NEW: Backup LSU cornerback enters the transfer portal

Laterrance Welch appeared in nine games with no starts in 2023.

After losing a couple of running backs to the transfer portal earlier this week, LSU saw its first defensive departure on Friday as sophomore cornerback [autotag]Laterrance Welch[/autotag] announced his intentions to leave the program.

The Lafayette native was a four-star recruit and top-150 prospect coming out of high school, but he hasn’t seen a lot of significant playing time in his two years in Baton Rouge.

He appeared in 13 games as a true freshman, most of it coming on special teams, recording four tackles. Entering 2023, he was expected to compete for a starting spot.

Welch ultimately appeared in nine games this fall, but he recorded no starts and totaled just nine tackles with a pass deflection. Down the stretch, true freshmen like [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]Javen Toviano[/autotag] saw starting reps over Welch.

Welch becomes just the second scholarship LSU player to announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal, joining running back Armoni Goodwin. The transfer portal officially opens for non-graduates on Monday.

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