LSU football is getting healthy at the perfect time. A few weeks ago, star defensive tackle Maason Smith got cleared for football activities. Now, star transfer portal cornerback Duce Chestnut is cleared and ready to go.
LSU football transfer cornerback Duce Chestnut is officially cleared
You can never have too much depth at the cornerback position. Coach Brian Kelly understands that, which explains why he went so hard for the position in the transfer portal.
It paid off, and the Tigers came away with several starting-caliber corners ā one of which was the former Syracuse Orange, Duce Chestnut. The only downside was that Chestnut had been working through an injury most of the offseason.
Because of said injury, the LSU football coaching staff hasnāt been able to get much of a look at how he plays with the rest of the team. However, those issues have dissipated as Chestnut appears ready to go.
Chestnut has two years of starting experience under his belt, something the Tigers needed in a big way. In two seasons, he recorded 83 tackles, nine passes deflected and four interceptions.
With this new-found experience, the Tigersā secondary has received an immediate upgrade at the position. The title of āDBUā is looking stronger than ever for LSU football.
Tigers bringing in four transfer portal cornerbacks for 2023
LSU football brought in an entire secondary as a part of their 2023 transfer portal class. That isnāt an exaggeration. Not only did they pick up four cornerbacks, but they picked up a safety from Tulane in Andre Sam, a position the team desperately needed depth in.
Whatās most impressive for this class is all four corners are starter-level players. Transfer portal cornerbacks Duce Chestnut, JK Johnson, Zy Alexander and Denver Harris could have started at just about any program in the country.
Even better, all four players have eligibility beyond the 2023 season. Transfer portal additions are great, but if youāre getting players who will only be with the program for one season, youāre not building a program ā youāre building a team.
Coach Brian Kelly is preparing to build a program. Thatās what he did at Notre Dame. With the boosted recruiting opportunities surrounding Louisiana, he wants to build a national championship-winning program at LSU.
Considering how heās been recruiting so far, heās more than on his way. Itās even better that this transfer portal haul could be a part of the process as well.
What does Kelly do with his embarrassment of riches at DB?
As things stand, there are no guaranteed starters at the cornerback slots. And with how little is known up to this point, this is probably the best way to go about things.
The starting safety positions are pretty solidified with Major Burns and Greg Brooks Jr returning from last yearās team. However, thatās where the āknownā ends in the secondary.
If you want experience at the cornerback position, junior Duce Chestnut, junior Zy Alexander and sophomore Sage Ryan are likely your best options. All three have significant playing experience against some of the best talent in the country.
When looking at young, untapped potential, sophomores JK Johnson and Laterrance Welch are likely the two names to know. Both have slight experience but havenāt had the opportunity to shine. However, keep an eye on Welch, as he has the advantage of having an entire season with the program under his belt.
Finally, if youāre searching for pure talent, look no further than Denver Harris. Harris, the No. 2 transfer in the country, is a former five-star player who can straight-up play football. The issue here is more along the lines of off-field problems. Still, if Kelly can keep him under control, he could be the best cornerback in college football.
Ultimately, thereās no ācorrectā answer at the moment. Coach Brian Kelly will make the best decision for his team, no matter what the fans think. Regardless of the result, this position battle should be one of the most exciting in the country. In the meantime, weāll look forward to seeing the Tigersā defensive backfield heading into week one versus quarterback Jordan Travis and Florida State.
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