LSU Football Strengthens Defensive Line with Transfer Addition
LSU football has bolstered its defensive line with the addition of Grand Valley State transfer defensive tackle Jay’viar Suggs.
After a month-long search for defensive tackles, LSU secured a commitment from Suggs on Wednesday night. Suggs, hailing from Flint, Michigan, chose LSU over Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and announced his decision on social media. He brings two years of eligibility to the Tigers as they look to fortify their defensive interior.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 282 pounds, Suggs played in 22 games over the past two seasons at Grand Valley State. During that time, he recorded 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and four quarterback hurries.
Suggs becomes LSU’s second defensive tackle transfer this offseason, following the addition of Wisconsin sixth-year senior Gio Paez. LSU had a significant connection to Suggs through Head Coach Brian Kelly, who started his coaching career at Grand Valley State and won two Division II national championships there. Additionally, Kelly’s youngest son, Kenzel, played with Suggs.
Suggs had narrowed his choices to six schools before LSU extended an offer last week. He then revised his top four to include LSU and made his final visit to Baton Rouge from Sunday to Tuesday before making his decision.
LSU had been prioritizing the defensive tackle position after Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo declared for the NFL draft, which left the team with a lack of depth and proven starters. They conducted spring practice with only five scholarship defensive tackles, one of whom was a converted offensive lineman.
Throughout the search, LSU targeted several other players, including TCU junior Damonic Williams and Michigan State senior Simeon Barrow. Both players visited LSU but ultimately chose other schools, reportedly due to NIL money considerations. Williams committed to Oklahoma and Barrow to Miami. Indiana transfer Philip Blidi and Kent State transfer CJ West were also offered scholarships by LSU. Blidi chose Auburn, and West committed to Indiana.
With Suggs on board, LSU now has nine defensive tackles listed on their roster. They moved freshman Ahmad Breaux inside and will add Suggs, Paez, and five-star freshman Dominick McKinley this summer. Preferred walk-on Preston Hickey might also compete for playing time. Sixth-year seniors Jacobian Guillory and Jalen Lee started in the spring game as LSU continues to solidify its depth chart.
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