LSU football lost some major pieces this offseason, such as players like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Mekhi Wingo, Maason Smith and more. 

However, losing so many players allows other players to step up and get a chance to be in the spotlight, and with LSU’s National L Club Spring Game around the corner, there are some names to keep an eye on. 

Sage Ryan 

It comes as no surprise that last season’s Tiger defense was one of the worst in recent history, and a big part of that was the lack of depth and experience at the defensive back position. With players unable to play, younger players were forced to, and one of those younger guys was Sage Ryan.

The defensive back from Lafayette has flipped between safety and cornerback these past two seasons and has shown glimpses of potential. 

Ryan originally entered his name in the transfer portal after last season but withdrew and is back on the team. 

Last year, Ryan played the majority of his snaps at cornerback and tallied up 41 total tackles and five pass deflections in his time. 

During spring practice, Ryan has been one of the most talked-about players because he has played well. Ryan has moved back to his original position at safety and has been excelling all spring. 

With numerous interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, Ryan has seemed to figure out his footing. Ryan has had the most experience with LSU, and with numerous incoming transfers and freshmen, the Tigers have turned to him to be one of the leaders for this defense, and he has delivered.

Since his freshman season, he has continued to learn and improve his game, and people are saying he’s due for a breakout season. 

Kaleb Jackson

During his freshman season, Kaleb Jackson found himself in the running back rotation early. Whether it was due to a blowout or providing a spark in the run game, Jackson made use of his time. 

In his freshman season last year, the Baton Rouge native totaled up 165 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on 31 carries.  Jackson comes in at 6-feet tall and weighs 225 pounds. To put it in perspective, former LSU running back Leonard Fournette was 6 feet 1 inch and 230 pounds.

There have been many comparisons between Jackson and Fournette because of the combination of speed and strength they both have. Jackson showed off his strength by running over players, as he did against Auburn and his viral truck against Mississippi State. He also showed off the ability to make quick cuts and find holes.

Plays like those are the reason people compare him to NFL players and say he could have a breakout season. Jackson was behind players like Logan Diggs, Josh Williams and Noah Cain.

However, with Diggs transferring, Cain entering the NFL Draft and John Emery graduating, the opportunity for Jackson has continued to grow, and he will have a chance to compete for that starting spot with Williams. 

The upside is Jackson’s big play potential and the explosiveness that he brings to the table. That, combined with the several touches he’s gotten in practice, makes him player to keep an eye on during the spring game and move forward. 

PJ Woodland 

Woodland is an interesting player because he is an early enrollee as a freshman. Woodland was a three-star cornerback from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was ranked the 45th-best cornerback in the country.

Woodland had other SEC offers, such as Arkansas, Mississippi State and Auburn, but in the end committed to LSU and decided to enroll early for this upcoming season.

At first, it seems odd to talk about a three-star recruit that not many fans have heard of, but considering how he’s been playing in practice, Woodland has been able to adapt to the college game very quickly as he’s already been running with the first team for defense.

One of the biggest things that many people have talked about while watching Woodland practice is his ability to compete, his physicality and his ability to cover in man coverage.

As stated before, LSU’s defense had one of its worst seasons last year, being historically bad, especially in pass defense. Having someone that young showing that he can guard well against a wide receiver core with speed and talent is reassuring that the Tigers are heading in the right direction.