Brian Kelly announces notable position change along LSU offensive line

The mystery of the Tigers’ defensive line depth issues is slowly coming to a close. Due in large part to some big-time losses this offseason, coach Brian Kelly recently announced that Kimo Makane’ole and the LSU offensive line as a whole could be the keys to a solution.

LSU offensive line could be the key to additional defensive line depth

It’s a tale of two halves when it comes to the Tiger line of scrimmage. On offense, the program lost just one player to the NFL draft, as center Charles Turner III will make his way to the next level. They’ll bring back four starters, including two of the best offensive tackles in all of college football, Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr.

On the defensive side of the ball, it’s an entirely different story. With losing Maason Smith, Mekhi Wingo and Jordan Jefferson in just a matter of months, depth went from a major strength for the purple and gold defensive line to one of the biggest weaknesses.

However, this isn’t exactly a new issue for the Tiger coaching staff. In fact, earlier this offseason, coach Brian Kelly explained that some position changes along the LSU offensive line could be one of the big solutions heading into 2024.

“Yeah, there’s no doubt,” the Tiger head coach began. “I think we’ve looked at a couple of guys that we’re gonna probably move – I don’t want to announce them right now – but we’re certainly gonna move a couple of guys over to the defensive side of the ball to create a more competitive situation for us.”

While at the time, there wasn’t much clarity in where the moves were likely to come from, it seems as though we’re approaching some answers. Today, not even one full month later, it sounds as though coach Kelly is eyeing junior offensive guard Kimo Makane’ole as one of the main candidates to watch for a position change heading into spring practice.

Kimo Makane’ole and Ahmad Breaux among names to watch heading into spring

Coach Brian Kelly and offensive line coach Brad Davis have a rare luxury on their hands when it comes to the LSU offensive line. Since coach Kelly took control of the program in 2022, recruiting has been a major strength along the offensive interior, and in turn, it’s allowed for some flexibility in terms of position changes.

Interestingly enough, this works out well heading into 2024, as the main position of need for the time being pops up along the defensive line.

While initial thoughts were that we could see some freshmen be the ones to make the move, early signs point in a different direction. According to a report from Wilson Alexander of The Advocate earlier this evening, junior offensive guard Kimo Makane’ole is one of the initial candidates for a change moving forward.

Backup offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole is moving to defensive tackle as #LSU looks for depth.

Brian Kelly also said freshman defensive end Ahmad Breaux “will probably take some snaps” inside this spring.

— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) February 27, 2024

Makane’ole, a former three-star recruit out of Niceville, FL, is entering his fourth season with the program and could very well see a new role heading into his true senior year.

After totaling just nine in-game appearances over the course of his career, he’s shown serious potential, but is yet to truly find his way into starting contention. Now, as we look ahead to his future with the program, it seems as though coach Brian Kelly thinks a move to the defensive line could be good for the 6-foot-4, 310-pound veteran.

Along with Makane’ole, the Tiger head coach outlined freshman defensive end Ahmad Breaux as another player who could see early work within the defensive interior. A 6-foot-2, 260-pound product out of Ruston, LA, Breaux was set to join the program as a three-star edge rusher and is one of 16 early enrollees for the Tigers.

As for who ends up sticking along the defensive line is yet to be seen. Still, if early spring is any indication, it’s clear that the LSU coaching staff is not afraid to make position changes in order to fill out a solid roster.

The biggest thing to watch for will be just how far the position changes can make it up the depth chart. With Kimo Makane’ole and Ahmad Breaux already beginning the move heading into spring practice, don’t be surprised to see some early snaps from the pair as we look ahead to the 2024 edition of LSU football.

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