The recruiting out of the NCAA transfer portal continues for the Auburn football program today as they host a variety of transfer athletes from around the country. A lot of the Tigers’ recruiting during this offseason seems to revolve around offensive positions, but we can’t forget that linebacker is one of the biggest positions of need heading into the 2023 season.
Yesterday it was announced that freshman LSU linebacker DeMario Tolan has officially entered the transfer portal after one season in Baton Rouge. Part of the Bayou Bengals’ class of 2022, Tolan was a 4-star athlete out of high school and was the #20 linebacker in his recruiting class.
Although Tolan eventually committed to LSU, Auburn football was a major player in the linebacker’s recruitment. He officially visited campus for the 2021 Iron Bowl and was visited by Bryan Harsin and Jeff Schmedding days before signing with Brian Kelly’s Tigers.
A big LB transfer is on Auburn's campus just a day after entering the transfer portal (VIP): https://t.co/GFBNYMKkkl pic.twitter.com/QIKOtcfyxC
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) January 5, 2023
In his first and only season in Baton Rouge, Tolan played in all twelve games of the 2022 season and logged 10 total tackles. Notably, he had four tackles in LSU’s big win over Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels. He will have three years of eligibility at his next school. An excerpt from his 247 Sports Scouting report reads:
"An athletic linebacker with a highlight tape that pops as he has spent the past two years flying around making stops behind the line of scrimmage. Quick to trigger. Sifts through traffic with confidence and a sense of urgency. Ability to change directions and pounce on a ball carrier is a strength at this stage in his development. Also excels in coverage as his instincts lead to pass break ups and his foot speed allows him to keep up with tight ends and bigger slot receivers."
Now, it seems that Tolan may be revisiting his interest in Auburn football (literally). While he may not have wanted to sign with the Tigers under Bryan Harsin, there’s hope that Hugh Freeze can close the deal like he did with several offensive line recruits.