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Javien Toviano, Ashton Stamps, reflect on year one at LSU

On3 imageby:Matthew Brune•11/21/23•

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Ashton Stamps LSU
Ashton Stamps LSU

LSU’s freshman cornerbacks have been an underlying storyline throughout the 2023 season, stepping in as the four transfer defensive backs have been either hurt or unavailable over the back half of the season. Leading the way has been Javien Toviano and Ashton Stamps, two players in their first year tasked with stepping to the line to challenge receivers in the best conference in the country on a weekly basis.

There have been ups and downs, but the two are intent on setting the foundation to get LSU back to where it wants to be at cornerback as soon as possible.

“I learned that you’re going to go through a lot of things,” Stamps said. “College is different from high school. There’s a lot of adversity you have to go through whether that’s physically, mentally, emotionally, and you just have to stay focused and not let the little things bother you.”

All of the young cornerbacks have had their moments on the wrong end of a big play, but the experience is invaluable. The film allows them to hone in on exactly what works and what didn’t early in their careers. 

Toviano and Stamps were two stars of fall camp, so seeing them on the field is not a surprise, but now it’s about raising the level of play and learning on every snap.

“It’s really just a next play mentality,” Toviano said. “You’re not going to win at the line every time. You’re not going to deflect the ball every time. There are going to be times when the offense makes a play and you just have to keep moving forward and not getting too wrapped up in the last play that just happened, good or bad.”

Toviano, Stamps, freshman Jeremiah Hughes, and sophomore Laterrance Welch have all rotated snaps in the second half of the season at LSU, getting used to being ready when their number is called. 

“You might not get into a game until the third quarter, so you’re just there waiting to get that adrenaline running,” Stamps said. “You might be cold when you get in there, so you have to be ready. You might be at a disadvantage because you’re not settled in, but you have to make the most of the opportunity.”

While the defensive back room is in a state of flux, the offense is humming. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have given the LSU secondary plenty of challenging practice reps. Now, the hope from Toviano, Stamps, and the cornerback room is that it accelerates their development heading into the future.

“I’m a firm believer in iron sharpens iron and going against Malik, BT, and Kyren, those are probably the best receivers you’re going to see all year,” Toviano said. “So it’s a great opportunity to practice against them every week and I feel myself improving.

“I’ve worked on my eyes, my technique, just making sure I’m fundamentally sound and taking the adjustments the coaches are making throughout the week. Just taking in the playbook and being a playmaker from it.”

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