Brian Kelly says rising sophomore provides needed versatility for LSU in the secondary

Newcomers in the LSU football secondary are drawing plenty of attention in the early days of fall camp, but LSU's homegrown talent continues to make a strong impression, too.

One of those players is cornerback P.J.

Woodland, whom head coach Brian Kelly highlighted for his versatility.

"He's a very smart player.

So we can move him around.

We can move him inside and outside.

The field is a lot different when you're an inside corner versus an outside corner.

Your landmarks are so different.

And not everybody can play that position," Kelly said.

Woodland signed with LSU as a three-star out of Mississippi in 2024.

He wasn't a blue-chip recruit at his position, yet he saw the field as a true freshman.

Woodland played 174 defensive snaps last year, which included two starts.

Woodland began to showcase that versatility in the bowl win vs.

Baylor, playing 16 snaps in the slot and 22 snaps at corner.

As you'd expect, Woodland was up and down.

It's not easy to play cornerback as a true freshman in the SEC, though Woodland had his moments.

Now a sophomore, Woodland is the part physically.

"He also brings an extra 12 to 15 pounds from last year.

I mean, he was too light at times.

So it became an issue relative to tackling.

We don't want him to be in a position to be matched up against 250-pound tight ends every time, but he's not going to be.

And he can play the outside position as an SEC corner.

So that's a pretty good trait to have," Kelly said.Woodland may not be in line for a starting role, but given his flexibility, he'll find a spot in the rotation.This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Brian Kelly says this LSU defender ready to provide versatility.

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