Damone Clark, JaCoby Stevens to lead new-look LSU defense in 2020

The 2020 LSU defense will have a different look under coordinator Bo Pelini. Fortunately for the Tigers, the unit also falls under the leadership of a pair of capable players, senior safety JaCoby Stevens and junior middle linebacker Damone Clark.

Clark, a 6-foot-3, 245 pounder out of Southern Lab in Baton Rouge, has made 28 game appearances but only started three. He tallied 50 tackles with 4.5 for losses and 3.5 sacks last season.

Stevens (6-2, 230), the preseason All-SEC talent from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was the nation’s top ranked safety in the 2017 recruiting class. Following an outstanding ’19 campaign where he had 92 stops with 9.0 for losses, 5.0 sacks and 3.0 interceptions.

LSU has an 18-1 record when Stevens is in the defensive starting lineup.

Both Stevens and Clark have been chosen to carry on the tradition by vote of teammates and coaches of wearing jersey numbers that have represented the hardest working and most dedicated players in school history.

Clark will don the special jersey No. 18, only worn by one other linebacker, (Lamin Barrow in 2013). Stevens will wear No. 7, last worn by only one other safety since the tradition began, Brandon Taylor (2011).

“I’m blessed. I’m honored to wear No. 18. So many have worn it before me. I’m excited. I thank Coach O, the staff, the support staff, everyone for believing in me. It means a lot being from Louisiana, growing up watching LSU play and envision myself walking down Victory Hill and running out the tunnel in front of 102,000. It’s surreal. I’m really honored.”

Patrick Peterson, a current NFL star and a 2010 All-American for the Tigers, not only began the No. 7 tradition upon his arrival in Tigertown in 2008 but served as a primary reason that Stevens aspired to play for the Purple and Gold.

“The meaning is really great to me,” Stevens said. “That is one of the reasons that I wore No. 7 in high school and when I played AAU basketball. Patrick Peterson, things that he did and the way that I looked up to him in high school, No. 7 is the standard for my family for being complete. Being a well-rounded person, well-rounded human being, on and off the field. No. 7 is more than just making plays on the field. It is deeply rooted. Since middle school, watching Patrick Peterson do what he did here.”

Clark and Stevens approach the season opener versus Mississippi State with anxious anticipation following last season’s perfect 15-0 national championship run for the Tigers. For the returnees, last year is in the rear view mirror.

“We have to take it one game at a time,” explained Clark. “Last year was last year. We don’t talk about last year. We’re going to take one game at a time, one step at a time.”

With just five returning starters total on offense and defense. Stevens feels this squad has something to prove. “Every year is a new team,” he stated. “You can’t look back at what you did last year because it’s different. We have new faces.”

“I’m excited about the Bo Pelini defense, being the middle linebacker. I am the QB of the defense,” Clark said. “I’m glad to be in the position I am in. This is an aggressive defense. This is the SEC. What would you expect? If you know what you’re doing, you can play fast.”

Pelini has simplified terminology, allowing everyone on defense to play relaxed. The new attitude is apparent among the players.

“A group that I have been excited to see is the defensive line,” declared Stevens.” I feel like we are unleashing the defensive line. In the 3-4 (base), we had them more in a box. This year, we are basically seeing what they can do. We are light years ahead of where we were last year defensively. We are entering this season with a lot less questions. I’m excited to see the d-line do what I know they can do.”

Among the Tigers set to make a first-year impact, Ali Gaye is a new arrival who has turned some heads. The 6-foot-6, 262-pound product was the No. 2 ranked junior college defensive end in 2019, selecting the Tigers over Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Mississippi State and Kansas State.

Gaye was a soccer player in Gambia until he moved to the United States at age 12. He possesses great quickness, anticipation and instincts with enough athleticism enough to drop into coverage and handle his business in space.

“I see constant improvement everyday with our defensive line as well as our other positions,” Clark said. “With Ali, the sky is the limit. Ali was quiet, (but) he was always working. Now that it’s his time, he’s going to prove himself.”

Clark pointed out a few defensive ends who have impressed during fall drills.

A guy that I’ve been impressed with is B.J. Ojulari. B.J. is going to be a great talent. Each and everyday, I see improvement, working hard. Also, Travez Moore, Andre Anthony and Jarrell Cherry. Jarrell is a guy that people don’t talk about. Once he gets his chance, you all are going to be talking about him.”

Clark’s running mates at starting linebacker including returning junior Micah Baskerville (6-1, 231), a product of Evangel Christian where he was a four-year starter and the top rated linebacker prospect in Louisiana’s 2018 class. It appears his time has come.

“Micah Baskerville will step into a bigger role. Micah can do it. A guy who came along is ( true freshman) Josh White. He has progressed and see him getting better every day,” said Clark.

Jabril Cox transferred in to the program from North Dakota State. Twice an FCS All-American, the 6-foot-4, 231 pounder totaled 258 career tackles with 32 for losses and 14 sacks. Many projected him to be a second day pick in the 2020 draft had he opted out. Now, Cox is expected to make a major impact at LSU.

“Jabril and I have a feel for each other,” explained Clark. “We watch film together. We put ourselves through plays together. We just communicate. Communication builds confidence. I’m just excited to have Jabril here. He has helped me improve my game.”

Cox was a star elsewhere, but there’s a returning Tiger who many already see as a superstar talent.

Derek Stingley, Jr. was a first team All-American in 2019 as a true freshman. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound started all 15 contests, grabbing six interceptions while earning a reputation as a lockdown corner. He is the first true freshman in LSU history to start every game.

Stevens has recognized even more improvement from Stingley.

“There is always room to get better. No one is a perfect player. The thing that I’ve noticed is his hunger to get better. He knows that he’s not what he wants to be. I feel likes he’s still the best cornerback in the country. Everyone here feels that way. The thing about Derek is he is not complacent. Pushing to be the best cornerback, not just in college football, but a year or two, in the NFL.”

The safety position has evolved to become one of the more challenging positions on the football field. It demands multi-skilled talent to man the spot.

“Defensive backs used to have the stigma of all they do is back pedal. When you see today’s game, especially safeties, we are asked to do so much. You don’t know how to label a safety as strong or free or as a linebacker, because a safety can come in the Box and make tackles like a linebacker. They ask (a safety) to play man-to-man on a tight end or receiver. Then they ask you to go in the post and cover a third of the field or half the field. Many of the best defensive players are safeties based on the job description they’re given.”

Stevens understands the task at hand with head coach Mike Leach and the Mississippi State Bulldogs coming to town.

“The thing that is hard about his offense is he is going to always put his players in the right spots to make plays. He evaluates his talent very well. He knows what they can do and cannot do. He does a perfect job of drawing up plays, to maximize the potential of his players.”