A freshman CB impresses and more takeaways on LSU football's new defense

An early enrollee emerging at cornerback. A converted offensive lineman on the first-team defense. A freshman safety rising up the depth chart.

All of this was visible during the 20-minute open portion of LSU football’s practice Thursday morning. The Tigers usually spend that time going through individual drills, but they included a non-tackling full-team period that showed a complete defense for the first time since March 23.

Here are the notable takeaways, plus comments from defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Freshman CB impresses

As the cornerback competition continues, early enrollee PJ Woodland and sophomore Ashton Stamps got first-team reps. Stamps has consistently played on the starting defense. Woodland, a three-star signee from Mississippi, ran with the ones after appearing on the second-team defense in previous open periods.

Baker complimented Woodland’s physical play, speed and length. More than anything else, though, Woodland has competed whenever LSU puts him on the starting defense or matches him up against the top receivers. He kept pace Thursday with senior Kyren Lacy on a route down the sideline.

“He's physical and he can run, so I've been really, really impressed by him,” Baker said. “It wasn't easy. Those first three days before spring break, he probably thought, ‘What in the world did I do coming here and coming here early?’ But man, he's been really impressive these last few days.”

The competition will likely stretch into preseason camp. Sophomore Javien Toviano, typically the other starting corner, and junior JK Johnson were the backups Thursday. Johnson has been limited at times this spring. Another potential starter, senior Zy Alexander, continues to recover from a torn ACL but is expected to participate in summer workouts. Ohio State transfer Jyaire Brown has also been in the mix.

“I think the corners have probably grown more than any (other) group,” Baker said. “Those corners have gotten much, much better as a unit.”

Those cornerbacks may also play more man coverage than they did last year, when LSU usually dropped into soft zones and then bailed, trying to prevent getting beaten deep. Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has often worked with them on man coverage techniques this spring. Baker prefers it, though he noted the ability of the personnel will dictate what LSU can do.

"If you were to cut me wide open, we want to play a lot of man," Baker said. "But I also know that we're going to do what's best for our guys back there as well."

‘Work in progress’

Kimo Makane’ole, a converted offensive lineman, was a first-team defensive tackle Thursday along with fifth-year senior Jacobian Guillory. Makane’ole appeared in nine games over three seasons before changing positions this spring as LSU looked for interior defensive line depth. He had played on the third team the last time LSU showed a full defense.

The backup defensive tackles Thursday were junior-college transfer Shone Washington and sophomore Preston Hickey, a walk-on who began his career at Oklahoma State. Hickey has consistently played on the second-team defense this spring. Fifth-year senior Jalen Lee has also gotten first-team reps, and early enrollee De’Myrion Johnson returned to practice after being absent Tuesday.

“I would say it's a work in progress,” Baker said of the defensive tackles, “but I will say that they have shown improvement daily.”

Over the summer, LSU will add five-star freshman Dominick McKinley and Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez. It is also expected to pursue more defensive tackles once the transfer portal reopens April 16-30.

Rest of the secondary

Early enrollee safety Dashawn McBryde appears to have moved up the depth chart. He continued to play with the second-team defense next to sophomore Jordan Allen. McBryde may push current starters Jardin Gilbert and Sage Ryan for early playing time.

Redshirt freshman safety Kylin Jackson appeared Thursday as the backup STAR behind senior Major Burns. Baker said Burns “has had a really good spring so far.” Sophomore Ryan Yaites has also taken reps as the backup STAR, a hybrid defensive back position.

The secondary needs to improve after LSU ranked 118th nationally with 255.6 yards passing per game. Overall, Baker said he has “seen some ups and downs” in the unit. One positive for him has been turnovers. Ryan, who had three interceptions one day, stood out to him in that regard.

“I think we have guys probably playing a little more in their natural position on the back end than maybe in the past,” Baker said. “I've been pleased with them. I think we've got to continue to grow, and that will be their motto across summer workouts. I do think we have some really good pieces to work with back there. I think we have good depth as well.”