LSU football position changes can be expected along the line of scrimmage in 2024

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Heading into the 2024 college football season, experience is incredibly lacking for a defensive line unit that already struggled throughout this past season. In turn, some LSU football position changes are now looking like a very real possibility along the line of scrimmage. Earlier this week, coach Brian Kelly discussed the possibility and where said adjustments may come from.

LSU football position changes can be expected along the line of scrimmage in 2024

Position changes are nothing new for the LSU football program under coach Brian Kelly. Over each of the last two seasons, we’ve seen multiple offensive linemen shift along the line of scrimmage as a means of filling holes in certain spots.

Now, with all the holes along the defensive interior, could we see a continuation of those changes on the other side of the ball?

“Yup,” coach Brian Kelly said during Wednesday’s media availability.

“Yeah, there’s no doubt. 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.”

The idea of moving players over to the defensive side of the ball is particularly interesting. Despite depth concerns along the defensive line, the offensive line is a completely different story.

This year alone, the Tigers are set to introduce six new offensive linemen to the roster – many of which are viewed as four-star or better recruits. In contrast, only three new defensive linemen have signed to the class of 2024.

Now, with yesterday’s announcement, moving some of those guys to the defensive interior might not be out of the realm of possibilities.

Potential options to keep an eye on

While I wouldn’t expect a ton of offense to defense movement, some LSU football position changes along the defensive line is almost a given. More specifically, the Tigers have several returners who have the flexibility in size and athleticism to move from the outside to the inside in 2024.

One name that immediately comes to mind is senior Paris Shand, who joined the program via the transfer portal in last year’s cycle. While technically listed as a defensive end, he’s listed at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds and is only slightly undersized for a typical defensive tackle.

Another returner to keep an eye on would be senior Sai’vion Jones. Also listed as a defensive end, he’s 6-foot-6, 280 pounds and has both the size and speed to fill up plenty of space along the defensive interior.

#LSU DL Jacobian Guillory (@Jthabigboy) and Sai’vion Jones (@SaivionJ) moving the sled on this peak drill and attacking the “ball carrier” during spring practice 3/23

💪🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/nW51vXlskK

— Josh Sibley (@RealJSibley) March 23, 2023

As far as potential offensive players moving, it’s difficult to project anyone specific. However, if coach Brian Kelly does end up making a move, expect it to be from someone younger to allow for some long-term development.

While position changes are never ideal, it’s not uncommon for it to work both in the favor of the player and the program. For now, though, it will be interesting to watch and see if any moves are made for the Tiger defensive line by the end of spring practices this April.

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