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LSU’s secondary struggled slightly in 2022, but had big name players like Jay Ward, Mekhi Garner, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, and Sevyn Banks. None of those names ate back for 2023 and now the Tigers will depend on new faces to make an impact in the SEC for the upcoming season.
Zy Alexander
2023 will be Alexander’s first season with LSU after he was an FCS All-American at Southeastern Louisiana last season. He racked up 95 tackles and nine interceptions in his three seasons in Hammond America.
He had plenty of success at the FCS level, but the question is whether or not his skill set will translate to the next level.
Duce Chesnutt
This is going to be a fun player to watch in the SEC. Chesnutt comes to Baton Rouge after spending the last two seasons at Syracuse. He played in 24 names, getting 83 tackles and 13 passes defended for the Orange defense.
He’ll provide valuable experience and depth to a basically new group after players like Jay Ward, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, and Mekhi Garner all departed.
Major Burns
Burns has been with LSU the last two seasons, starting nine games and getting 63 tackles. For a defensive back, an average of seven tackles a game is very solid.
Burns will continue to be a veteran presence for Matt House’s defense and be the leader of the now-inexperienced group.
Greg Brooks
After starting all 14 games last season, Brooks has the most experience in the secondary for LSU heading into 2023. He finished 2022 with 66 tackles and five passes defended during the 10-4 season.
At 5’10”, 187 pounds, Brooks roams the defensive backfield and is able to make big plays in the run game as well. When you look at the safety group at LSU, Brooks and Burns may be one of the better duos in the country.
Others to Watch
Andre Sam transferred back to his home state of Louisiana after playing at Marshall and McNeese State so far in his collegiate career, Denver Harris comes in from Texas A&M, and other standouts include JK Johnson, Kylin Jackson, and LaTerrence Welch.