Josh Heupel says LSU's secondary has 'gotten better'

LSU completely revamped its secondary under new head coach Brian Kelly. A unit that produced pro after pro over the last decade was flushed away during the coaching transition, leaving Kelly to totally re-tool the lineup in the defensive backfield. However, he seemed to have done a stellar turnaround job with the DBs in the short time he had to re-recruit the position. At least according to Tennessee coach Josh Heupel.

The Volunteer headman held high praise for the job LSU did replenishing its defensive backs and views them as a stout and improving group at this point in the season.

“Yeah I think they’ve gotten better you know. A lot of transfers that have played a lot of football as a group year one under their coordinator, you know,” Heupel shared at a press conference this week.

It’s true. The Tigers are getting major snap counts out of transfers in the defensive backfield this season. In fact, practically every important piece of the LSU transfer is an import from another school. And they arrived from everywhere.

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The Tigers nabbed a couple of safeties from Arkansas, Greg Brooks and Joe Foucha, who have come on strong in Baton Rouge. They also added a former two-time All-Big 12 cornerback as well as another from McNeese State. LSU has a brand new cast of characters back there making plays.

Despite the complete flip in players in the secondary from this year to last, Josh Heupel is impressed by the group’s cohesion and progress as a unit.

“In this entire football team, I think they continue to progress and grow, as you typically do in year one. They got good players and I feel like they’re playing their best football right now in the secondary. So, a big test for us. They’re going to play some man press and you gotta be able to go win those one-on-ones.”

A tough test for Tennessee to out-duel LSU’s improving backfield one on one. But they’re well-equipped. The Vols feature one of the best passing offenses in the country. Led by Hendon Hooker and his cast of receivers. Should be an electric matchup.