LSU 10 Best Defensive Players: The Greatest Tigers on Defense
Louisiana State University (LSU) has long been a breeding ground for some of the most formidable defensive talent in college football.
Known for their relentless, hard-hitting style of play, the Tigers’ defense has consistently been one of the best in the nation, producing a plethora of NFL stars and legendary college players.
From dominating defensive linemen to lockdown cornerbacks, LSU has a rich history of defensive excellence that has helped them secure numerous SEC titles and national championships. This list highlights LSU 10 best defensive players in their history, showcasing those who have made a significant impact on the field and left a lasting legacy in Baton Rouge.
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#10: Tre’Davious White (2013 – 2016)
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 192 lbs
Tre’Davious White was a standout cornerback during his time at LSU, known for his exceptional coverage skills, football IQ, and leadership on the field. A four-year starter, White was a key component of the Tigers’ secondary, consistently shutting down top receivers in the SEC.
His combination of speed, agility, and instincts made him one of the most reliable and versatile defensive backs in LSU history. White was a consensus All-American in 2016 and earned First-Team All-SEC honors.
He finished his career at LSU with 167 tackles, 34 passes defended, and six interceptions. His impact went beyond the stats, as he was often tasked with covering the opponent’s best receiver and excelled in that role.
White’s outstanding college career paved the way for his success in the NFL, where he quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
#9: Michael Brooks (1983 – 1986)
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 230 lbs
Michael Brooks was one of the most dominant linebackers in LSU history, known for his tackling ability, speed, and leadership on the field. A relentless defender, Brooks had a knack for being around the ball and making big plays when it mattered most.
He was the heart of LSU’s defense during the mid-1980s and played a significant role in the Tigers’ success during that period. Brooks earned First-Team All-American honors in 1985 and 1986 and was a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection.
He finished his LSU career with 347 tackles, including 145 in his senior season, showcasing his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. His outstanding performance at LSU earned him a spot in the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
#8: LaRon Landry (2003 – 2006)
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 210 lbs
LaRon Landry was a game-changing safety for LSU, known for his hard-hitting style, exceptional coverage skills, and ability to make plays all over the field. As a leader in the Tigers’ secondary, Landry was a versatile defender who could cover, tackle, and blitz with equal effectiveness.
His physicality and football IQ made him one of the most feared safeties in college football during his time. Landry was a First-Team All-American in 2006 and a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection (2005, 2006).
He finished his LSU career with 315 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 22 passes defended, making him one of the most productive and impactful defensive players in LSU history. Landry’s legacy as one of the best safeties in college football is cemented by his continued success in the NFL.
#7: Chad Lavalais (2000 – 2003)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 292 lbs
Chad Lavalais was a dominant force in the middle of LSU’s defensive line, known for his strength, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As the anchor of LSU’s defensive front, Lavalais was nearly impossible to block one-on-one, consistently making plays in the backfield and shutting down the run game.
Lavalais was a consensus First-Team All-American in 2003 and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
He finished his senior season with 61 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, leading LSU to a national championship in the 2003 season. Lavalais’ impact on the Tigers’ defense during his career was immense, and his play in the trenches set the tone for LSU’s defensive dominance.
#6: Jamal Adams (2014 – 2016)
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 213 lbs
Jamal Adams was a versatile and hard-hitting safety who made a significant impact during his time at LSU. Known for his physicality, speed, and leadership, Adams was a key figure in the Tigers’ secondary, excelling in both coverage and run support.
His ability to play multiple roles in the defense made him a valuable asset and a nightmare for opposing offenses. Adams was a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection in 2016.
He finished his LSU career with 209 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and 15 passes defended. Adams’ leadership and playmaking ability were critical to the Tigers’ defense, and his performance at LSU set the stage for his success as one of the top safeties in the NFL.
#5: Devin White (2016 – 2018)
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 240 lbs
Devin White was a dominant linebacker at LSU, known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to make plays all over the field. White was the leader of the Tigers’ defense, consistently delivering big hits and making game-changing plays.
His combination of size and speed made him one of the most feared linebackers in college football. White was a unanimous All-American in 2018 and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
He finished his LSU career with 286 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. White’s outstanding performance earned him a spot as the 5th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
#4: Marcus Spears (2001 – 2004)
Position: Defensive End
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 298 lbs
Marcus Spears was a dominant force on the defensive line for LSU, known for his size, strength, and ability to pressure the quarterback. As a key player on LSU’s 2003 national championship team, Spears was a nightmare for opposing offenses, consistently making plays in the backfield and setting the edge against the run.
Spears was a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection in 2004. He finished his LSU career with 19 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and four defensive touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Spears was selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, further solidifying his legacy as one of LSU’s best defensive players.
#3: Glenn Dorsey (2004 – 2007)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 297 lbs
Glenn Dorsey was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in college football history, known for his incredible strength, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As the anchor of LSU’s defensive line, Dorsey was virtually unblockable, consistently making plays in the backfield and collapsing the pocket.
Dorsey was a unanimous All-American in 2007 and won numerous awards, including the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
He finished his LSU career with 179 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2007. Dorsey’s dominance on the field earned him a spot as the 5th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
#2: Tyrann Mathieu (2010 – 2011)
Position: Cornerback / Safety
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 186 lbs
Tyrann Mathieu, known as “The Honey Badger,” was one of the most electrifying and versatile defenders in LSU history. Despite his smaller stature, Mathieu played with incredible intensity and a knack for making game-changing plays, whether as a cornerback, safety, or return specialist.
His ability to create turnovers and score touchdowns made him a fan favorite and a key player in LSU’s 2011 national championship run. Mathieu was a unanimous All-American and won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player in 2011.
He finished his LSU career with 133 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Although off-field issues led to his dismissal from LSU in 2012, Mathieu’s talent was undeniable, and he was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
#1: Patrick Peterson (2008 – 2010)
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 219 lbs
Patrick Peterson is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in college football history, known for his exceptional athleticism, speed, and coverage skills. As a lockdown corner, Peterson consistently took on the challenge of covering the opponent’s best receiver and excelled in that role.
His ability to shut down passing attacks and make big plays in the return game made him one of the most valuable players on the field. Peterson was a unanimous All-American in 2010 and won the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive player and best defensive back, respectively.
He finished his LSU career with 135 tackles, seven interceptions, and 22 passes defended, while also excelling as a punt returner. Peterson was selected 5th overall in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, solidifying his legacy as one of LSU’s greatest defensive players.
Final Rankings
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