Brian Kelly and Co. brought in a pair of priority defensive linemen, looking to stack the trenches for the long haul.
Brian Kelly and Co. Bring in a Pair of Priority Defensive Linemen: Stacking the Trenches for the Long Haul
When it comes to building a championship-level college football team, few areas are as critical as the trenches. The defensive line, in particular, plays an indispensable role in dictating the outcome of games. Over the past few seasons, LSU football, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, has put considerable emphasis on strengthening the program’s defensive line. With this in mind, Kelly and his coaching staff have brought in a pair of priority defensive linemen, signaling their intent to build a dominant and deep front seven for the long haul.
While LSU has historically been known for producing elite talent at the defensive line, the competitive nature of the SEC and the increasing focus on dynamic, high-powered offenses have raised the stakes even higher. Kelly’s philosophy is clear: LSU will not be able to compete for SEC and national championships unless they can dominate the line of scrimmage. With this in mind, the Tigers’ latest additions in the form of two highly regarded defensive linemen underscore the program’s focus on building a defense that can shut down the SEC’s most potent offenses.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Brian Kelly’s vision for LSU’s defensive line, the new players added to the trenches, how these recruits fit into the program’s long-term goals, and the broader implications of strengthening the Tigers’ defensive front.
The Importance of Defensive Line Play in the SEC
The SEC, widely considered the most competitive conference in college football, is known for its powerful offenses and relentless defenses. To succeed in this environment, teams must not only have a potent offense but also a stout defense that can withstand the physicality of SEC football. A strong defensive line is the bedrock of any elite defense. It’s the unit that disrupts the quarterback, stifles the running game, and sets the tone for the entire defense.
LSU, a program that has produced NFL-caliber defensive linemen for decades, knows that the key to success lies in the trenches. Historically, players like Glenn Dorsey, Chad Lavalais, Davon Godchaux, and Fletcher Cox have come through LSU’s defensive line, all making significant impacts both in college and at the professional level. This tradition has made the defensive line position one of the most coveted and essential components of the program.
In recent years, however, LSU’s defensive line has faced some challenges. While talent has never been lacking, consistency has been a concern. The Tigers’ defense, despite having elite prospects like Mason Smith and BJ Ojulari, has sometimes struggled to consistently disrupt opposing offenses, particularly in big SEC matchups. To remain competitive in the SEC and return to College Football Playoff contention, LSU needed to invest in the trenches, ensuring the team could both pressure the quarterback and stop the run effectively.
This is where the recent additions come into play.
The Priority Defensive Linemen: Who Are They?
Brian Kelly’s recruiting efforts have led to the addition of two priority defensive linemen who are expected to make an immediate impact. These players were highly sought after by numerous programs, and their commitment to LSU speaks to the program’s growing appeal and commitment to elite defensive play. Let’s take a closer look at these new recruits.
- Zykeivous “Zy” Johnson – Defensive Tackle (6’5″, 320 lbs)
Zykeivous Johnson, a massive defensive tackle from Jackson, Mississippi, is considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his blend of size, strength, and raw athleticism, Johnson is a prototypical defensive tackle who can clog up the middle of the field, disrupt offensive lines, and make an impact as both a run stopper and a pass rusher.
Johnson’s size is particularly impressive, as his frame allows him to eat up space in the middle and free up linebackers to make plays. But his agility for his size sets him apart. Johnson moves well for a player of his stature, and his quickness off the line of scrimmage will make him a force to reckon with at the next level. He is a prototypical 3-4 defensive tackle and a versatile option that can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme.
His impact on LSU’s defensive line could be immediate. Not only will Johnson provide strength in the middle of the line, but his ability to pressure quarterbacks and clog running lanes will significantly improve the Tigers’ defensive presence. Johnson’s addition gives LSU more flexibility along the defensive line, as he can both anchor the defense and be disruptive on passing downs.
- Aaron Phillips – Defensive End (6’4″, 270 lbs)
Aaron Phillips, a highly-rated defensive end from Atlanta, Georgia, has been one of the most coveted edge-rushers in the recruiting cycle. Phillips is known for his explosive first step, his ability to bend around the edge, and his relentless motor. As a pass rusher, Phillips has the potential to be a game-changer for LSU, providing much-needed pressure off the edge and making quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket.
At 6’4″ and 270 pounds, Phillips has the ideal build for a defensive end, with enough size to hold his ground against the run but enough quickness and agility to be a nightmare for offensive tackles. His versatility as a pass rusher gives LSU the potential to create more pressure on the quarterback, which is crucial in an SEC environment where elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses rule the day.
Phillips’ addition to the LSU defensive line is a significant boost to the pass rush. He provides another dynamic piece to a unit that has featured solid contributors in the past but has lacked the consistent, game-wrecking presence needed to challenge the SEC’s top offenses.
Why LSU Prioritized These Two Players
Brian Kelly and his coaching staff recognized the importance of adding these two players to LSU’s defensive line for several reasons. First and foremost, both Johnson and Phillips possess rare talent that LSU’s defensive line was missing. LSU’s defense has had good players along the front in recent seasons, but depth and overall dominance have been lacking. The Tigers’ defensive line needed to be retooled, and these two players bring the ideal combination of talent, physicality, and potential.
Secondly, the SEC is a conference where depth is critical. LSU’s defensive line, despite being solid in recent years, has sometimes struggled with depth, particularly in the middle of the defensive front. Johnson’s size and ability to control the line of scrimmage will give LSU the ability to rotate fresh, high-level players throughout the game, keeping defensive linemen fresh and allowing them to maintain pressure on the opposing offense.
Phillips, on the other hand, adds the type of edge rusher that LSU has lacked for some time. While the Tigers have had talented pass rushers in the past, LSU hasn’t consistently had a player who can pressure the quarterback on every down. Phillips’ ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays off the edge will make him a key asset in LSU’s defensive scheme.
Lastly, both players fit the mold of what Brian Kelly and his staff are looking for in terms of attitude, leadership, and work ethic. Kelly has made it clear that LSU’s success will not just come from talent but from a cohesive, disciplined approach. These two recruits, both of whom are known for their work ethic and their hunger to improve, will be essential for setting the tone in the locker room and on the field.
The Impact on LSU’s Defense Moving Forward
The arrival of Johnson and Phillips is a major development for LSU’s defense. Not only do they bring elite talent, but they also offer versatility and depth, two qualities that are crucial for success in the SEC. Their presence will make LSU’s defensive line more difficult to push around, and their ability to pressure the quarterback will make life easier for the rest of the defense.
In the SEC, where offenses are constantly evolving and becoming more dynamic, having a deep, disruptive defensive line is non-negotiable. With Johnson and Phillips now in the fold, LSU has bolstered their defensive line for the long haul, giving the program a chance to compete with the best of the best. These players provide LSU with the flexibility to change defensive schemes based on the opponent, ensuring that the Tigers can adapt to any situation.
Additionally, the defensive line sets the tone for the rest of the defense. By controlling the line of scrimmage, LSU can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which will allow the secondary to perform better and the linebackers to roam freely. With more pressure on the quarterback, LSU’s secondary can be more aggressive, leading to more turnovers and a stronger overall defensive performance.
The Long-Term Vision
The addition of Johnson and Phillips is just part of Brian Kelly’s long-term vision for LSU. He understands that success in the SEC is built on consistently winning battles in the trenches. By adding these two elite defensive linemen, Kelly is stacking the defensive line for not just the 2025 season but for the years to come. With the depth and talent that LSU is accumulating along the defensive line, the Tigers are positioning themselves to be a dominant force in the SEC for the foreseeable future.
The program is clearly committed to building sustained success, and stacking the trenches is a key part of that plan. These additions will complement LSU’s existing defensive stars and create a defense that can compete at the highest level, both in the SEC and nationally.
