Tigers Add Former Auburn Safety Via Transfer Portal
Auburn defensive back Austin Ausberry committed to LSU on Tuesday, he announced on social media. The Baton Rouge native will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The former four-star defensive back out of U-High (Baton Rouge, La.) became one of the top commitments in Auburn’s 2022 recruiting class.
After redshirting in his freshman campaign, Ausberry took just 35 snaps during the 2023 season. In four games, he made just one tackle.
Now, with a fresh start back home, Ausberry looks to make an impact for the Tigers after continuing the trend of Louisiana natives to make their return to the Bayou State.
WR Zavion Thomas – Mississippi State
A proven return specialist with elite-level hands provides the Tigers with a monster weapon ahead of the 2024 season.
After two years in Starkville, Thomas was ready for a change of scenery, electing to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Now, the Louisiana native is a Tiger after this program showed immediate attention to the elite wideout and return specialist.
Thomas is a player we expected the Tigers to handle sooner rather than later. Despite being a hot commodity in the portal, LSU put a full court press on him with an unofficial visit taking place on Monday.
After a 2023 season where he totaled 503 yards on 40 receptions, Thomas will be a key piece to what LSU builds next season. Keep tabs on the Louisiana native as both a coveted wideout for this program as well as return specialist.
Safety Jardin Gilbert – Texas A&M
Another Louisiana native, the former U-High standout returns home to suit up in the purple and gold with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
A 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, Gilbert attains the size this program is looking for as they push for more defensive backs via the portal.
In 2023, Gilbert entered the season as a starter at Texas A&M, but had his junior campaign cut short after suffering a shoulder injury after just two games. In two games played, he totaled five tackles, a pass breakup and was in on a tackle for loss.
After 23 games in College Station, the prized safety was prepared for a change of scenery as well with the LSU Tigers making the call.
Now, the Louisiana native returns home with the chance to represent the Bayou Bengals to cap off his college career.
It’s no secret this program is in need of help in the secondary and the Transfer Portal window will be a time to add reinforcements.
