LSU Football Cornerback, Former Top Mississippi Prospect Turning Heads in Fall Camp

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers concluded Day 7 of Fall Camp on Wednesday, significantly increasing the intensity this week.

After gradually getting back into the groove, the Tigers are now in full pads as Week 2 of training camp begins in Louisiana.

From Garrett Nussmeier's impressive performance to transfer defensive lineman Bernard Gooden making an impact, there have been numerous observations during the first seven days.

However, one uncertainty for LSU is determining who will play a crucial role in the secondary this season.

Kelly has been particularly impressed with second-year cornerback PJ Woodland.

"The first thing you need is a football IQ. He's a very smart player, allowing us to move him both inside and outside. The feel is very different when you're an inside corner compared to an outside corner. Your positioning is so different. Not everyone can play that role, and he provides that," Kelly mentioned on Tuesday.

"He's also gained an extra 12 to 15 pounds since last year. He was too light at times, which affected his tackling. That's no longer a concern. We don't want him matched against 250-pound tight ends all the time, but he won't be. He can handle the outside position as an SEC corner, which is a valuable trait."

Last offseason, defensive coordinator Blake Baker praised Woodland for his potential contribution to the program's future.

After starting around 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, he impressed with his physicality.

"Competitiveness. PJ Woodland is a competitor," Baker said last offseason. "He's feisty, physical, and fast. More than anything, for a freshman, we've put him against our top receivers, and he competes. That's where it starts, and he possesses the physical tools.

"He has long levers, is physical, and can run, so I've been impressed with him. It wasn't easy. Those first three days before spring break, he probably wondered 'what was I thinking coming here early?' But he's been really impressive lately."

Now, Woodland is becoming a player to watch in Fall Camp after recording multiple pass breakups in the early practices and competing for a cornerback spot.

LSU is rotating Mansoor Delane, Ashton Stamps, DJ Pickett, Ja'Keem Jackson, and Woodland as the five cornerbacks early in Fall Camp.