Greg Books Jr. wants to continue ‘DBU’ tradition at LSU

In recent years, there has been a national debate as to which school holds the title of “DBU,” a title held by the college football program producing the best NFL-ready defensive back talent. One of the schools that definitely has a claim to that title is the SEC’s LSU Tigers. The Tigers believe that they are the top school when it comes to secondary superiority.

During a recent press availability for LSU players, some of the veteran players were asked about how the incoming players could he keep current traditions in the program going. And current LSU defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. highlighted how he believes the new faces in the backfield have what it takes to keep the “DBU” title with LSU.

“It’s great, you know what I’m saying. We gotta keep the tradition going. It’s gonna be a fun year,” said Brooks. “We have a lot of new guys. And I feel like a lot of us are gonna step up to keep that name, upholding this tradition.”

For what it’s worth, ESPN created a “Position U” ranking. In their rankings last year, LSU was barely beaten out for the title of “DBU” by Ohio State. The Buckeyes have put out some elite defensive back talent over the years. But the Buckeyes haven’t put as much talent as LSU has into the NFL in recent history. Still, they have names like Jeff Okudah, Jordan Fuller, Denzel Ward, Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, and Vonn Bell to tout.

LSU has had a much better track record in the modern era. The Tigers recently had Derek Stingley taken third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft. Along with him, LSU’s secondary has featured names like Grant Delpit, Kristian Fulton, Greedy Williams, Donte Jackson, Jamal Adams, Tre’Davious White, Jalen Mills, Deion Jones, Eric Reid, LaRon Landry, Patrick Peterson, and Tyrann Mathieu.

Emery Jones shares advice for incoming freshmen at LSU

Brooks wasn’t the only current Tiger with thoughts and the influx of new faces. Offensive Tackle Emery Jones used his time with the media to give some solid advice to the incoming LSU freshman.

The dependable offensive lineman took his game from coveted recruit to bonafide starter last season, and he recognizes you have to be open and honest with the coaching staff if you want to do that, so he’s relaying that message to his new teammates.

“The advice that I would give is just come in and take coaching,” stated Jones. “Everybody, you’re not going to come in the best guy. You’re not going to come in like you were in high school, just throwing everybody. So just take coaching, be open to everything that they’re telling you, and get better like we’re all doing.”

After Brian Kelly took over the Tigers last season, he put a lot of confidence in Jones, running him as their starting right tackle last season. From last season to now, Jones has turned into a dependable player for the Tigers on and off the field.