Some big-time concerns along the defensive interior just got a bit more clear for coach Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. Earlier this afternoon, the purple and gold landed a big-time commitment from veteran Wisconsin transfer portal defensive lineman Gio Paez.
Wisconsin transfer portal defensive lineman announces commitment to LSU
Coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers must have seen something they liked on the opposing sideline during the LSU victory over Wisconsin during the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl.
Entering the offseason, the Tigers were no stranger to some big-time question marks, particularly when it comes to the defensive interior. After losing three elite defenders to the 2024 NFL draft ā Mekhi Wingo, Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson ā veteran presence isnāt exactly abundant for the LSU defensive line heading into the new season.
In turn, many expected the purple and gold to make a push for a transfer portal defensive lineman or two during the spring window. However, things might not be as urgent as they initially looked, as the Tigers have just landed a commitment from former Wisconsin Badger Gio Paez.
Entering his sixth season of college football, Paez is about as veteran a veteran as youāll find in todayās era of the sport. Additionally, having made 33 appearances over the course of his career, heās not exactly hurting for in-game experience and could bring a strong presence to the Tiger defensive interior almost immediately.
In five seasons with Wisconsin, the former three-star recruit out of Cornelius, NC, spent time both at defensive end and defensive tackle, showing solid versatility for his 6-foot-3, 310-pound frame.
Having recorded just 36 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, heās not exactly the most productive transfer portal defensive lineman in the 2024 class. Even so, his experience alone could help immensely in a Tiger defensive line room that could see multiple freshmen getting reps this coming season.
Paez is set to join an LSU football transfer portal class that includes six other new pieces. Heās also the fourth defensive player to announce his transfer to the Bayou Bengals, joining cornerback Jyaire Brown (Ohio State) and safeties Austin Ausberry (Auburn) and Jardin Gilbert (Texas A&M).
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