LSU football just completed a much-needed Week 6 bye, offering them plenty of time to prepare for its in-conference matchup against South Carolina on October 11th.
LSU’s defense has been one of the best units in the country through five weeks this season, although its 24 points allowed to Ole Miss in Week 5 was a blemish on an otherwise perfect resume.
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The Tiger defense is graded as PFF’s 38th-best defense in the country and ESPN’s 6th-best, per their defensive efficiency statistic.
Here are the top 5 LSU defensive players who have played 50 or more snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
5. Gabriel Reliford – 73.6
Reliford’s name appearing on this list is a bittersweet thing for Tiger fans, as he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury vs. SE Louisiana in Week 4.
Reliford was having his coming-out party in 2024 as a rotational rusher behind Jack Pyburn and Patrick Payton, with four pressures and four defensive stops on the season.
Reliford’s impact will be missed in the Tigers’ edge rotation for the remainder of the year, with his physical presence being a key piece of the Tigers’ run defense.
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4. PJ Woodland – 75.9
Woodland has been the Tigers’ starting boundary cornerback opposite Mansoor Delane, helping anchor one of the better passing defenses in the country. He’s done exceptionally well in this role, allowing only 8 catches for 92 yards on 17 targets.
He made a key interception late in the third quarter against Ole Miss, giving LSU’s offense excellent field position to tie the game. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t reach the end zone, but it perfectly encapsulates Woodland’s impact and clutch play so far this year.
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3. AJ Haulcy – 82.5
Haulcy has been a key contributor to the Tigers’ secondary, both in coverage and against the run. He has the best tackling grade on the team with an 86.9, totaling 22 tackles, 11 stops, and a forced fumble.
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Haulcy also got in on LSU’s five-interception performance against Florida, grabbing a pick of his own. His impact in both phases has been key for a Tiger defense that’s likely to continue anchoring the team as the season goes on.
2. Mansoor Delane – 88.5
Delane has been the Tigers’ defensive standout this season, ranking third among all FBS cornerbacks with at least 84 snaps. He has also allowed only a 30% reception rate when targeted, the 10th-lowest in the country.
Delane continuing his high level of play will be a key factor in LSU’s chances of turning the season around.
1. Dashawn Spears – 92.3
Spears, a true sophomore, has been excellent in a limited role for the Tigers so far this season. He has only played 62 total snaps, but earned a defensive grade of 99.9 for his two-interception performance against Florida.
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That game was his best by a wide margin, but the depth he provides LSU’s secondary will be key as the season wears on.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU Football’s Top 5 Defensive Players Through Week 6
