It’s been a bit of an underwhelming spring transfer portal for coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers thus far, but this could be changing in a major way in the very near future. Most notably, LSU football is in contention for some of the top available defensive linemen.
LSU in contention for several big-time defensive line targets this spring transfer portal
Sophomore Damonic Williams (TCU)
Rated as the top available defensive lineman remaining in the spring transfer portal, Damonic Williams has immediate impact potential, regardless of where he ends up.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, the Torrance, CA, product is massive and has been overpowering opponents since the moment he first stepped foot on campus.
In just two seasons with the TCU Horned Frogs, the talented rising junior has recorded 60 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Furthermore, he has experience beyond his years, having competed in last year’s College Football Playoff.
Williams is currently in the midst of a visit with Oklahoma and will take trips to five other schools, including Texas (April 23-24), Colorado (April 26-27), LSU (April 30-May 1) and Missouri and Oregon.
Senior CJ West (Kent State)
One of the strengths of the LSU football defensive line in 2023 was the veteran presence throughout the entire unit. Among the many big-time pieces that made impacts included Mekhi Wingo, Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson, all of which are now headed to the 2024 NFL Draft later this week.
In turn, it’s only natural that experience is somewhat lacking in the group heading into the new season, and that very well could be where the transfer portal comes in handy.
Kent State defensive lineman CJ West has been a picture perfect example of consistency over the last three seasons, which is excellent news for a purple and gold squad that’s set to host the 6-foot-2, 315-pound veteran later next week.
In his four seasons with the Golden Flashes, the La Grange Park, IL, product recorded an impressive 110 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble, making his presence abundantly known within the MAC.
Rated as the No. 6 available defensive lineman nationally, he’s received some early interest from Arkansas, Miami, Michigan, Texas A&M and Wisconsin, along with the Tigers.
Junior Simeon Barrow (Michigan State)
Speaking of overall consistency, junior Michigan State standout Simeon Barrow is yet another excellent example that the Tigers have been on since he first entered the transfer portal on April 18, 2024.
Interestingly enough, that early interest is already proving to be beneficial, as the 6-foot-3, 290-pound Grovetown, GA, product is currently on campus in Baton Rouge for his visit with coach Brian Kelly and Tiger football.
Over the last three seasons with the Spartans, Barrow managed to impress in just about every aspect in a challenging Big Ten Conference, logging 110 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Currently sitting at No. 9 among uncommitted defensive tackles, he essentially has his pick of any school in the country, having receiving interest from Miami, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and many others.
Senior Philip Blidi (Indiana)
Even before the spring transfer portal window had officially opened, coach Brian Kelly had started make his goals very clear by making a push for former Indiana defensive tackle Philip Blidi almost immediately.
In turn, the Tigers were able to get him on campus, and while he’s doing his due diligence and taking visits to other schools including Washington and Auburn, it seems as though the purple and gold have plenty of momentum in that department early on.
A former standout at Texas Tech, Blidi is entering his fifth season of college football with what’s likely to be his third school. Over his four seasons, he’s managed to be a solid contributor, recording 70 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one pass deflection thus far.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 295 pounds, the Trenton, NJ, product has the flexibility to move inside or out on his future defensive line and currently ranks No. 4 among available players at his position.
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