In comparison to the previous two seasons, coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers took a bit more of a conservative approach to the LSU football transfer portal in 2024. After taking nine defensive backs in the past two cycles combined, they’re bringing in just three in the class of 2024. Notably, they seem to have done well with their scouting, as Tiger safety Jardin Gilbert is already beginning to see his ratings rise.
LSU football transfer portal safety receives significant boost in rating
Coach Brian Kelly finds himself in somewhat unfamiliar territory heading into 2024. Each of the past two seasons, the Tigers have returned little to no starting experience the year following, which played a major role in their significant use of the transfer portal.
With that said, as we look ahead to 2024, LSU almost has too much starting experience. Due in large part to some injuries and off-field issues, the purple and gold started many cornerbacks throughout the 2023 season, several of which were true freshmen. Additionally, at the safety position, Major Burns is set to return with notable starts under his belt.
Still, even with all of that experience returning, coach Brian Kelly wasn’t particularly afraid to bring in some healthy competition ahead of the 2024 season. On the defensive side of the ball, the three names to know are cornerback Jyaire Brown and safeties Austin Ausberry and Jardin Gilbert.
While all three have more than enough talent and potential to earn some early playing time, Gilbert is particularly interesting. Earlier this week, 247Sports went ahead and updated their transfer rankings, and notably, the safety out of Texas A&M was one of the few to receive a significant boost to his rating.
Originally coming in with a 91 transfer portal rating, the new Tiger safety got boosted all the way up to a 93, making him the highest rated LSU football transfer portal addition of 2024 thus far.
Not only has he been awarded the top spot in the Tiger class of 2024, but he also managed to surpass former Liberty wide receiver CJ Daniels, a projected starter for the Tigers.
Officially rated as a four-star transfer, the 6-foot-1, 197-pound safety now ranks as the No. 26 player nationally, as well as the No. 2 safety, only trailing future Ohio State star Caleb Downs.
Starting role for the former Texas A&M Aggie?
The interesting aspect about new Tiger safety Jardin Gilbert as a prospect is the lack of production at the college level. Having joined the college ranks as a four-star safety out of University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, the potential has always been there. However, after making appearances in more than 20 games over the last three seasons, he’s recorded just 79 tackles, six passes defended, 0.5 sacks and two interceptions.
Even so, it’s not at all hard to see why he’s rated so high. Gilbert is a physical, big-bodied, hard-hitting safety who is more than capable of creating some serious energy on defense whenever the ball finds itself anywhere near him.
In terms of a potential starting spot, it’s very much a possibility. While Jordan Allen and Major Burns are the early favorites to earn the spots, Allen doesn’t have any starting experience and still has youth on his side that could lead him to a starting role down the line.
Additionally, with so many young bodies within the LSU secondary, throwing an experienced player in next to Major Burns could provide a much needed veteran presence for a defense hoping to see some big-time improvement in the new season.
The transfer portal addition has looked good so far in spring practice. Even better for him, there’s still plenty of time to continue learning defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s defense along with the rest of the roster.
For now, keep an eye out for April 13. If he makes a strong impression during the National L Club Spring Game, don’t be surprised to see that momentum continue into the summer and fall.
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