LSU's CB conundrum: Ed Paris vs. Kevin Toliver II
Who will start at cornerback for LSU opposite Tre’Davious White?
Outside of the quarterback drama around the SEC, it’s one of the most intriguing questions in the conference this spring, and it isn’t likely to be answered until the fall.
In the purple corner is Ed Paris, a 6-foot-1, 208-pound sophomore. In the gold corner is Kevin Toliver II, a 6-foot-2, 192-pound freshman.
It’s an intriguing matchup in part because the LSU secondary could be one of the best in the nation in 2015, led by an outstanding pair of safeties in Jalen Mills and Jamal Adams.
White and Jalen Collins, a potential first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, combined to intercept three passes last season. Assuming the Tigers can find a pass rush without defensive coordinator John Chavis and defensive end Danielle Hunter, White and whomever wins the starting job opposite him could push that total much higher.
Paris and Toliver have combined to make three interceptions in LSU’s first four practices.
Paris has established himself as the starter for now. He came to LSU as a four-star defensive back as part of the 2014 class and mostly played special teams last season. The Tigers considered him at safety due to his size and high school experience, but he’s more than capable in coverage.
“He’s competing like a monster. He’s picking everything up so well,” White said of Paris, according to NOLA.com. “We have so much confidence in him. He knows we have big expectations and knows whe we’re expecting so he’s going to ball like he’s a veteran out there.”
Paris has been studying film of Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, trying to emulate their technique.
“I’m starting for now, that’s a completely different role,” Paris said. “I had to pick up my pants, put my belt on and get ready, strap up. Every down matters. Technique wise, eyes where it needs to be at. Need to know where everybody else is at, know your plays, got to come ready and compete every time.”
Freshmen are not allowed to talk to the media at LSU, but Mills portrayed Toliver II as eager to learn, asking questions during film study to speed up his transition. Toliver, the No. 2 cornerback in the country for the 2015 class, pushed for early enrollment so he could get onto the field as soon as possible.
Whichever player doesn’t win the starting cornerback job will be expected to be a standout special teams player and should also become the team’s No. 3 option at cornerback, meaning plenty of playing time with the defense on sub packages. If that’s Toliver II, expect him to see more snaps with the defense as the season goes along.
There’s a premium on winning that starting cornerback spot, though. LSU already holds a commitment from five-star cornerback Saivion Smith, the nation’s No. 1 player at the position in 2016. The team is pursuing several other touted corners and likely will land another four-star. It’s possible that Rashard Robinson could return to LSU in ’16 as well.
The Tigers secondary room is going to get crowded next year, and potentially spending a full season as the starter bodes well for whomever wins the job.
Whether it’s Paris or Toliver III, expect opposing quarterbacks to throw that direction as opposed to targeting Mills, Adams or White.
“I’m the new guy, they are going to pick on me,” Paris said, according to NOLA.com. “I’ll just suck it up and take advantage of everything I get.”
