The LSU Tigers have signed their first incoming transfer, over a month after the NCAA’s Spring Transfer Portal window opened. The commitment of Jay’Viar Suggs, a defensive lineman from Grand Valley State, to Brian Kelly and the LSU football team gives them a much-needed boost in defensive tackle depth. Suggs will have two more years of eligibility when he enrolls at LSU. Suggs showed strong pass rush skills with three sacks in 2022 and recorded 21 tackles, five sacks, and four pass breakups in 2023 at Grand Valley State. The fact that Brian Kelly was a coach at Grand Valley State from 1991 to 2003 probably helped him land Suggs. Kenzel, Kelly’s son, was a teammate of Suggs at Grand Valley State as well. The Tigers waited until after Suggs had named a final six of USC, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Florida State, and Kentucky before making an offer of a scholarship. Suggs’ arrival was essential because the squad had missed out on a number of defensive tackle prospects earlier. The team wasn’t “in the market of buying players,” Brian Kelly made clear. Suggs and Jacobian Guillory are anticipated to start as LSU’s starting defensive tackle tandem. After hosting defensive tackle Brandon Lane, a transfer from Stephen F. Austin, for an unofficial visit, the Tigers may still be adding players to their roster. Furthermore, LSU is still vying for Tyler Baron and Wesley Walker, two former Tennessee players. **Impact of Bo Davis** Bo Davis was hired by LSU this off-season with the intention of strengthening their player development and recruiting initiatives. This summer, Davis will put an emphasis on strengthening the defensive tackles, particularly Jay’Viar Suggs and incoming freshman Dominick McKinley. A position that was once a huge worry for LSU might become a strength as the season goes on if Davis can quicken their growth.
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