Young LSU defensive back enters 2024 spring transfer portal

For coach Brian Kelly and LSU, the 2024 spring transfer portal hasn’t exactly been kind. Earlier today, talented young defensive back Ryan Yaites became the fifth player to leave the program since the start of the week.

Defensive back Ryan Yaites becomes fifth 2024 spring transfer portal loss for the Tigers

Once again, the Tigers have officially lost a talented young piece to the 2024 spring transfer portal.

After joining the program as a four-star defensive back recruit in the class of 2023, Ryan Yaites found his way into some early playing time, making appearances in all 13 of the Tigers’ games in 2023. Notably, this included 124 snaps on the defensive side of the ball, showing just how key he was from a depth perspective for a struggling LSU secondary.

However, after exiting spring football as a likely backup for the second season in a row, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Denton, TX, product has elected for the 2024 spring transfer portal.

LSU safety Ryan Yaites has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247sports.

Was a Class of 2023 four-star recruit.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/RG01vr76o8

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2024

As a part of the purple and gold class of 2023, Yaites was one of a slew of four-star signees, ranking No. 245 nationally and No. 21 among safeties in his recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports. In turn, he played a pretty significant role for coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers both on defense and special teams, recording 16 total tackles and one pass defended on the year.

Prior to announcing his commitment to LSU, the four-star defensive back named Cal, Michigan State and Texas Tech as three other major contenders in his recruitment. He also possessed offers from several other big-time programs including Arkansas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas.

With his most recent decision to look for a new home in 2024, he joins edge rusher Jaxon Howard, wide receiver Khai Prean, tight end Connor Gilbreath and cornerback Ryan Robinson Jr as the most recent transfer losses for the Tiger football program.

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