LSU lands defensive back transfer portal commitment from SEC rival

Another day, another big-time transfer portal commitment from a Louisiana native. On Tuesday, coach Brian Kelly and LSU landed their fourth transfer of the cycle, this time in former Auburn safety Austin Ausberry.

Former Auburn safety Austin Ausberry announces transfer portal commitment to LSU

When coach Brian Kelly says he wants to emphasize something, it’s generally a good idea to listen to what he’s saying. When first taking the job in Baton Rouge, he immediately spoke on the offensive line and the needed improvement in that department.

Since then, the Tigers have landed 15 offensive line recruits in the past three cycles combined.

Now, he has his eyes set on the state of Louisiana, but more specifically, defenders from the Boot. In turn, 17 of their 29 commitments in the class of 2024 are from in-state. Furthermore, with last night’s transfer portal commitment from safety Austin Ausberry, they’re now bringing three players back home to play for LSU.

I’m comin home🐯 pic.twitter.com/ulAk6k6b3h

— Austin Ausberry (@AusberryAustin) January 3, 2024

As a part of the class of 2022, Ausberry was a solid prospect, but elected to look elsewhere for his college experience. Unfortunately, this hadn’t panned out for him, as he recorded just two tackles in his two seasons with Auburn.

Now, the former three-star recruit from University Lab High School will make his way back to Baton Rouge. Notably, despite the lack of production at the college level, he has a solid skillset that could see him get playing time early. With a background at wide receiver, the 6-foot, 200-pound safety has the potential to become quite the ball-hawking defensive back in Baton Rouge.

Still, with this being the second safety transfer portal commitment of the cycle, expect to see quite the competition for a starting spot. Heading into 2024, freshman Jordan Allen, freshman Ryan Yaites, junior Major Burns and offseason additions Austin Ausberry and Jardin Gilbert are all likely to battle for playing time.

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