Jay’viar Suggs enters transfer portal. How it affects LSU football’s depth chart

LSU Football’s Depth Chart Shifts into High Gear as Jay’Viar Suggs Enters Transfer Portal

The LSU Tigers football program has been dealt a significant blow with the news that star linebacker Jay’Viar Suggs has entered the transfer portal. The 6’2″, 230-pound linebacker was a key contributor to the Tigers’ defense last season, recording 64 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Suggs’ decision to leave Baton Rouge comes as a surprise to many, as he was expected to be a key player in the Tigers’ defense for the upcoming season. His departure creates a void in the linebacking corps, and LSU will need to fill the gap to maintain its status as one of the top defenses in the SEC.

**Impact on LSU’s Depth Chart**

With Suggs no longer in the mix, LSU’s depth chart at linebacker looks significantly different. Here’s a breakdown of how the Tigers’ depth chart might shift:

1. **Linebacker corps:** Suggs’ departure leaves a hole in the starting lineup, and LSU will need to fill it with a combination of returning players and newcomers. Sophomore Damone Clark, who started six games last season, is likely to take over as the starting middle linebacker. Clark recorded 34 tackles and two tackles for loss in limited action last season.

2. **Backup options:** With Suggs gone, junior College of Charleston transfer Deche Milburn becomes an important backup option at linebacker. Milburn played in all 13 games for the Cougars last season, recording 65 tackles and two sacks.

3. **Newcomers:** LSU signed four linebackers in its 2022 recruiting class, including three-star prospects Greg Penn Jr., Bryce Thornton, and Trevell Johnson. While it’s unlikely that any of these freshmen will start immediately, they could provide valuable depth and potentially push for playing time later in the season.

4. **Defensive adjustments:** Suggs’ departure may force LSU’s coaches to make some adjustments on defense. The Tigers might shift more emphasis to their pass rush, relying on defensive ends like Andre Anthony and Maason Smith to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

**Recruiting Implications**

Suggs’ decision to enter the transfer portal could have significant recruiting implications for LSU. Here are a few possibilities:

1. **Recruitment of linebackers:** With Suggs gone, LSU may need to recruit additional linebackers to fill the void. The Tigers have already offered several linebackers in their 2023 recruiting class, but they may need to make some late additions to bolster their depth.

2. **Competition for transfers:** Suggs’ departure creates an opportunity for other linebackers who were considering transferring to join LSU. The Tigers may receive interest from several players who were previously committed elsewhere or were considering transferring.

3. **Re-evaluation of defensive strategy:** If LSU is unable to find a suitable replacement for Suggs, they may need to re-evaluate their defensive strategy. This could include shifting more emphasis to their pass rush or exploring new ways to generate pressure on opposing offenses.

**Conclusion**

Jay’Viar Suggs’ decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant blow to LSU’s defense, but it also presents opportunities for other players and recruits. As the Tigers navigate this change, they’ll need to rely on their depth and versatility to maintain their status as one of the top defenses in the SEC.

In the short term, LSU will need to adjust its depth chart and find ways to generate pressure on opposing offenses without Suggs. In the long term, the Tigers will need to find a suitable replacement for Suggs and continue to build depth at linebacker.

As news of Suggs’ departure spreads, fans will be eager to see how LSU’s coaches respond and how their team adapts to this new challenge. One thing is certain: with Suggs gone, the Tigers will face new challenges on defense, but they’ll also have opportunities to emerge stronger and more resilient in the end.