LSU added 18 transfers during the offseason with the intention that most of them would have significant roles, and that certainly will be the case.
Less than two weeks from the Tigers' season opener Aug. 30 against Clemson, it has become clear most of the transfers are in line to start. Others will be key parts of the rotation at their positions, and some are further down the depth chart.
We organized the transfers into different categories based on everything we have seen and heard about them through 15 practices. LSU has six more practices, including another scrimmage, before it gets to game week.
Some things could change during the season, but after targeting so many experienced transfers, LSU is counting on these players to help the team reach the College Football Playoff for the first time under coach Brian Kelly.
Likely starters
Tamarcus Cooley, S, R-Soph.
Cooley probably has one of the safety spots wrapped up. Asked about him and fellow transfer safety AJ Haulcy early in camp, Kelly said they are smart, physical and experienced players. Cooley started nine games at nickel for NC State, and LSU seems comfortable with him at safety.
Mansoor Delane, CB, Sr.
Delane looks like LSU’s most consistent cornerback. He has more experience than anyone else at the position after starting 29 consecutive games over three years at Virginia Tech, and he’s a steady player. Though LSU talked about using Delane at safety or nickel if needed, he has settled in at corner.
Bernard Gooden, DT, Sr.
One of the preseason camp standouts, Gooden has impressed since transferring from South Florida in the spring. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 268 pounds, Gooden makes up for his lack of size with a quick first step and high energy. He may improve LSU's interior pass rush.
“His second foot is in the ground before the offensive lineman,” defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. “So, even though he might be giving up 30 pounds, he’s able to get leverage and get power.”
AJ Haulcy, S, Sr.
Another camp standout who transferred in the spring, Haulcy asserted himself within a couple of weeks of practice. He’s 222 pounds and comes downhill to make plays on the ball. At least once, he lowered his shoulder into a receiver to break up a pass over the middle. Baker called him “one of the most instinctual players I’ve been around.”
Braelin Moore, C, R-Jr.
Moore quickly cemented himself as the center in preseason camp. Kelly has raved about him, complimenting his combination blocks and ability to recognize fronts. Even though there are concerns about the offensive line, Kelly has maintained his confidence in the unit. Part of the reason he feels that way is because of Moore, who he said “sets up the rest of the group for success.”
Jack Pyburn, DE, Sr.
One of the most physical players on the team, this preseason has been a continuation of what Pyburn showed in the spring. He’s LSU’s best defensive end at setting the edge. In the Tigers' pass-rush package, he has played defensive tackle as a 3-technique.
Bauer Sharp, TE, Sr.
Sharp looks like a well-rounded tight end, though Kelly noted earlier in camp he needed to continue to develop. He can make difficult catches, and coaches like his leadership. With Sharp and sophomore Trey'Dez Green, LSU has a promising tight end duo.
“He plays hard every snap,” offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said. “He’s going to give you everything he’s got. I think that's physicality and violence in the run game. Then, also, he’s twitchy at the top of routes. He’s been able to get separation. And he’s a really good ball carrier with the football once he catches it.”
Josh Thompson, OL, Sr.
Thompson's experience — 21 starts over the past two years at Northwestern — will get him on the field early. He has struggled at times this preseason, but there hasn’t been any sign of competition with him at right guard. Instead, the battle has taken place at left guard, primarily between redshirt sophomores DJ Chester and Paul Mubenga.
Grant Chadwick, P, Soph.
Chadwick has been a little inconsistent in brief viewing periods, but as long as he averages 43.4 yards per punt like he did as a freshman at Middle Tennessee State, it will be an improvement over LSU’s punting last season.
Key players
Nic Anderson, WR, R-Jr.
Anderson has stood out since he got out of concussion protocol near the beginning of preseason camp. He’s bigger than LSU’s other receivers at 6-4, and he has reliable hands. He also maintains his speed through his breaks. Even if he's not on the field for the first snap, Anderson will play a lot in a deep receiver rotation.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the way he has prepared and the consistency at which he has played every day,” Sloan said.
Barion Brown, WR, Sr.
Brown is one of the fastest players on the team. His ability to stretch defenses vertically could help the passing game, and LSU has tried to get the ball in his hands in space with wide receiver screens. He’ll also be a kick returner. Kelly referred to him and Chris Hilton as 1A and 1B at the X position.
“We’re going to get over the top of a lot of defenses with those two guys,” Kelly said.
Patrick Payton, DE, Sr.
Payton hasn't flashed during preseason camp, but he will still be an important part of the defensive end rotation after recording 31½ tackles for loss and 16 sacks at Florida State. Kelly said Payton had to learn some new responsibilities after he transferred to LSU.
“He was strictly a rush end," Kelly said. "So, there’s been a little bit of a learning curve for him. But I love the way he comes at it. He’s very conscientious. I think when it’s all said and done, we’re going to have a pretty good rotation of players coming in and out of the game.”
In the mix
Jimari Butler, DE, Sr.
Butler will get snaps at defensive end. But lately, he has practiced on the second-team defense.
Ja’Keem Jackson, CB, R-Soph.
Jackson missed some time last week after suffering what Kelly described as a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He could end up starting opposite Delane, but he hasn't secured that spot yet. Junior cornerback Ashton Stamps is still getting a lot of work with the starting defense.
Backups
Michael Van Buren, QB, Soph.
Van Buren has played better of late after an inconsistent start to the preseason. Sloan pointed out Van Buren had to learn a new offense after transferring from Mississippi State, and even though he played a lot as a freshman, that can take time. He has shown solid arm talent and accuracy issues. But if he develops, he may compete for the starting job next season.
Donovan Green, TE, R-Jr.
Sloan complimented Green for his consistency. He works with the second-team offense behind Sharp and Green.
Destyn Hill, WR, R-Soph.
LSU has been pleased with Hill, who was a bit of an unknown after missing his sophomore year at Florida State with an injury. He might be able to crack the rotation, but there are six receivers ahead of him.
Sydir Mitchell, DT, R-Soph.
After an encouraging spring, Mitchell has dropped down the depth chart. He might play in certain situations because of his size (6-6, 355 pounds), but he has not been a consistent part of the defensive tackle rotation.