Tag: Sage Ryan

LSU transfer portal update: Five safeties LSU should target

Here are LSU’s potential options as the Tigers look to add a safety

LSU football has been busy in the transfer portal since it opened last Monday. So far, the Tigers have added nine players in the portal, including impact starters on both sides of the ball.

LSU isn’t done yet, though. A few needs persist, including at safety and offensive line.

We’ll look at safety today.

LSU got inconsistent safety play in 2024. [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], and [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] are talented players but had their fair share of struggles. Ryan hit the transfer portal, and Burns is set to graduate.

Safeties [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] and [autotag]Kylin Jackson[/autotag] joined Ryan in the portal, leaving LSU thin at the position.

LSU likes what it saw from true freshman Dashawn Spears in 2024. Still, adding talent to the room is needed if LSU’s defense wants another step forward.

The Tigers have already lost a couple of the top available safety transfers, but good options remain. Here are five names to know as Brian Kelly and staff continue to bolster the 2024 roster.

Tawfiq Byard, USF

Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

There’s mutual interest between Byard and LSU after the safety took a visit to Baton Rouge earlier this week.

Byard was a three-star recruit in the class of 2023 and saw minimal action as a freshman, but 2024 was a breakout campaign for the sophomore.

Byard’s PFF run defense grade ranks top 40 among safeties with 450+ snaps. That’s what LSU needs on the backend after the Tigers struggled to contain explosive runs in 2024.

Genesis Smith, Arizona

Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports

According to On3, Smith is the top uncommitted safety in the transfer portal. He started 11 games with the Wildcats in 2024, lining up at safety and in the slot. If LSU wants to replace the versatility of Sage Ryan, Smith is the guy.

Smith came up with three picks and forced two fumbles in 2024. He’s 6’2′, which gives him the physicality to play in Blake Baker’s defense.

Tyson Flowers, Rice

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Rice is the No. 188 ranked player in the transfer portal. His PFF defense grade of 78.8 ranked 45th among FBS safeties in 2024. He has 867 career snaps and could be ready to make the jump to the Power Four.

He can play at safety or in the box and would be a fit to step into Major Burns’ role.

Caleb Weaver, Sam Houston State

Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Weaver is one of the most experienced options on the market, with over 1,800 career snaps. He’s listed at 5’9′, but he was still one of the nation’s most productive safeties in 2024, even against the run.

Weave broke up six passes while making 72 tackles. That’s the type of production LSU needs on the backend.

Jalen Stroman, Virginia Tech

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

LSU already landed one Virginia Tech defensive back this cycle, adding cornerback Mansoor Delane. Stroman is one of the most talented safeties in the portal, though injuries are a concern.

When Stroman was healthy in 2023, he made 15 stops and allowed just eight catches. LSU may want to avoid taking a gamble, but Stroman offers an upside option.

Brian Kelly explains how LSU is adjusting its secondary rotation

LSU is shuffling its secondary again in the bye week.

LSU experimented with its secondary throughout the first five weeks of the year. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] began the year at corner before moving to safety. [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] played the STAR spot until LSU wanted three linebackers on the field, pushing Burns to safety.

During the bye week, LSU is continuing to shuffle some pieces. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] is going to play STAR the rest of the way. This should bring some stability after Toviano’s bounced around from corner to safety to nickel since arriving at LSU.

Kelly said LSU coaches think Toviano is better close to the line of scrimmage. Toviano at STAR puts him in a position to be athletic and make plays. With Toviano at STAR, LSU has the flexibility to play Burns at safety again.

Toviano was a blue-chip recruit in 2023 and played as a true freshman last year, but he’s yet to see much action in 2024. If Toviano settles in at STAR, more playing time could be in the fold.

Overall, LSU’s secondary is playing better than it did to start 2023, but the Tigers still rank 111th nationally, allowing 8.1 yards per pass. LSU’s next test is Ole Miss, which gave LSU plenty of trouble through the air last year.

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Multiple LSU starters out for Saturday’s game at South Carolina in Week 3

The Tigers are a bit banged up heading into their SEC opener on Saturday.

LSU will begin SEC play on Saturday in Columbia against South Carolina, and it will be a bit shorthanded.

According to the Tigers’ pregame availability report, starting receiver [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] and starting safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] are out for Saturday’s game. For Hilton, it will mark his third straight missed game to begin the season.

[autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] wasn’t listed on the availability report and will likely make the start in Hilton’s place after missing last week’s game. Without Allen, the Tigers will likely turn to [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], who moved back to safety this week, to fill in.

Edge rusher [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] is also out, while [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] was listed as probable and [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag] remains questionable.

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LSU begins SEC play against the Gamecocks on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.

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Changes expected on LSU’s defense ahead of South Carolina game

LSU’s defense will look different when it meets South Carolina on Saturday morning.

As LSU enters conference play against South Carolina, the Tigers are tinkering with the defensive personnel.

The most notable of which is at the linebacker spot, where LSU will showcase more 4-3 looks. Expect to see [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] on the field together.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said Weeks is too good to be a rotational player, indicating he’s too good to keep off the field.

In those 4-3 looks, LSU has the option to move [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] to safety, his traditional position. Burns has played DC Blake Baker’s STAR spot so far in 2024.

Another change is increased playing time for [autotag]Dashawn Spears[/autotag]. The four-star true freshman continues to draw rave reviews and it’s getting harder for LSU to keep him off the field.

LSU will have to balance that with [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] moving. The return of cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] provides LSU with a veteran option on the outside and the Tigers feel more comfortable bumping Ryan back to safety.

Another beneficiary of Ryan’s move is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag]. The true freshman corner played just nine snaps against USC but got the start in Week 2 and played 26 snaps vs. Nicholls.

On the defensive line, following the injury to [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], LSU is moving [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] back inside. Shand played defensive tackle at Arizona before shifting to defensive end when arriving at LSU. But LSU needs the depth up the middle and Shand has the size to make an impact at the position.

The general takeaway is LSU finding a way to get its best 11 players on the field, even if it means making some moves.

LSU fans will get their first look at the changes when LSU and South Carolina kick it off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday morning.

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LSU vs South Carolina: What to watch for as Tigers open SEC play

Can LSU get it going on the ground? How does LSU manage personnel on defense? Here’s what to watch for when LSU faces South Carolina.

2024 continues to be a mirror image of 2023 for the LSU Tigers football team.

Both years opened with a neutral site loss on Sunday night to a big-name opponent. Both seasons followed that up with a Week 2 win over a Louisiana FCS school. Now, Week 3 features an SEC road trip against a team projected to finish near the bottom of the SEC.

Last year it was Mississippi State. This year, LSU travels further east to face South Carolina.

According to BetMGM, LSU is a seven-point favorite. A smaller line than the double-digit look-ahead spread posted in the summer. The loss to USC and first-half struggles against Nicholls brought the skeptics out, but head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] reiterated his confidence in this team.

South Carolina shouldn’t be a measuring stick for LSU, but the Tigers need to show they can take care of business on the road against a less talented squad.

Here’s what to watch for when LSU and South Carolina kick off on Saturday.

When LSU has the ball

When LSU’s on offense, I’ll be looking for two things:

  1. Can LSU run the ball?
  2. Can LSU generate explosive plays?

The fact that we have to ask the first question is a surprise. LSU’s offensive line was projected to be one of the nation’s best, and while it has held up in pass protection, LSU is yet to get a consistent push on the ground.

LSU ranks 112th nationally in rushing success rate and 89th with 3.93 yards per carry. Both marks are below the gaudy numbers posted last year and short of what’s expected of a team with this much talent.

The Tigers miss [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ dual-threat ability and lack a feature running back, but with two first-round tackles and veteran guards, the offensive line should be creating lanes.

South Carolina’s defensive front is strong, but it’s better at rushing the passer than it is at stopping the run. The Gamecocks stuff rate is in the 23rd percentile and their EPA/rush allowed is slightly above average.

If LSU can’t run the ball on Saturday, it signals concern for the remainder of 2024.

As for the second question, LSU needs to be more explosive. The Tigers are one or two more explosive plays from being 2-0. LSU struggled in the red zone vs. USC and the easiest way to fix that is scoring before you even get there.

LSU’s offense made its living on deep shots to [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] in 2023. I understand the personnel is different, but Nussmeier has the arm to push it down the field.

With a defense that’s still finding its way, LSU needs to be explosive enough to keep up in a potential shootout.

Following the USC loss, Kelly said LSU needs to keep [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] involved throughout the game. We’ll see if OC [autotag]Joe Sloan[/autotag] dials anything up for his top receiver on Saturday.

When South Carolina has the ball

That Week 3 game against Mississippi State was LSU’s best defensive performance in 2023. The Tigers took advantage of a defense that wasn’t as talented.

It didn’t mean much the rest of the year as the unit regressed back to what it was in the Week 1 loss to Florida State, but it showed LSU had the pieces to bully a less talented team.

LSU hopes for a similar result tomorrow.

South Carolina’s offense struggled last year and then lost Spencer Rattler and Xavier Leggette — its top two players. Rebuilding a unit is hard, especially when you lose the stars.

LaNorris Sellers took over for Rattler and is yet to show anything particularly impressive. The offensive line is improved, but they didn’t have to do much to cross the low bar set in 2023. When it comes to the pass catchers, South Carolina is still searching for the next WR1 after Leggette’s departure.

This is the rare opportunity for the LSU defense to face an SEC offense with an equal amount of questions and concerns.

I’ll be keeping an eye on how LSU manages its personnel. Kelly said that linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] is too good to keep off the field and we could see [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] play some safety, allowing LSU to get three backers on the field.

On the backend, [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] is expected to play safety, opening time for [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] at corner.

LSU needs to ensure this isn’t the game South Carolina figures it out. The Tigers have the talent and speed to get stops here.

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5 things LSU can fix when it faces Nicholls in Week 2

LSU football is set to face Nicholls in Week 2. Here are five things the Tigers can improve on following the USC loss.

LSU football’s recent Week 1 losses have been followed by a familiar theme in Week 2. A “get right” game against an FCS opponent. 2024 will mark the fourth straight schedule LSU’s faced an in-state FCS foe after opening the year — and losing — to a big-name power conference opponent.

It’s not just the opponent, but this serves as a chance for LSU to get back in front of its home crowd as it makes its 2024 Tiger Stadium debut.

LSU should be able to handle Nicholls, even if the Tigers don’t bring their best. But ideally, Saturday is a chance for LSU to work out some of the kinks that led to the USC loss.

Here, we’ll look at five things to watch for when LSU takes on Nicholls. Games like this aren’t about matchups; they’re about LSU establishing an identity and executing it. If you can’t win with your bread and butter against a lesser opponent, you’re in for a long year.

1. Get a downhill running game going

LSU struggled to run the ball vs. USC. The prevailing thought was LSU would be able to show up and run it all over the Trojans. The Tigers offensive line was supposedly the best in the country and the USC defense was abysmal in 2023.

But that’s not what happened. Outside of a couple of explosive plays from John Emery, LSU struggled to establish much of anything on the ground. LSU averaged 4.5 yards per carry while 42% of its runs were stuffed for two yards or less.

Nicholls shouldn’t be much of a test at all for LSU up front, so we may not learn much. But this is a chance for LSU to figure out what it wants to be in the ground game. Without Jayden Daniels, LSU is searching for a new identity.

When it’s 3rd and 1 and they need a yard, what’s Joe Sloan’s go-to run call?

2. Does LSU scheme up ways to get Kyren Lacy the ball?

Again, Lacy won’t be tested here. He’s good enough to win one-on-one matchups with any Nicholls CB, but we might see LSU try out some ways of getting him the ball.

Lacy didn’t touch it once in the second half vs USC. That’s something Brian Kelly says can’t happen.

When Lacy isn’t getting targets in the straight drop-back passing game, is LSU innovative enough to get the ball in his hands?

That doesn’t mean just turn around and run a reverse or throw a quick screen. LSU needs to ensure it has plays that set Lacy up to be open downfield. Saturday is a good time to try some out.

3. What does the cornerback rotation look like?

In the secondary, we know [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is CB1. Outside of that, there are questions. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] started opposite of Stamps, but Kelly has said a move back to safety may be in the fold.

If LSU does move Ryan, true freshman PJ Woodland will see more action at corner. Woodland played just nine snaps and was called for a PI, but he didn’t allow a catch and recorded a PBU.

Saturday is a big opportunity for Woodland. He should play more than nine snaps and LSU will hope to see some consistency out of the young corner.

Veteran [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] is set to return soon, but LSU’s been hesitant to ramp him up to full speed as he recovers from a torn ACL.

LSU’s defense is already better than it was last year, but the size of that jump is dependent on the growth seen from the cornerbacks.

4. Who steps up at wide receiver?

LSU is expected to be without [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] on Saturday. That’s no different than the situation LSU found itself in last week’s second half.

Brian Kelly said receiver [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] had a breakout game vs, USC, catching five balls for 64 yards and a score. If Anderson keeps that up, he’ll be a central part of this offense moving forward.

But without Hilton, LSU needs someone who can make plays on the outside. Perhaps that’s [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag]

Sampson was a five-star recruit in 2023 and Kelly said LSU needs to get him on the field. This is a good opportunity to work Sampson in before conference play starts in week three.

5. How does LSU finish drives?

Kelly’s talked about it every chance he’s gotten this week, but LSU needs to be better at finishing drives. LSU put itself in position to score touchdowns against USC but came up short.

LSU needs to look sharp in the red zone against Nicholls. This is a chance for LSU to show those red zone struggles have more to do with week one than the offense.

With a veteran QB like Nussmeier and an elite offensive line, LSU should excel when it approaches the end zone.

We talked about LSU establishing the run game and getting the ball to Lacy. Both of those would help in this area too.

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LSU vs. USC: Which defense is set to improve the most under first-year DC?

USC and LSU are both counting on new DCs to restore the defense. Who will see more benefit in Year 1?

When LSU and USC meet on Sunday night, both will he hoping for major defensive turnarounds.

Both programs struggled to get stops last year, leaving them out of contention despite having Heisman winners at quarterback.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and Lincoln Riley were hired to bring these respective schools to the College Football Playoff. With that in mind, both swung big for an up-and-coming DC. LSU hired [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] away from Missouri while USC went with D’Anton Lynn from UCLA.

Coaching wasn’t the only thing holding the units back in 2023. Both relied on underclassmen and the inexperience was evident. The upside to playing so many young guys is the amount of returning experience. LSU and USC rank in the top 35 in returning production on that side of the ball.

The Trojans took a slightly different approach with their rebuild, landing a slew of transfers in the secondary. LSU dipped in the portal too, but didn’t land the high profile names USC did.

Lynn brought two high-profile defensive backs from UCLA in John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey. The proximity of UCLA to USC and familiarity with Lynn’s system ensures little adjustment for the duo.

Veterans Akili Arnold and DeCarlos Richardson provide experience on the backend, too.

Meanwhile, LSU is counting on homegrown talent to perform in the secondary. [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is expected to be CB1 after seeing plenty of action as a true freshman. Veterans [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] and [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] need to make a big impact too after steadily improving in 2023.

Both hit the portal to shore up depth on the interior defensive line and return a good bit at linebacker.

As for who makes the biggest stride in year one, it could be USC, if only because the Trojans have more room to go.

USC’s defense finished 2023 ranked 105th in SP+ while LSU was 52nd. It’s a lot easier to jump from 100 to 50 than it is from 50 to 10.

But when it matters, I think LSU has a better shot at consistent play on defense. The Tigers’ overall talent level is better, especially when you consider LSU’s upside at defensive end and linebacker.

Lynn has a year or two to build his unit while LSU is expecting a playoff appearance in 2023. Baker has the tools to call his aggressive style of defense in Baton Rouge.

I think LSU’s choice to build from within was indicative of how much this coaching staff believes in the existing talent.

These were both strong hires, but LSU stands to reap more immediate benefits.

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Is LSU safety Jordan Allen on the verge of a breakout in 2024?

Can LSU safety Jordan Allen emerge in 2024?

LSU showcased a new look defense on its first day of fall camp. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] was back with the cornerbacks, opening up a spot at safety.

With a spot open at safety, [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] slid in to take the first-team reps. Allen was a three-star in the class of 2022, Brian Kelly’s first signing class at LSU. The On3 Industry Rankings rated him as the No. 51 safety in the class and the No. 23 prospect in the state of Louisiana.

Allen didn’t play much as a freshman in 2022 and saw just 47 defensive snaps. That was enough to keep his redshirt. As a redshirt freshman last year, Allen saw a good bit action the back half of the season.

His 37 snaps against Florida in Week 11 were a career high. Allen struggled, posting a 50.4 PFF grade, but he continued to see time in November. Against Georgia State and Texas A&M, the results were better.

Allen rotated in against Wisconsin too, playing nine stops and notching a defensive stop.

LSU is thin in the secondary, especially at corner. That trickle down will affect will affect the safeties with Ryan needing to play corner.

Veteran safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is moving to the star position, meaning LSU’s backend will have a different look this year. The Tigers landed former Texas A&M safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] in the transfer portal, who brings starting SEC experience, but other than that, there are questions.

Allen could prove to be the answer. Even if he doesn’t assume a full time starting role, Allen looks to be factoring into Blake Baker’s defensive plans. LSU safety coach [autotag]Jake Olsen[/autotag] did good work with the safeties at Missouri and could be what this group needs to take a step forward.

Baker likes to play an aggressive style of defense. That will put pressure on the young secondary at times. If another safety emerges, that can help LSU limit the big plays allowed this fall.

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Why Sage Ryan playing cornerback is good for LSU’s defense

Sage Ryan back at corner is a good thing for LSU’s defense.

LSU’s had difficulty managing the cornerback position during Brian Kelly’s tenure. The Tigers have relied on the transfers to fill the room out the past three offseasons.

LSU defensive back [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] doesn’t fit that description. Entering his fourth year with the program, Ryan is an LSU veteran. That’s a rare occurrence on this rebuilding defense.

Ryan struggled to settle into one position during his first few years on campus. He bounced around from corner to safety, never quite finding that consistency in the starting lineup.

That changed at the end of last year when Ryan emerged as LSU’s best corner. Only three returning SEC corners posted a better PFF coverage grade last year. Ryan didn’t allow the big plays that plagued the secondary with zero touchdowns to his name. He was disruptive too, with four pass breakups.

Despite those numbers, Ryan played at safety in the spring as new defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] got a feel for the roster,

But as fall camp opened, Ryan was back at corner, playing with the first team.

After practice, Kelly said the staff wants Ryan to be a guy who can play multiple positions.

With the issues LSU had at corner last year, Ryan being back at that spot is a good thing. He was one of the few bright spots on LSU’s defense last November.

A former five-star, Ryan’s as talented as any DB in the SEC. He looked like he was starting to put it all together in 2023.

LSU needs someone to emerge at defensive back. This defense needs to take a massive step forward if LSU hopes to compete for the SEC and a playoff spot. Part of that recipe likely involves Ryan.

Ryan’s moved around his entire college career, so he’s used to playing multiple positions, but allowing Ryan to settle in as a starter at cornerback could be the best possible scenario for this unit.

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What Brian Kelly said as LSU kicked off fall camp on Thursday

Brian Kelly addressed the media following LSU’s first practice of fall camp on Thursday.

The complete 2024 LSU Tigers football team took the field for the first time on Thursday as it kicked off fall camp.

We’re now exactly one month out from LSU’s season opener against USC in Las Vegas as it looks to take a step forward and compete for a college football playoff spot this season. There’s a lot of optimism surrounding this roster, but there are quite a few questions, as well.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] led off training camp with a press conference addressing his squad entering Year 3 in Baton Rouge. Here are the highlights from what he had to say as the Tigers begin a crucial fall camp.

Sage Ryan playing cornerback

LSU’s reputation as DBU has lost some luster in recent years, but one of the more recent five-star defensive backs they’ve landed was [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag]. He emerged down the stretch in 2023, starting nine games at both corner and nickel.

He’s expected to play safety this year after spending all spring at the position, but Ryan was back at corner as camp began on Thursday. Kelly emphasized Ryan’s versatility and said they wanted to get him exposure as they feel he can play both positions.

“We’re cross-training him… We wanted the entire spring to be at safety,” Kelly said. “We feel like he’ll become that one player who could play both positions for us.”

TE Trey’Dez Green learning quickly

The four-star true freshman tight end was a late bloomer in football and will also play basketball for the Tigers. But Kelly said that physically, Green looks like he belongs on the field and has picked things up quickly on the mental side as well.

Kelly wouldn’t guarantee that Green will see the field in Year 1, but he thinks the young tight end could be on his way.

“He’s picked things up very well for a guy who has not played this game very long… It has not been a very difficult transition for him,” Kelly said. “That bodes well for players that are in their first year.”

WR Kyren Lacy stepping into No. 1 role nicely

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the entire team will be whether the Tigers can replace a pair of first-round receivers in [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

There’s talent in the receiver room, however, and [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] in particular has been tabbed as a player who could step up in his third season with LSU and fifth season overall after he transferred from UL-Lafayette.

Kelly said Lacy has taken up the mantle of being the No. 1 option and the responsibility that comes with it.

“I would say that he has embraced that,” Kelly said. “Some guys don’t embrace it, they just continue to be who they are. He’s embraced that and wants to be that next great wide receiver at LSU. We have such a great tradition, so he wants to live up to that standard.

“I’ve seen a great deal of growth… It’s been fun to watch that maturation.”

CB PJ Woodland searching for more consistency

[autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] was just a three-star prospect coming out of high school, but the true freshman early enrollee turned heads during spring ball and entered fall camp expected to compete for a starting job on the outside.

Kelly cautioned some patience, however, and said that while the staff loves Woodland’s potential, he needs to be more consistent to earn regular playing time in Year 1.

“I think we’re at a point in Day 1 where it’s truly about the consistency of performance. We like PJ and we love his competitiveness. But if you remember, he made a great play, and then the next play, we threw the ball over his head.

“With young players, we’re looking for consistency, and he has got a huge upside. And he is going to be a really good player in the SEC. But in the SEC, you make one play, they’re coming right back at you, and they’re going to test you.”

Kelly added that the same is true for other young defensive backs competing for playing time, such as sophomore [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag].

Javien Toviano reinstated

Sophomore cornerback [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag], who was expected to compete for a starting job, was suspended indefinitely last month after his arrest for video voyeurism.

Kelly said that Toviano was reinstated Thursday and will be a part of the team for fall camp as he works his way back into the fold.

“Javien’s been reinstated by the university,” Kelly said. “He’s back in football activities and we’ll kinda get him going again and back in the mix, and obviously he’ll be a competitive player for us.”

The legal situation with Toviano remains ongoing.

Zy Alexander is totally cleared

LSU doesn’t return many proven veterans in the secondary, but [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] is one of them. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer impressed last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL on an interception return.

After missing the spring, Alexander is back for the fall and has been cleared from a health perspective, but Kelly said he’s still slowly working his way back into football activities.

“He’s been cleared for everything,” Kelly said. “But when you have a knee, you need to experience some things like getting tripped up in the hole and cutting off of it and feeling the scar tissue and going ‘Oh my goodness, that’s what that feels like.’

“So he’s full-go, but he’s in that process of getting back into football activities and that sometimes takes some time before you feel real comfortable.”

When healthy, Alexander is expected to start for the Tigers on the outside.

WR Shelton Sampson Jr. making progress in Year 2

One of the more interesting potential breakout players in the receiver room is redshirt freshman Shelton Sampson Jr. With a 6-foot-4 frame, he has the potential to be a big play threat, and he made an impressive catch on Thursday while high-pointing the ball.

Kelly said Sampson has gotten a lot better in those 50/50 situations this offseason.

“I think that’s what we’re looking for from him, his ability to go up and get the football and compete for it,” Kelly said. “He was not a 50/50 guy last year, he was a 20/80 guy — he lost 80% of those. I believe he’s a 50/50 guy, he can go and get those balls.”

Kelly said that Sampson hit his head on the play in question, and that ended his practice out of an abundance of caution.

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