Linebacker Micah Baskerville makes decision on LSU future

LSU linebacker Micah Baskerville announced Tuesday afternoon that he plans to return for the 2022 season, foregoing his chance to enter the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6 senior from Shreveport, Louisiana will play his fifth season with the Tigers using the NCAA’s free year of eligibility given during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Micah Baskerville, a former four-star recruit, has played in 40 games over four seasons with LSU and now returns for one more season. He has 171 career tackles, including a career-high 83 in 2021, with three sacks and one interception.

After an exodus to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, LSU’s defense will covet the added piece of continuity in Brian Kelly’s first season. Key departures in the secondary and the front seven on both fronts have led to a large shopping list in the transfer portal.

LSU lands more defensive help

The LSU Tigers continue landing transfer portal prospects every day now it seems like. The latest to join Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge is former Missouri defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.

Wingo, a class of 2021 recruit, announced his decision on Twitter on Tuesday.

“Back to the Basics,” Wingo wrote, also including a commitment graphic.

Nebraska, Oklahoma State, USC and more were also in the mix for his services. As this is a first transfer for Mekhi Wingo, he will be immediately eligible to play in 2022.

Coming out of high school, Wingo was a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 598 overall prospect in the country. He was also the No. 54 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 9 prospect in Missouri.

LSU’s staff has already added 10 other transfers into the fold to shore up the roster. However, more could still be on the way.

Florida International offensive lineman Miles Frazier, East Carolina long snapper Slade Roy, Arkansas safety Joe Foucha, Arkansas defensive back Greg Brooks, Louisiana defensive back Mekhi Garner and Notre Dame punter Jay Bramblett have announced their decisions recently.

Virginia linebacker West Weeks, Penn State running back Noah Cain, Louisiana wide receiver Kyren Lacy and East Tennessee State offensive lineman Tre’Mond Shorts have all also pledged to transfer to LSU in the last few days.