Disruptive transfer addition catches Brian Kelly’s eye as LSU practices determine key positional battle
One week into preseason camp, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has singled out a new transfer for his standout performances. On Monday, Kelly praised senior defensive tackle Bernard Gooden, stating that he “has really caught attention” in his initial practices since arriving from South Florida. “He’s doing a lot of good things,” Kelly said. “You […]
One week into preseason camp, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has singled out a new transfer for his standout performances. On Monday, Kelly praised senior defensive tackle Bernard Gooden, stating that he “has really caught attention” in his initial practices since arriving from South Florida.
“He’s doing a lot of good things,” Kelly said. “You know, he brings a high motor. He’s a guy that brings energy to the group, intensity to the group. I think that’s bringing up everybody in terms of the competition level.”
Hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Gooden has earned consistent first-team reps and made an impact during 11-on-11 drills. On Saturday, he disrupted two inside runs, and during Monday’s practice, he stopped sophomore running back Caden Durham in the backfield.
“His abilities fit the defensive structure that Blake likes to run,” Kelly said. “He just has a great sense in terms of getting off blocks. Sometimes, that’s a hard trait to teach. You just can or you can’t, and he’s very difficult to block.”
Despite his listed size of 6-foot-1 and 268 pounds, Gooden has impressed LSU’s coaching staff with his quickness and burst as an interior pass rusher. Upon his transfer in April, the staff saw his dynamic skill set as a strong fit for defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s aggressive defensive scheme.
During Wednesday’s outdoor practice, Gooden displayed impressive run-stopping ability. He recorded multiple tackles-for-loss against LSU’s first-team offense, effortlessly bypassing right guard Josh Thompson. Gooden’s intelligence in gap control and run defense stood out. The Tigers would clearly gain an advantage by giving him significant playing time on game days.
“He literally does not get tired,” fifth-year senior Jacobian Guillory said of Gooden. “Even though he looks tired, he doesn’t get tired. That man has a tremendous get-off. I can’t wait to see what he does in Week 1.”
Gooden started his college career at Wake Forest before playing the last two seasons at USF. As a starter in 11 games last year, he tallied 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 1½ sacks, earning honorable mention all-AAC recognition from conference coaches.
LSU’s defensive tackle rotation also includes Guillory and sophomores Ahmad Breaux and Dominick McKinley at the top of the depth chart.
