The Tigers are hosting two defensive back targets, according to the LSU football transfer portal buzz.
The Tigers are Hosting Two Defensive Back Targets, According to the LSU Football Transfer Portal Buzz
As the LSU Tigers continue their pursuit of dominance in college football, the transfer portal remains an essential tool for head coach Brian Kelly and his staff. In the modern era of college football, the portal allows teams to fill immediate needs, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where LSU has struggled in recent years to maintain consistency. The LSU football program, renowned for its rich history and tradition, has always been a force to reckon with in the SEC, but maintaining a competitive edge in the conference requires constant roster upgrades.
With that in mind, LSU has recently turned its attention to the defensive backfield, a position that has been one of the Tigers’ weaknesses over the past few seasons. This year, LSU is actively pursuing two defensive back prospects via the transfer portal, both of whom could provide the secondary with the talent and depth it needs to elevate its performance in 2025. The two targets in question have garnered significant attention and are being closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these two potential transfer targets, examining their playing styles, their fit with the Tigers, and the broader context of LSU’s defensive backfield needs. We’ll also analyze how these additions could impact the Tigers’ 2025 season, with the hopes that both players could help turn around what has been a secondary that has struggled with consistency in recent years.
1. The Need for Defensive Back Help at LSU
To understand the importance of these two transfer portal targets, it’s essential to first acknowledge LSU’s recent struggles in the secondary. Over the past few seasons, the Tigers have been known for their explosive offense and high-powered passing attack, but their defense, particularly in the secondary, has often been a point of concern.
In 2024, LSU’s defense finished toward the bottom of the SEC in passing yards allowed per game and had issues with maintaining consistent coverage in critical moments. While LSU has had talented players in the secondary, such as Jay Ward, Greg Brooks Jr., and Sage Ryan, there have been notable lapses in coverage and difficulty in preventing explosive plays. Opponents have often found success in the passing game against LSU’s defense, and the Tigers’ coaching staff recognizes that improving the secondary must be a priority moving forward.
The ability to land transfer portal talent at key positions has become vital for teams like LSU that are looking to quickly turn around their defensive fortunes. The Tigers are poised to make a major push in 2025, and the addition of two talented defensive backs could be a game-changer.
2. The Two Defensive Back Targets
The LSU Tigers have identified two standout defensive backs who they believe could provide immediate help to the secondary. Both players bring different skills to the table, and their combined experience and talent could significantly elevate the Tigers’ defense. These two players are reportedly set to visit Baton Rouge, and the interest surrounding them has been growing steadily in recent weeks.
Target One: Tyrone Clark Jr. (Transfer from Texas)
One of the most intriguing defensive back prospects LSU has targeted is Tyrone Clark Jr., a former four-star recruit who spent his first few years at Texas. Clark, who is known for his combination of size, athleticism, and coverage ability, has had a solid career for the Longhorns, showcasing the potential to be a lockdown cornerback. However, after two seasons at Texas, Clark entered the transfer portal, looking for a new environment where he could further develop and maximize his potential.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Clark has the ideal frame for a cornerback in the SEC, where physicality and athleticism are critical for success. His size allows him to match up well against larger receivers, and his speed makes him a threat to cover deep routes while staying competitive in contested situations. In his time at Texas, Clark demonstrated an ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, which helped him to rack up multiple interceptions and pass breakups. His ball skills are impressive, and his understanding of offensive routes and defensive positioning has made him a valuable asset in man-to-man and zone coverage.
One of the things that sets Clark apart from other cornerback prospects is his versatility. Although he has primarily played cornerback in his career, Clark has the ability to contribute at multiple spots in the secondary. His physicality allows him to be an asset in run support, and he’s shown the ability to excel in press coverage situations. This flexibility would be a huge asset to LSU, as defensive coordinator Matt House could deploy Clark in various schemes and positions to help shore up a secondary that has struggled in past seasons.
If Clark chooses to transfer to LSU, his blend of experience and athleticism could be a perfect match for what the Tigers need in 2025. His size, ball skills, and versatility would immediately make him one of the Tigers’ top defensive backs, providing much-needed depth and playmaking ability.
Target Two: DeMarion Lattimore (Transfer from Michigan State)
The second defensive back LSU is closely pursuing is DeMarion Lattimore, a highly regarded cornerback who played for Michigan State before entering the transfer portal. Lattimore, who is also known for his size and athleticism, is another player who could be an immediate contributor for LSU’s secondary.
Lattimore has a history of success at Michigan State, where he developed into a solid starting cornerback for the Spartans. He has the ideal frame for a corner, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, and he possesses the type of physicality that LSU coaches covet. His ability to match up with taller, physical receivers in the SEC is something LSU has been missing in recent years. Lattimore also has a reputation for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, which has allowed him to make key interceptions in critical moments. This kind of awareness and anticipation is something LSU’s defense has been lacking at times.
While Lattimore is known for his physicality, he also has good speed and lateral quickness, allowing him to stay with most receivers in coverage. His ability to cover a wide range of routes makes him a valuable asset in both man and zone coverage schemes. Additionally, Lattimore is a reliable tackler who isn’t afraid to come up and support the run. This toughness and physicality are crucial for an SEC cornerback, and his style of play could mesh well with LSU’s aggressive defensive approach.
Lattimore’s experience at a competitive program like Michigan State has also prepared him for the high expectations and the intense competition in the SEC. His maturity and leadership could provide an important boost to LSU’s defense, especially considering the high turnover rate in the transfer portal and the constant need for experienced players in a conference as competitive as the SEC.
3. Impact on LSU’s Defense in 2025
Both Tyrone Clark Jr. and DeMarion Lattimore would be impactful additions to LSU’s secondary in 2025. The Tigers are looking to return to national prominence after a few inconsistent seasons, and improving the defensive backfield is a crucial part of that goal. Adding two talented defensive backs with different skill sets could help address several key issues that have plagued the defense in recent seasons.
The first and most obvious benefit of adding Clark and Lattimore would be the improvement in pass defense. LSU has struggled at times with giving up big plays in the passing game, and both players bring the kind of coverage ability that could reduce those vulnerabilities. With Clark’s ball skills and Lattimore’s physicality, LSU’s defensive backfield would become a much tougher unit to break down, both in the short and deep passing games.
Moreover, both players would add depth to the secondary, which has been a concern for LSU in recent years. Having experienced players who can rotate in and out of the lineup would not only increase competition within the program but also ensure that LSU is well-prepared to face the top offenses in the SEC. In particular, Clark and Lattimore could help LSU match up better against the high-powered passing attacks from teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss.
In addition to improving LSU’s coverage in the secondary, both Clark and Lattimore would provide a sense of stability and leadership to the Tigers’ defensive backfield. Their experience in the Big Ten and SEC-caliber offenses would allow them to handle the pressure that comes with playing at LSU. This veteran presence would also be crucial for mentoring younger players and ensuring that LSU’s defensive backfield remains focused and disciplined.
