Call it greedy. Call it attention to detail.
Either way, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker wants more out of the Tiger interceptions. LSU picked off opposing passers 17 times in 2026. That was good for ninth nationally. Baker wants those plays finished in the endzone.
“I think we had four interceptions where we were tackled by a quarterback last year,” Baker said. “So, it’s a point of emphasis. We need to turn those all the way into touchdowns. You can look back at the OU game. The first drive we pick it off, get to the four yard line. Instead of scoring, we throw a pick the next down. So, it’s been a big point of emphasis for us this this fall camp.”
While Mansoor Delane and A.J. Haulcy have moved on to the NFL as high picks, LSU still features a talented defensive backfield.
At cornerback, D.J. Pickett and P.J. Woodland return. That duo combined for five interceptions and 12 pass breakups last year. Ty Benefield is a potential breakout star at safety. He intercepted five passes at Boise State and defended 17 more. Tamarcus Cooley, who had a couple of picks last year, returns, and Dashawn Spears slides into the STAR role where his versatility should shine.
“When you look at us this year, man, we have great length in the back end,” Baker said. “All those guys have extreme extremely good ball skills.”
Pickett is a towering 6-foot-4, and Benefield and Spears are both 6-foot-3. Those long limbs shrink passing lanes and allow for those defenders to jump with athletic wide receivers on balls down the field. It’s not something you can coach, but you can certainly recruit it.
He just keeps making plays pic.twitter.com/kzKDdwMQ3i
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 17, 2026
Pickett grabbed an interception during Monday’s worked on a ball intended for Tre Wilson of the Tiger offense. Earlier in the workout, the defensive backs were working on returning those picks for scores.
Baker said often times it’s about the practice and more about the players.
“I think it’s a combination of guys being more in tune to exactly what the scheme is, and then you look at you know sometimes it comes down to just better players to be honest with you.”
