To most schools, a 10-win season would be considered a success. But for LSU football, it results in coaches fired, players entering the transfer portal and upset fans.
With Heisman winner Jayden Daniels at quarterback and LSU ranked first in points per game average, it’s obvious that LSU’s defense was its Achilles’ heel in the 2023 season. But after hiring new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, both fans and players are hoping for the Tigers to return to their usual state of dominance.
While the 2023 defense played a lot of deep coverage with few blitz attempts, Baker is changing the landscape. He’s creating a more aggressive defense, complete with more man-to-man coverage.
After an intense fall camp, LSU’s defense had a number of standout players that are expected to see the field against USC on Sunday.
Bradyn Swinson
Swinson secured a starting spot at defensive end alongside senior Sai’vion Jones.
After spending three seasons at Oregon, Swinson made his name known in his first season with the purple and gold. He led the Tigers in quarterback hurries with nine in 2023. Now an experienced veteran, Swinson’s play style fits in perfectly with Baker’s new defensive strategy.
With most teams focused on Harold Perkins, Swinson could potentially bring in more sacks and have a better avenue to rush opposing quarterbacks.
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Jacobian Guillory
Guillory is a veteran on the defensive front for the Tigers as he enters his fifth year in purple and gold. Nearing the 2024 season, Guillory continues to mature on the field as well as off.
“He’s always been a big, strong player inside, but he’s really really matured off the field,” Baker said. “He’s becoming a vocal leader in a positive way so it’s been really cool to see that standpoint. But I feel really good about him inside.”
Different players were thrown into the defensive tackle mix during fall camp, but Guillory continued to be the player that head coach Brian Kelly turned to.
“He’s played a lot of football,” Baker said. “He understands block recognition. He does a good job of getting the calls and executing the call… I’m really happy with Jacobian and love what he’s doing out there on the field.”
Da’Shawn Womack
Womack is second on the depth chart and expected to rotate in with defensive ends. His elite performance in fall camp has fans excited for his 2024 debut against USC.
The 260-pound sophomore appeared in 12 games in the 2023 season, creating chaos for opposing offenses. The former five-star recruit took major strides in his freshman year and is expected to be a leading pass rusher in the 2024 season.
Harold Perkins Jr.
Perkins has been nothing short of exceptional for the Tigers’ defense. He was picked to wear No. 7, symbolizing his explosiveness.
“Seven represents a great history and tradition,” Kelly said. “It’s more about a player that has roots in the state of Louisiana.”
Perkins set the bar high in the 2023 season, leading the Tigers in tackles for loss for the second consecutive year and recording 75 tackles with 5.5 sacks. Coaches and fans alike expect a similar, if not better, performance this year.
“He’s doing an unbelievable job,” Baker said. “Harold Perkins right now is playing on fire.”
Baker isn’t tying Perkins down on the inside though. He’s utilizing him in all areas of the field.
“We’re moving him around, so he’s not just playing on the inside,” Baker said. “He’s as fit for the run as anyone else.”
Perkins will act as the backbone of the Tigers’ defense. After two seasons of experience earned him a plethora of awards, Perkins is entering the 2024 season with all eyes on him.
“He’s an ascending player,” Baker said. “I really think he’s not even scratching the surface of where he’s going to be.”
