Brian Kelly confirms LSU is cross-training Sage Ryan

LSU opened up fall camp on Thursday and people were quick to point out some potential position changes. Sage Ryan was one of them for the Tigers, getting work at cornerback after previously being a safety. That’s where he was previously and even during spring practice.

Head coach Brian Kelly was asked about the move, saying LSU is cross-training Ryan ahead of the 2024 season. There seems to be faith in the defensive back taking on multiple roles at different points of the season.

If Ryan is needed at safety, the experience will certainly be handy for the Tigers. But if Ryan is needed to line up against a tough SEC wide receiver, the work is being done to get him comfortable with the idea.

“We’re cross-training him,” Kelly said. “We wanted the entire spring to be safety and now, we’re going to be getting that cross-training. We feel like he’ll become that one player that can play both positions for us.”

Just a few months ago, Kelly did not think Ryan would be on his 2024 roster. The DB entered the NCAA transfer portal in December but reversed course a few days later. A big win for Kelly and his new defensive staff for the experience alone.

Ryan is entering his fourth season in Baton Rouge and certainly is one of the more experienced players on the roster. In three years, 31 games have been played with 71 total tackles and eight PBUs while still searching for his first-ever interception.

There is even some experience playing nickel, meaning Ryan is set to play every position in the secondary during his time with LSU.

It’s no secret the secondary was a position of weakness for LSU in 2023. Opponents consistenly threw the ball all over the place, leading to struggles even when the results were positive. In the three losses last season, the Tigers gave up an average of 47.3 points and 322 passing yards — brought down a bit by the 219 yards Alabama‘s Jalen Milroe threw for.

Serious improvement will be needed in the backend if Kelly is going to have a successful Year 3. Cross-training players gives him options if/when changes are needed. Some young players could be taking the field and having somebody like Ryan should give a veteran presence.

But now, safety and cornerback seem to both be an option for him. An interesting storyline to follow moving forward in the Boot.