LSU football fans had a bit of a scare back in January when it seemed like safety DaShawn Spears might be leaving Baton Rouge. Rumors swirled about Spears entering the transfer portal, but LSU quickly secured his stay, much to the relief of the Tiger faithful.
Though Spears might not yet be a household name in the SEC, he's poised to change that narrative this year. His impressive stats speak volumes: a 90.1 PFF defensive grade that ranks him fifth among FBS safeties with over 200 snaps, and a 90.3 coverage grade that places him fourth. Despite only logging 255 snaps and starting just one game, Spears made those moments count in Blake Baker's defense.
Spears' breakout moment came in Week 3 against Florida. In a mere nine snaps, he snagged two interceptions, including a critical pick-six that provided a spark when LSU's offense was struggling to find the end zone.
Most of his contributions last season came from rotating in as the sixth defensive back during obvious passing situations. With AJ Haulcy now in the NFL, Spears is set to take on a more significant role in 2026.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Spears offers LSU's defense a blend of size and athleticism. He's versatile enough to cover downfield and robust enough to play closer to the line of scrimmage. In addition to his interceptions, Spears notched three pressures and a sack in 2025.
Baker's defensive scheme thrives on sending blitzers from every angle while relying on safeties to excel in man coverage. Spears fits perfectly into this strategy, making him a valuable asset on both fronts.
With TaMarcus Cooley returning and Ty Benefield joining via the transfer portal, LSU's safety lineup looks formidable. Don't be surprised if Spears ends up on an All-SEC team by December, or even earns All-American honors.