By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
As expected, LSU leaked a few more players from their roster following their 63-7 Citrus Bowl blowout of Purdue:
To the surprise of many coaches, teammates, fans, and analysts, freshman linebacker DeMario Tolan announced he'd be leaving the program, expected to head home for a Florida team (Miami, Florida, FSU).
Out of Orlando's Dr Phillips High, the first year linebacker possessed extreme enthusiasm for LSU when he entered the program just 12 months prior, however that excitement seemed to fade after his rare snap loads (74 defensive snaps) despite solid showings, as well as watching the rise of fellow freshman Harold Perkins or seeing his own snap count doubled by another debutant linebacker West Weeks (159).
Elsewhere, along Brad Davis' offensive line, 2019 National Championship veteran Anthony Bradford declared for the NFL Draft, ending his four year career at LSU with 1,003 snaps, 815 arriving this past season.
2022 was by far and away Bradford's best season at LSU, the year where he put it all together and delivered on the promise many had seen for so long.
Utilizing his hulking build and grinding athleticism, the Michigan native bossed his position throughout 2022, only appearing suspect on the rare occasion.
Allowing 12 pressures this season from over 800 snaps, Bradford experienced a major upturn in fortunes after giving up 8 through 259 in 2021.
Losing Bradford could hurt the line when it comes to interior veteran experience, especially with Tremond Shorts (holding his Covid year of eligibility), possibly leaving for the NFL as well.
Outside of the veteran leadership factor, I feel LSU can cover that position with assurance....not only having Miles Frazier, Garrett Dellinger, Kardell Thomas, Tremond Shorts and Marlon Martinez all as strong options at guard, I feel Bradford could've used one more season to solidify his burgeoning Draft stock.
Tolan & Bradford now join a list of departures, which will only get longer in the coming days....meanwhile, LSU will also be announcing additions via the portal or welcoming their incoming freshman class as their early enrollees arrive this month:
NFL DRAFT
Anthony Bradford
Jay Ward
Kayshon Boutte
Micah Baskerville
Ali Gaye
Jaquelin Roy
BJ Ojulari
Mekhi Garner
Jaray Jenkins
TRANSFERS OUT
Jack Bech
Damarius McGhee
Raydarious Jones
DeMario Tolan
Xavier Hill
Cam Wire
Kole Taylor
Desmond Little
Jaelyn Davis-Robinson
Antoine Sampah
Phillip Webb
Marcus Dumervil
Kolbe Fields
Derrick Davis Jr (?)
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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
©️ 2023 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
23 spots that need replacing from these two lists. Relative to some other competitors not terrible, but it goes to show the portal is still necessary to supplement the incoming freshman class.