Brian Kelly stresses importance of tackling for LSU safeties

LSU has been making a concerted effort to improve on the defensive side of the ball this offseason following their struggles last year. Boasting the top offense in the nation but not having the defense to compliment them.

Every defensive position group for the Tigers could use some improvement after allowing 408.8 yards and 27.8 points per game last season (second and third worst in the SEC). But at fall camp, head coach Brian Kelly was specifically asked about his safeties.

“I think from the safety position we’ve got to continue to stress them in tackling,” Kelly said. “That’s really going to be a big piece for us is can we erase some mistakes up front? And when we say mistakes up front, if we cut a gap loose, if there’s an issue up front relative to a run fit, can those safeties erase for us?

“And we’re not there yet,” Kelly admitted. “We need to continue to evaluate that.”

The safety position can oftentimes go overlooked on defense, tasked with responsibilities in the run and pass game that largely depend on the scheme of the offense their facing. But whether it’s a running back getting to the third level of the defense or a wide receiver with their eyes set on the end zone, there’s no question that safeties who tackle well help their defenses tremendously in stopping explosive plays.

Kelly made it clear that there’s room to improve for LSU’s safeties, but they have been excelling in other areas.

“I think we’ve done a pretty good job relative to the communication, that was going in something that we were concerned about,” Kelly added. “That’s been a piece that I think has been really, from my end, a pleasant surprise. We’ve gotten good communication, we’re not in a position where we feel like we’re not getting the right calls and executing the right coverages and obviously coverage fits back there, so that’s good.”

Communication in the secondary before the snap is another major key to defensive success, and something that typically comes much easier to veteran safeties versus younger players.

“We’ve got a young group that we’re trying to get as many reps back there as well with the veteran guys out there. Jardin [Gilbert] and Jordan [Allen], those guys are doing a really nice job,” Kelly said. “But we got to continue to get the young guys some reps as well. That will be the next stage for us in the development of the safeties.”

LSU’s entire defensive backfield at large should be improved this upcoming season with several new additions through the transfer portal and another offseason of development for their younger players. As they look to make a significant impact on an improved Tigers’ defense this upcoming season.