is third behind Alabama and Georgia, which have 14 selections each.

The coaches have released their preseason All-SEC Teams, and while Georgia and Alabama unsurprisingly lead the way with 14 total selections each, LSU is not far behind with 11 total selections.

On the First Team, there are three starters on each side of the ball. Quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] appears, as does his favorite receiver in [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag]. Sophomore offensive tackle [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] also appears after a breakout freshman campaign.

Defensively, [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is a no-brainer, while LSU’s defensive tackle tandem of [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] and [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] both make appearances.

On the second team, LSU put three players including sophomore tight end [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] and offensive tackle [autotag]Emery Jones[/autotag], last year’s other freshman standout on the offensive line. [autotag]Nathan Dibert[/autotag], who handled kickoffs for the Tigers, made the second team as a specialist.

Two more Tigers players appear on the Third Team in veteran nickel/safety [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag], a transfer addition from Arkansas last offseason, and long-snapper [autotag]Slade Roy[/autotag], who also came as a transfer from East Carolina last season.

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LSU dealing with several injuries in secondary ahead of season

The Tigers could enter the season with some depth concerns in the defensive backfield.

We’re less than two weeks away from LSU beginning its 2023 campaign against the Florida State Seminoles in Orlando, but the Tigers are currently battling a few injuries in one of the thinner position groups on the field.

LSU currently has several players in the secondary working to get back to full health. The most significant is cornerback [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag], an Ohio State transfer who was expected to compete for a starting job but is currently out indefinitely with a fractured foot.

On3’s Matthew Brune also provided injury reports on two other players. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], who’s having a good camp and could win the nickel job, was injured during Saturday’s scrimmage, ending his day.

If Ryan is unavailable for the opener, it’s possible we could see safety [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] move back to nickel, where he began the 2022 season.

Safety [autotag]Matthew Langlois[/autotag] has missed a lot of camp, which is concerning given his injury history. He was expected to provide some key depth, and his absence for the start of the season would raise even more questions about the group.

That’s not even mentioning the status of [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag], who returned to the field on Saturday after missing a week of practice. It’s still not entirely clear if he’s going to play against the Seminoles.

LSU has luckily managed to stay healthy among starters in the defensive backfield, but it could enter the season with some serious depth concerns.

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One highlight from every member of LSU’s transfer class

LSU’s transfer class was among the nation’s best. Here’s one highlight from every transfer.

LSU landed the second-best transfer class on the 2023 cycle according to 247Sports.

It’s a class that addresses key needs while also adding some star power.

Last year, we saw Brian Kelly’s first transfer class pay dividends as players like [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] came up with big plays in big moments.

Here, we’ll be taking a look at one or two highlights from each member of the class. Each play sheds some light on what LSU’s getting from this class and what fans can expect to see on the field this fall.

We’ll start with the most recent addition, a safety who should fit right into Matt House’s scheme.

Is Josh Williams the favorite to wear No. 18?

Josh Williams leadership has stood out with LSU. Could he be rewarded with the No. 18?

When [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] walked on at LSU, not many knew who he was. A two-star recruit just looking to earn his spot at an SEC school.

But last year, Williams emerged as one of LSU’s top contributors. Now on scholarship, he racked up 664 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

Williams battled injuries down the stretch, which limited his production, but [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] praised Williams’ leadership several times throughout the year.

At SEC media days, Kelly offered up more of that sentiment.

“He’s a guy that’s respected by so many,” Kelly said.

Kelly highlighted Williams importance to the coaching transition and said Williams reliability was critical. Kelly said what stood out about Williams was his down-to-down reliability. There was a level of trust there.

Williams surpassed 100 total yards in three games last year, which included a game at Arkansas where LSU’s offense couldn’t get much going at all.

All of this could lead to Williams wearing the coveted 18 jersey. Each year, LSU awards 18 to a player that represents the program in the best way possible. Off-the-field accomplishments matter just as much as what the player does on it.

Last year, it was defensive end [autotag]B.J. Ojulari[/autotag].

There are other good candidates. [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] fits the criteria, but he has a connection to the No. 5 jersey and might give it up. There’s [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] too, who joined Daniels and Williams at media day.

LSU’s given out and 18 for offense and defense in the past. That could be an option this year due to the number of candidates. Don’t count out [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] or [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], either. Both safeties are leaders of the defense and Louisiana natives that Kelly has praised before.

But right now, Williams has to be the favorite. He’s the former walk-on who fought his way to a starting running back role at a premier SEC school. That’s what the No. 18 is all about.

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2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 3 Greg Brooks Jr.

Greg Brooks Jr. returns for his final season to help anchor the Tigers’ defensive backfield.

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.

The secondary saw quite a bit of shakeup this offseason and will feature several new faces. There will be some continuity, however, and [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] is a main reason why. The fifth-year player transferred in last season from Arkansas and helped the defense immensely.

Now, he’ll be tasked with leading the secondary in 2023.

Greg Brooks Jr. Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Harvey, Louisiana

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 187

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 16 in Louisiana | No. 35 Cornerback

Class in 2022: Senior

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2019 (Arkansas) 11 25 13 0 0 0 3 1
2020 (Arkansas) 9 39 22 3 0 0 1 2
2021 (Arkansas) 13 47 22 2.5 0 0 4 1
2022 14 66 34 3 1 1 3 2


Depth Chart Overview

One of Kelly’s top transfer additions last offseason, Brooks came from the Tigers’ SEC West rival after starting for three seasons in Fayetteville. Brooks played primarily in the nickel for the Razorbacks, and that’s where he began 2022 with LSU.

He ultimately started 13 of 14 games last fall but moved to safety by the end of the season. His 66 total tackles ranked fifth on the team, and he matched his career high with two interceptions. One of those was a game-sealing pick in the fourth quarter of the Tigers’ win over Auburn.

Brooks will, in all likelihood, retain his starting safety spot, though it’s always possible defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag] chooses to move him back to corner. Alongside returning starter [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], the safety duo should be the strength of the defensive backfield this fall.

Greg Brooks Jr.’s Photo Gallery

LSU boasts one of college football’s top defenses entering 2023

Despite losing several key pieces, this defense has a lot of potential this fall.

As the offseason hype grows around LSU, much of the discussion has had to do with the offense.

Indeed, the Tigers bring back perhaps the SEC’s top returning quarterback/receiver duo in [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag]. Pair that with a young, promising offensive line and a running back room with plenty of options, and you have the makings of a great unit.

But defensively, the Tigers have a lot of potential, as well. There are players to replace, certainly, such as edge defenders [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Mike Jones Jr.[/autotag] and secondary starters [autotag]Jay Ward[/autotag], [autotag]Mekhi Garner[/autotag], [autotag]Jarrick Bernard-Converse[/autotag] and [autotag]Joe Foucha[/autotag].

Still, LSU returns a lot of promising players. [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is widely expected to become one of the best players in the country, while [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] returns after a breakout season on the defensive line. He’ll be paired up inside with the player he replaced in [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag], who many expect to have a huge season, as well, as he returns from an ACL tear.

While the secondary will feature a lot of new faces, LSU will get veterans [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] back,

That’s not even mentioning the transfers who will see immediate action like defensive linemen [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and cornerback [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag].

This group has a lot of talent, and ESPN ranked it as the No. 8 defensive unit entering 2023.

It always starts right up front with any defense, and getting back a healthyMaason Smithat tackle is a huge boost for an LSU unit that finished fifth in the SEC last season in scoring defense (22.5 points per game) and sixth in total defense (354.6 yards per game). Smith earned Freshman All-America honors in 2021, but tore his ACL in the opener last season against Florida State while celebrating a tackle. The 6-6, 310-pound Smith is a force in the middle of that defense, andMekhi Wingoshowed a year ago he was also capable of being a dominant interior defender. Throw in one of the best pass-rushers in the SEC, outside linebackerHarold Perkins Jr., and the Tigers will be a load for any opposing offensive line trying to block them. Perkins had 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a freshman last season.

LSU will also benefit from having defensive coordinator Matt House and his staff back for another season. The continuity and carryover from 2022 should allow the Tigers to play even faster and more instinctively, and one of the keys will be how well several transfers fit on defense.

LinebackerOmar Speightstransferred in fromOregon State, where he was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection last season. There are some question marks in the secondary, although veteran safetyGreg Brooks Jr. is back. A number of transfers will get chances to win cornerback jobs. Among them:JK Johnson(Ohio State),Duce Chestnut(Syracuse),Denver Harris(Texas A&M) andZy Alexander(Southeastern Louisiana).

[autotag]Matt House[/autotag] is viewed as one of the top up-and-coming defensive minds in the game, and he’ll have a lot to work with as LSU has the makings of a potential College Football Playoff team this fall.

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Transfer Breakdown: 5 things to know about LSU transfer pickup Andre Sam

Here’s what LSU’s getting in the safety transfer.

LSU turned to the portal again this week.

The Tigers continued to build their secondary with the addition of safety [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag].

Sam brings over 2,000 snaps of experience to a safety room in need of depth. [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] form a solid pair at the top, but after that, there was uncertainty.

He’s a Louisiana native who spent four years at McNeese, giving him a prior relationship with LSU running backs coach [autotag]Frank Wilson[/autotag], who was head coach for a time there.

After playing at Marshall last year, Sam followed DC Lance Guidry to Tulane. Guidry then took the same position at Miami, leading Sam to hit the portal again.

Here are five things to know about LSU’s newest addition.

LSU football’s Greg Brooks Jr. plans to uphold ‘DBU’ tradition in 2023

Can LSU maintain its DBU claim in 2023?

LSU is one of several college football programs that considers itself the premier producer of defensive back talent in the country and has adopted the moniker “DBU” to reflect that.

Though that is a point of contention with several other schools, given that the Tigers have produced players like [autotag]Patrick Peterson[/autotag], [autotag]Tyrann Mathieu[/autotag] and [autotag]Jamal Adams[/autotag], just to name a few, they certainly have a case.

This year’s group of defensive backs will feature a lot of new faces after a number of players departed and were subsequently replaced in the transfer portal with players like [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag], [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag] and [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag].

[autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag], one of the few returning veterans in the defensive backfield, said this year’s group has what it takes to keep that DBU tradition alive, according to On3.

“It’s great, you know what I’m saying. We gotta keep the tradition going. It’s gonna be a fun year,” said Brooks. “We have a lot of new guys. And I feel like a lot of us are gonna step up to keep that name, upholding this tradition.”

After a portal-heavy rebuild in the secondary last offseason, Kelly had to do so once again. Sustaining success that way may not be easy, but there’s no denying the talent on the roster at the position.

LSU fans will hope Brooks is right and the defensive backs can continue to be a strength.

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