Tag: LSU Transfers

LSU guard Justice Hill to enter transfer portal

Hill will be back in the portal after a year with the Tigers.

Basketball’s transfer portal season has begun, and LSU guard [autotag]Justice Hill[/autotag] plans to enter it, per reports.

Hill was one of a few Murray State transfers that followed coach [autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag] to LSU. Hill was a standout at MSU, earning all-conference honors and helping lead the Racers to a 30+ win season.

He appeared in 30 games and started 17 for the Tigers this season. In January, Hill stepped away from the team for a short period due to personal reasons.

He averaged just 3.9 points per game in conference play. There were some offensive struggles with Hill’s shooting percentage being a career low.

Despite the inconsistency, Hill still brought value considering the situation. McMahon’s Murray State transfers took a chance transferring to LSU. McMahon needed it with the situation he was taking over.

LSU could have used Hill returning, especially with the inexperience at the guard spot, but it was clear this would be another offseason of change for LSU. With two years of eligibility left, Hill will explore his options.

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Wofford transfer BJ Mack cuts list of finalists to 10

The graduate transfer is one of the most sought-after players in the portal.

The Tigers remain in the mix for one of the most sought-after grad transfers in college basketball as they made the cut for Wofford forward [autotag]BJ Mack[/autotag], who recently trimmed his list down to 10 teams according to his Instagram account.

The 6-foot-8 native of Charlotte become a full-time starter for the Terriers over the last two seasons, and he averaged 16.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 2022-23 while shooting 49.2% from the field. He entered the transfer portal after the season, and he’s received quite a bit of attention since.

Alongside LSU, Mack included Florida, Arkansas, Iowa, Butler, Xavier, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Michigan and South Carolina among his finalists.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDyF5huTH6/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

LSU is competing with a number of good programs here, but this team could really use the help after a disappointing Year 1 campaign from coach [autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag], who went just 2-16 in SEC play and lost 14 straight games from December to February.

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Brian Kelly opens up about Denver Harris’ exit from Texas A&M

Kelly spoke about the process that went into Harris’ recruitment following his messy exit from Texas A&M.

When [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag] left Texas A&M and hit the transfer portal, there was no question about his talent.

He was one of the best available players — a former five-star who fit the bill when he was on the field, too.

But there were questions about his messy exit from A&M. Harris was one of several A&M players disciplined last fall. He went from a freshman phenom to not seeing the field.

LSU needed corners and Harris’ talent was too big to ignore, but in Brian Kelly’s time at LSU, he’s said LSU just doesn’t want to take anyone from the portal – especially if there were issues at the previous stop.

Harris committed to LSU in December, helping to address that need in the secondary.

Kelly spoke about the process that went into that after Tuesday’s practice.

It sounds like Kelly feels whatever happened with Harris at A&M is behind him. Kelly trusts in the culture that he’s building at LSU.

“So far, so good,” he said.

LSU will need the situation to remain that way as Harris figures to be a key part of the defense in 2023.

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LSU State of the Program: Secondary looks to build a foundation

Here’s what to expect from LSU’s secondary this year and moving forward.

Thinking about the lead-up to last season, I think I wrote more about LSU’s new-look secondary than anything else. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] rebuilding the room from scratch was a major storyline.

A year later, I’m getting deja vu. LSU, once again, has taken to the portal to fill out the secondary.

Several of last year’s additions were on the older side, approaching the end of their eligibility or in the case of [autotag]Mekhi Garner[/autotag] and [autotag]Jay Ward[/autotag], ready to declare for the draft.

[autotag]Jarrick Bernard-Converse[/autotag], [autotag]Joe Foucha[/autotag] and [autotag]Colby Richardson[/autotag] are gone, too.

A few younger players choose to exit through the portal. [autotag]Raydarious Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Jaelyn Davis-Robinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Damarius McGhee[/autotag] will all be playing elsewhere.

There’s no cause for concern yet with some of the portal’s best corners set to wear purple and gold. Here’s what the group looks like in 2023 and beyond.

LSU basketball has been in contact with guard transfer from North Carolina

The Tigers are already looking to improve the roster after a disappointing campaign.

After a disappointing debut season for coach [autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag] in which LSU finished just 2-16 in SEC play, it’s clear some changes need to be made.

That will almost certainly include some additions via the transfer portal, and one player that LSU has reportedly made contact with is former North Carolina guard [autotag]Dontrez Styles[/autotag].

According to On3, Styles — a 6-foot-6 player who spent two seasons with the Tar Heels — has heard from a number of programs including several in power conferences in addition to the Tigers.

Styles played in 30 games as a true freshman in 2021-22, averaging two points and 1.4 rebounds, but he only played in 15 games this season and saw his production dip even further.

Still, Styles was a four-star recruit and top 75 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, and it’s not surprising that he’s seeing a lot of interest from programs in need of help like LSU’s.

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LSU State of the Program: Linebackers an intriguing group in 2023

Here’s how LSU’s linebacker room shakes out entering 2023.

Spring practice is underway at LSU.

The Tigers got a couple of sessions in before heading to spring break. When they return, the action will ramp up and eventually conclude with a final event in Tiger Stadium.

Throughout the spring, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the state of LSU’s program.

With just a couple of groups to go, we’re focusing on the linebackers today. This is one of the more intriguing spots on the roster given the star power of [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag]. However, there are some questions when it comes to depth.

Let’s jump right in, starting with the immediate future.

(Check out the previous posts in our State of the Program series on LSU’s quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, offensive line and defensive line.)

LSU lands Maryland offensive line transfer with starting experience

Mason Lunsford started 26 games for the Terrapins in four years.

The Tigers added to what is already one of their more talented groups on Tuesday, signing Maryland offensive line transfer [autotag]Mason Lunsford[/autotag].

A native of Olney, Maryland, the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Lunsford played four years with the Terrapins, making 26 starts in 29 appearances. He started all 13 games at left guard as a sophomore in 2021, and he made 10 starts in 2022 while not allowing a sack on 381 pass-blocking opportunities.

LSU returns four of its five starters along the offensive line, including two starters on the interior in [autotag]Miles Frazier[/autotag] and [autotag]Garrett Dellinger[/autotag]. Still, the Tigers lost a lot of their depth there to the portal and adding a player like Lunsford shores the group up quite a bit.

He will have two remaining years of eligibility.

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LSU basketball one of several programs showing interest in Wofford transfer

Matt McMahon is already looking to add reinforcements after a rough year.

After a regular season that saw LSU win just two conference games, [autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag] is searching for reinforcements.

According to On3, LSU has reached out to former Wofford player and grad transfer [autotag]BJ Mack[/autotag].

Over 20 schools have contacted the 6-foot-8 forward. Mack has averaged 11.9 points per game throughout his career, averaging 16.6 this past season. It was his second-straight year averaging over 16 points.

He’s experienced, having appeared in over 100 games throughout his time in college and starting 69 of them. LSU needs help, and an addition like Mack would go a long way, but there’s some hefty competition.

McMahon is going to need a good sell to add the type of talent LSU needs throughout the offseason. It’s not clear what LSU’s roster will look like next year. There could be a lot of change again, which isn’t a bad thing.

We don’t know where McMahon was just trying to fill holes last year or which guys factor into his long-term plans. Rebuilds take time and a constant shifting of personnel.

Regardless, it’s clear some changes need to be made following a disappointing campaign.

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Mekhi Garner listed among top 1-year transfers to watch at the combine

Garner had an excellent season after transferring from Louisiana last spring.

Workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine officially begin on Thursday, and when defensive backs take the field on Friday, [autotag]Mekhi Garner[/autotag] is one player who is sure to draw the attention of NFL scouts.

A transfer addition from Louisiana last offseason, Garner boosted his draft stock considerably in his lone season at LSU in 2022. He was one of the best defensive backs in the SEC, and he bolstered a Tigers secondary that leaned heavily on additions from the portal.

Garner was listed by On3’s Mike Huguenin as one of several one-year transfers to keep an eye on at the combine this week, and he was identified as a potential Day 3 steal.

Transfer from: Louisiana
The buzz: Mekhi Garner was a third-team All-Sun Belt pick in 2021, and though he has good size for a corner (6-1, 220), there were questions about whether his speed was enough for the SEC. That wasn’t an issue, as he quickly grabbed a starting role and had 43 tackles and seven pass breakups for a team that won the SEC West. He seems likely to go on Day 3 and could end up moving to safety. Garner is extremely physical but the speed question continues to dog him.

Garner gave LSU some really good cornerback play during his one campaign with the Tigers, and replacing his production is one of the biggest priorities this offseason. For his part, Garner isn’t exactly seen as an elite NFL prospect, but with a strong showing this weekend he could change his perception.

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LSU early enrollee announces he is leaving the football program

Safety Michael Daugherty is moving on after his brief stay at LSU.

LSU true freshman safety [autotag]Michael Daugherty[/autotag] has withdrawn from LSU and intends to enter the transfer portal, he announced via his Twitter account on Saturday.

The former three-star recruit in the 2023 signing class from Loganville, Georgia, pledged to the Tigers in December over North Carolina, Arkansas, Auburn and others. The 5-foot-10.5, 174-pound safety early enrolled, but he will be utilizing his free, one-time transfer to go elsewhere.

“Becoming a Tiger was a blessing and I am thankful for the opportunity to meet great coaches, people and teammates,” Daugherty said in his announcement post. “I will always value the memories, teachings and traits of excellence created. Thank you to all the additional personal for the consoulment (sic) that help mold me into a better man.

“I Thank to God for this opportunity, but after carful (sic) consideration and discussions with my parents, respect my decision to withdraw from LSU and enter the transfer portal.”

The No. 549 player nationally coming out of high school, Daugherty will have four remaining years of eligibility at his next stop.

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