LSU football in 2023 has consistently worked with its cornerback room, changing up who plays week in and week out. Over the weekend, we didn’t see much of former transfer cornerback Denver Harris after he’d seen plenty of time the weeks prior. Earlier this week, coach Brian Kelly addressed his decision and how Sage Ryan could play a part in the position room.
Coach Brian Kelly responds to not playing transfer cornerback Denver Harris vs. Mizzou
Last week, coach Brian Kelly addressed the cornerback room and what the starting group might look like at this point in the year. Included in that grouping were junior Zy Alexander, sophomore Laterrance Welch, sophomore Denver Harris and freshman Ashton Stamps.
Less than a week later, transfer cornerback Denver Harris didn’t see the field vs. Missouri.
When asked about the decision and whether it might have something to do with an injury, Kelly kept things short.
“I think Denver’s continued to grow, continued to learn what we do, how we do it on a day-to-day basis. He’s maturing,” the head coach told the media on Monday.
Harris has seen consistent playing time over the last few weeks in 2023. After last week, however, it’ll be curious to watch how much he sees the field in the coming weeks.
Redshirt junior Sage Ryan could be a defensive back to watch going forward
While transfer cornerback Denver Harris didn’t see the field much on Saturday, one veteran defensive back saw it quite a bit.
Redshirt sophomore Sage Ryan saw plenty of time at cornerback, a position we have yet to see him at much to this point. When asked about him, coach Brian Kelly sounded optimistic about what it could mean for the future.
“Sage (Ryan) is a reliable guy; he’s a veteran guy, he’s been here, knows our calls, knows our defense,” Kelly said. “He’s really playing the third corner if you will, when you’re in NICKEL.”
“With Harold (Perkins Jr) being on the field virtually all the time, then you’re taking your third corner, and you’re saying, alright, ‘if he’s not gonna be on the field, what’s our best matchup situation. And he really is the next best player, so we want to get our 11 best on the field, and that’s really what it came down to.”
With how much unknown the Tigers have faced at defensive back, a veteran presence is a welcome addition. If Sage Ryan is productive at cornerback going forward, expect to see plenty more of him.
We’re yet to see a consistent cornerback rotation in 2023, but coach Brian Kelly could be getting close after an inspired defensive performance vs. Missouri.
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