The original plan called for the LSU Tigers to bring in one or two defensive tackles who could compete for a starting position; however, given that the Tigers were unable to sign top defensive tackles Phillip Blidi, Damonic Williams, and Simeon Barrow Jr., the plan may need to be adjusted. Brian Kelly’s team still has some starting-caliber players available in the transfer window that could be useful.
Kent State, CJ West
Almost immediately after CJ West placed his name into the transfer portal, the LSU football
I extended a scholarship offer to him. West would enroll in any program he chose late in the summer because
won’t graduate until the summer. Over the last three seasons, the defensive tackle has played well.
amassing 108 tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble. It appears that the Tigers are competing against Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin for the West. West is the most ready-to-play defensive tackle in the class, so if the Tigers were to acquire him, the defense would benefit right away.
Adin Huntington, Louisiana State University-Monroe
Until transferring to ULM for the 2023 season, Huntington was a teammate of CJ West at Kent
State. Huntington had 62 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his one and only season at ULM. Although it’s unknown now if the Tigers are interested in Huntington, given their closeness, they might put up a good fight to retain him in the state. Huntington was a desirable option because he would be eligible for two years.
Oregon’s Johnny Bowens
During his redshirt freshman year at Oregon, the former four-star recruit, Bowens, had one tackle. Bowens was the 186th overall and 26th-ranked defensive tackle when he was a recruit. Bo Davis, the defensive line coach at Texas, worked very hard to get Bowens, and as a result, the Tigers have a relationship. By bringing Bowens in, Bo Davis’ LSU football team would have at least a rotational player while he could grow into a starter.
The LSU football staff must act quickly.
After missing out on its top targets, the LSU football team must now move more quickly in the hopes of acquiring the depth the defense sorely needs.
The Tigers lack both depth and elite skill in the defensive tackle department, so they will now need to add at least two bodies.
It wouldn’t be a good idea for the LSU football team to consider switching players from defensive end to defensive tackle if they keep missing out on elite transfer targets.
