LSU Football has been active in the transfer portal, landing 13 transfers with 11 expected to play significant roles next season. However, one glaring need remains unaddressed: the safety position. With veterans Major Burns and Sage Ryan departing, LSU has two starting safety positions to fill. While external options remain limited, the Tigers may have found a solution internally by moving Javien Toviano from cornerback to safety.
The Move to Safety
Toviano, a sophomore defensive back, showcased his skills as a cornerback and star position player during his freshman season, appearing in 13 games and starting three. With the departure of Major Burns and Sage Ryan’s transfer to Ole Miss, LSU’s coaching staff decided to transition Toviano to safety ahead of the Texas Bowl against Baylor. Head coach Brian Kelly had high praise for Toviano’s adaptation to the new role:
“We’re really pleased. He’s a half safety, and we’re really pleased with him at that position. He’s got corner skills playing the safety position. He’s excited, he’s happy, getting first-team reps there, and couldn’t be more happy with the work we’re getting from him. He’ll stay there moving forward. He gives us a really good tackler, he’s athletic, can play the No. 2 wide receiver, and that’s his position in the NFL.”
— Brian Kelly
Why Safety Fits Toviano
Toviano’s skill set—highlighted by strong tackling, athleticism, and blitzing ability—makes him a natural fit at safety. While he performed well at cornerback, safety may allow him to maximize his impact, particularly as he can leverage his corner skills to cover wide receivers and provide versatility in defensive schemes.
Competition at Safety
Toviano’s move to safety increases the competition in the Tigers’ safety room, which now includes:
- DaShawn Spears
- Jardin Gilbert
- Joel Rogers
- Austin Ausberry
The Texas Bowl presents an opportunity for Toviano and other safeties to solidify their roles. Toviano’s performance could give him a head start in securing a starting spot heading into Spring practice.
Future Implications
The move not only strengthens LSU’s safety options but also gives the Tigers a potential long-term solution at the position. Toviano’s development could address one of LSU’s most pressing needs and provide stability to a secondary in transition.
If Toviano excels at safety during the Texas Bowl and beyond, LSU may find themselves better positioned defensively in 2024. With other talented players in the mix, the safety position could transform from a weakness into a strength as the Tigers prepare for another competitive SEC season.
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