LSU Tigers’ Blake Baker Spotlights Key Returning Playmakers Set to Make Major Impact Alongside New Talent This Season

As the LSU Tigers gear up for another competitive season in the highly challenging SEC, defensive coordinator Blake Baker is offering a glimpse into the team’s potential for the upcoming year. With several standout playmakers returning to Baton Rouge, LSU’s defense is poised to build on the successes of previous seasons, and Blake Baker is optimistic about how these players will contribute to a highly competitive and dynamic unit. The infusion of both returning stars and incoming talent sets the stage for a thrilling season ahead.

Baker’s defense has been under the microscope since he arrived at LSU, with fans and analysts alike expecting nothing short of greatness from the Tigers’ defense. As a coordinator, Baker has played an integral role in shaping the team’s defensive identity, focusing on aggressive and opportunistic play, while ensuring that his players are always prepared to face some of the toughest offensive lineups in college football. With LSU’s offense having gained traction in recent seasons, much of the Tigers’ success in 2024 will likely depend on how their defense performs and, more specifically, how returning playmakers mesh with new talent.

Returning Veterans Who Could Make a Huge Impact

When looking at the LSU Tigers for the upcoming season, there’s no question that the team’s success will be driven in part by a set of experienced veterans who have been the backbone of the defense over the last several seasons. These players, having gained valuable experience in the SEC trenches, will be expected to lead by example, playing with the kind of skill, leadership, and poise that can elevate an entire team.

Blake Baker has specifically highlighted a few key returning players who could make a huge impact in 2024, and for good reason. Let’s dive into some of the names that could take the Tigers’ defense to new heights.

1. Harold Perkins Jr. – The Future of LSU’s Defense

There’s no doubt that Harold Perkins Jr. is one of the most exciting players in college football. As a standout linebacker, Perkins made a name for himself during his freshman season with LSU, quickly becoming one of the most disruptive forces on the defense. His speed, football IQ, and ability to make plays all over the field earned him recognition as one of the best young linebackers in the country.

Perkins is a player with immense upside and is poised to be one of the Tigers’ most valuable assets in the upcoming season. He has the unique ability to play sideline-to-sideline, creating chaos in the backfield and helping the Tigers stifle opposing offenses. Baker is expected to continue to utilize Perkins in a variety of roles, allowing him to flourish as an all-around linebacker and further develop his skills in pass coverage, as well as rush the quarterback. His versatility is a key element of LSU’s defense, and Perkins will be instrumental in setting the tone for a hard-hitting, aggressive unit.

2. Makai Wingo – A Key Defensive Line Leader

Makai Wingo is another player who will be crucial to LSU’s defensive success in 2024. As a defensive tackle, Wingo has consistently been one of the most effective players on the Tigers’ defensive front. He has the rare combination of strength, technique, and agility that allows him to dominate the line of scrimmage. Wingo is adept at clogging up running lanes and applying pressure on the quarterback, making him a valuable asset for Baker’s defense.

After a strong 2023 season, Wingo will enter 2024 as one of the leaders of LSU’s defensive line. Baker has expressed confidence in Wingo’s ability to anchor the defensive front, allowing the Tigers to control the line of scrimmage against some of the best offensive lines in the SEC. Wingo’s presence up front will be vital in helping LSU’s linebackers and secondary make plays in the backfield.

3. Greg Brooks Jr. – A Ball Hawk in the Secondary

When it comes to playmaking in the secondary, few players are as adept at creating turnovers as Greg Brooks Jr. The LSU safety has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, often intercepting passes and breaking up throws to stymie opposing offenses. His high football IQ and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes make him a dangerous player in pass coverage.

In 2024, Brooks is expected to be a central figure in LSU’s secondary. As a veteran player with experience in both the SEC and on the national stage, Brooks brings leadership and poise to a young group of defensive backs. If the Tigers are going to have success defending high-powered offenses, Brooks will need to play a significant role as a leader in the secondary, helping LSU stay disciplined while making big plays in critical moments.

4. Jay Ward – A Versatile Playmaker in the Secondary

Alongside Greg Brooks Jr., Jay Ward is another key returner in LSU’s secondary. Ward’s versatility as a defensive back makes him an invaluable asset to Blake Baker’s defense. Ward has the ability to play both cornerback and safety, which allows the coaching staff to move him around based on matchups. This flexibility is a major advantage, particularly against teams with multiple dynamic offensive weapons.

Ward’s ball skills and ability to contribute in both run support and pass defense will be crucial in 2024. His experience and leadership in the secondary give LSU the confidence to match up against even the most dangerous offenses, and with the Tigers facing some top-tier quarterbacks in the SEC, Ward’s ability to cover wide receivers and disrupt passing lanes will be vital for the defense’s success.

5. Ali Gaye – A Dominant Force on the Edge

Ali Gaye is another key returning player who will have a huge impact in 2024. The senior defensive end is a physical specimen, with the length, size, and athleticism to dominate at the line of scrimmage. Gaye has a relentless motor and is capable of applying consistent pressure on the quarterback, which is essential for LSU’s defense in a league as competitive as the SEC.

With a full season of experience under his belt, Gaye has become one of the premier edge rushers in the country. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses by collapsing the pocket and limiting the quarterback’s time to throw will be one of the main strategies that Blake Baker will use in 2024. Gaye’s veteran presence and disruptive ability could be a game-changer for LSU, especially when facing high-caliber offensive lines and quarterbacks.

New Faces and Key Additions for LSU’s Defense

In addition to the returning stars, Blake Baker has also been excited about the infusion of new talent into the defense, as several key recruits and transfers are expected to make an immediate impact. While much of the focus has been on the returning players, LSU’s success in 2024 will also depend on how well the newcomers integrate into the defensive scheme and how quickly they can contribute.

1. Harold Perkins Jr.’s Impact on the Incoming Freshmen

While Perkins himself is already a key player for LSU, his leadership could be pivotal for the incoming freshmen who are tasked with filling key defensive roles. Perkins has been vocal about helping the next generation of Tigers, guiding them in adapting to the demands of playing in the SEC. His experience and knowledge of the game make him an ideal mentor for freshmen players who are looking to make an immediate impact.

2. Impactful Transfers

Blake Baker and LSU’s coaching staff have been hard at work bringing in impactful transfers to bolster the defense. While these players are still adjusting to the LSU system, several have already shown promise and could end up being key contributors in 2024. The combination of talent from both incoming transfers and returning players will create a dynamic defense capable of withstanding the rigors of the SEC.

The Big Picture: What’s at Stake for LSU’s Defense

Blake Baker’s spotlight on returning key playmakers signals that LSU’s defense is in great shape heading into the 2024 season. The team’s success will depend on the growth of these players, how they adapt to new roles, and their ability to stay healthy throughout the season. However, with an abundance of returning talent and an infusion of new recruits, the LSU Tigers’ defense looks poised to make a significant impact this year.

The combination of experience, skill, and leadership will be crucial in helping LSU compete for an SEC title and potentially make a run for the college football playoffs. As LSU’s defense continues to grow under Blake Baker’s guidance, the spotlight on the team will only intensify, and Tigers fans are hopeful that this group of returning playmakers will carry the torch and bring LSU back to its rightful place at the top of college football.