LSU’s Duce Chestnut embraces challenges, looks to bring back secondary’s swagger after opening loss

After losing the services of Jay Ward, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Mekhi Garner, Joe Foucha and Colby Richardson from the secondary following last season, LSU head coach Brian Kelly hung out a Help Wanted sign.

The departed quintet was responsible for 199 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 17 passes defended and five interceptions last season.

Immediate playing time was available, especially at cornerback. One of those answering Kelly’s ad was Duce Chestnut, a two-year starter at Syracuse.

The 5-11, 205-pound junior was a 2021 Freshman All American and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year that season, securing three interceptions as a true freshman. He became the first true freshman cornerback at Syracuse in the past 40 seasons to earn a starting role. Chestnut was twice named All-ACC with the Orange.

“I wanted to play at LSU, in the SEC. It’s the closest thing to the NFL. It’ll make you better,” Chestnut explained. “LSU is DBU, everybody knows that. I watched Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu growing up. LSU has always been my dream school. Everybody knows that I wanted to play here coming out of high school. Things didn’t go that way. I’m just thankful now.”

With the skillset to play at the nickel, boundary cornerback or safety, Chestnut has the ability to change directions smoothly. He tracks the ball very well, usually aggressive in coverage in either press coverage or off man.

“I was jumping routes more in my freshman year,” Chestnut said laughing. “Getting older and more experienced, I’m more confident. I know the routes better.”

Facing the normal learning curve with a new program, he’s gaining confidence in the LSU system with each rep.

“My IQ on the field, knowing how the offense works and what to expect,” he said. “I don’t jump routes. I break on the ball before the receiver. I get a good break on the ball now. Studying , knowing the routes, knowing how the routes and concepts work. I have always watched football since I was a kid. I try to stay ahead of the game. It allows me to play faster.”

Fellow starter Southeastern Louisiana transfer cornerback Zy Alexander is an interesting story. The Loreauville, Louisiana product’s only offer coming out of high school was from the FCS Lions in Hammond.

In 31 games for SLU, Alexander (6-2, 185) recorded 92 tackles with nine interceptions, taking three to the House. He recorded a secondary-leading 7.0 tackles for the Tigers in last week’s loss to Florida State.

Twice named an FCS All-American, Alexander explodes out of his backpedal and displays great reach with his tall frame.

“He just does what he’s supposed to do. He’s going to have a good year. We want to show that we are DBU,” said Chestnut about Alexander.

Showing what they can do took a rough detour this past Sunday. LSU takes their first steps on the road to recovering from the demoralizing 45-24 loss to the Seminoles. Head coach Brian Kelly has demonstrated unwavering faith in his troops, taking responsibility for the season-opening setback.

Florida State receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson ran roughshod through the Tiger secondary, racking up 225 combined yards.

“Coleman is a top matchup. Wilson is a top matchup. I think we competed there,” Kelly stated. “I don’t think there is anything more (our secondary) could have done.”

Chestnut had LSU’s lone interception plus four tackles in the contest.

“We’re helping each other out, helping the younger guys. We will help each other out in the DBU room,” said Chestnut.

Expect more freshmen defensive backs to see the field this week against Grambling.

Chestnut has been down this path before. He knows the 24-hour rule and wants to move on. “I’m just trying to get back to being me. I want that swagger to bring the energy to the defense.”

OTHER TIGERS

Grambling State has sent countless players to the NFL including some Hall of Famers. But the SWAC Tigers haven’t had a player drafted since 2017. That streak should come to an end for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Defensive end Sundiata “Sunny” Anderson is a highly-regarded edge rusher. The 6-foot-5, 250 pounder with 4.72 speed has accumulated 26.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks for GSU. He was twice named All-SWAC.

Versatile enough to line up at 7 technique (out wide) or inside at 3-tech, Anderson has strong hands, burst to the quarterback, advanced pass rush skills and a good rip technique. He plays sideline to sideline, displaying relentless pursuit. Grambling’s No. 9 will be one to watch.

His head coach Hue Jackson, who has coached 18 seasons in the NFL, has pointed out that a big effort by Anderson against LSU would enhance his stock.