LSU football alters starting defense at first preseason practice
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 7:44 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
At LSU's first practice of the preseason on August 5, changes were made to the starting defense. Junior safety Tamarcus Cooley ran with the second team, while freshman Jhase Thomas took first-team reps at safety alongside Ty Benefield, a transfer from Boise State. Head coach Lane Kiffin noted that Thomas has shown versatility and competed well throughout camp. Freshman Deuce Geralds stood out by running with the first unit at defensive tackle. Depth issues have raised questions about personnel as the team prepares for the season opener against Clemson next month.
- •LSU held its first preseason practice on August 5.
- •Tamarcus Cooley is currently running with the second team.
- •Jhase Thomas and Ty Benefield are now the starting safeties.
- •Freshman Deuce Geralds is part of the starting defensive line.
- •Dominick McKinley received reps with the third team.
- 7:44 PMYahoo Sports — Anything to read among changes to LSU football's starting defense at 1st practice?
"Looking at the changes among the starting defense at LSU football's first preseason practice Wednesday, Aug. 5.
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