Updating LSU football's safety depth chart after addition of AJ Haulcy
LSU football entered the spring transfer portal window with one of the best transfer classes in the country, but the Tigers weren't done yet. In recent weeks, LSU added defensive tackle Bernard Gooden from USF and safety AJ Haulcy from Houston. LSU head coach Brian Kelly liked where the roster was at, but LSU didn't pass on the chance to add more impact players to its defense.
With Haulcy, LSU is getting a veteran safety ranked as a top-30 transfer by On3. Despite a handful of strong additions to the defense, LSU still needed a safety. The Tigers signed TaMarcus Cooley in January, but he could see time as a nickel. Haulcy fits the classic safety mold.
LSU is losing a significant amount of its safety production from the 2024 squad. Major Burns graduated while Sage Ryan, Kylin Jackson, and Jordan Allen hit the transfer portal. Burns and Allen both made starts, while Jackson served as a depth piece.
Returning, LSU has Jardin Gilbert, Javien Toviano, DaShawn Spears, Joel Rogers, and Austin Ausberry. Gilbert will be returning from an injury, and the rest of the group lacks experience.
With Haulcy on board, let's take a look at LSU's updated safety depth chart.
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Projected LSU football safety depth chart
Position 1 Depth Depth Strong Safety TaMarcus Cooley Javien Toviano Joel Rogers Free Safety AJ Haulcy Jardin Gilbert Da'Shawn Spears Nickel PJ Woodland TaMarcus Cooley Austin Ausberry
Why transfer AJ Haulcy can start right away
Like I said, LSU's returning safeties all have question marks, whether it be inconsistent play in 2024, injuries, or just a lack of experience. Haulcy gives LSU a reliable option.
According to PFF, Haulcy posted an 80.5 defensive grade in 2024, ranking No. 4 among Big 12 safeties. That would have been the best grade on LSU's roster. Between his time at New Mexico and Houston, Halucly has 2,121 collegiate snaps. He's now one of the most experienced players on LSU's defense.
Haulcy picked off five passes in 2024 and can play down in the box. That's just the type of player LSU needed.
Gilbert and Spears will still play
Da'Shawn Spears saw a good bit of action as a true freshman in 2024 and by all accounts LSU was pleased with his progress in the spring. Haulcy's arrival doesn't take Spears out of the picture. The talented safety will still get a chance to contribute in 2025.
If Gilbert is healthy, he'll also rotate in. Gilbert was inconsistent in 2024, but there's optimism about Gilbert taking a step forward after he played banged up last year.
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