By Tony Thomas
The transfer portal and the early signing period in December were especially kind to the LSU Tigers, particularly regarding the defensive back unit.
The Bayou Bengals secured the services of the No. 2 cornerback in the country and recruited two former Atlantic Coast Conference defensive backs from the portal, who combined for seven INTs last season.
As the Tigers begin spring practice, this group will be intriguing to watch from the standpoint of development and cohesiveness, led by these four talented players.
Ashton Stamps
Cornerback
6-foot, 190 pounds
Going into his third season with LSU, Ashton Stamps recorded 51 tackles and broke up a stellar 14 passes last season. He was a steady presence in the secondary for the Tigers.
In three games in 2024, Stamps broke up three passes in each. In addition, Stamps recorded five or more tackles in four games. He is a welcome return to the LSU secondary going into the 2025 season.
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Mansoor Delane (from Va. Tech)
Cornerback
6-foot-1, 187 pounds
Recruited from the transfer portal as a third-team All-ACC selection, Mansoor Delane was a terror on defense for the Virginia Tech Hokies last season.
Brian Kelly and the #LSU Tigers signed the No. 2 CB in the Transfer Portal last month: Mansoor Delane.
Now, the Virginia Tech star has officially made his way to Baton Rouge and moved in.
The 6’0, 185-pounder totaled 146 Tackles, 16 PBUs, 6 INT + 4 FF across three seasons. pic.twitter.com/YosMmOfMaL
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) January 11, 2025
Delane picked off four passes, made 54 tackles, broke up seven passes and forced two fumbles. In a loss at Syracuse, Delane recorded six tackles, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass. At 6-foot-1, Delane will match up better with bigger receivers.
Tamarcus Cooley (from N.C. State)
Nickelback
6-foot, 195 pounds
With nine starts in 13 games played in 2024, Tamarcus Cooley was very active around the football for the Wolfpack. Cooley recorded 39 tackles and three INTs, broke up six passes and forced two fumbles.
Tamarcus "TMac" Cooley comes to LSU with the potential to be a starting safety in 2025.
Watched several games from his 2024 season at NC State and broke down his strengths & where he'll have to grow as a young player. (+) @BengalTigerOn3
🏈Analysis: https://t.co/PighFQ4Iw7 pic.twitter.com/qftWuaFdoQ
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) January 14, 2025
Against Duke, Cooley recorded eight tackles and returned a fumble 70 yards to set up a Wolfpack scoring opportunity. In the Military Bowl against East Carolina, Cooley made nine tackles and picked off two passes.
In the Wake Forest game, Cooley recorded a sack, forced a fumble and recorded seven tackles.
D.J. Pickett
Cornerback
6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Rated as one of the top cornerbacks in the country by On3, D.J. Pickett has been practicing with the Tigers since December and prepping for the bowl game against Baylor.
Pickett recorded four INTs as a senior at Zephyrhills (Fla.) High School. He was a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball, as he gained 1,000 yards as a receiver and 15 touchdowns in his junior season.
New: #LSU 5-star+ signee DJ Pickett debuted as the No. 1 safety on @On3Recruits.
Now, he finishes as the No. 1 cornerback in the On300.
Pickett's final ranking as the No. 1 CB comes 380 days after LSU hired Corey Raymond back on staff.
More:➡️ https://t.co/N3VffgDdaI pic.twitter.com/6yEGtqHivB
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) January 30, 2025
With elite speed, he can jump the pass route or make the big hit. It will be hard for coaches Brian Kelly and Corey Raymond to keep Pickett off the field. Pickett will be a significant contributor under the Saturday night lights sooner rather than later.
With P.J. Woodland and DeShawn Spears also in the mix, these talented Tigers will be watched and looked upon to lead the LSU secondary back to prominence and “DBU” back to gridiron glory this season.
