In what was a forgettable season for LSU’s defense in 2020, then-sophomore cornerback Jay Ward was one of the bright spots for head coach Ed Orgeron.

Forced into the starting lineup in Week 1 against Mississippi State after an illness sidelined All-American Derek Stingley Jr., Ward and the pass defense struggled. The Tigers allowed an SEC-record 623 yards passing to the Bulldogs.

Ward would play in nine games for the Tigers in 2020, recording 29 tackles and finished tied for second on the team with three interceptions.

The 6-foot-1, 176-pound junior from Moultrie, Georgia, had emerged as a key defender for the Tigers heading into the 2021 season under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.

Early on this spring, it’s clear Orgeron has high hopes for Ward in 2021, despite the return of Stingley, Eli Ricks and Cordale Flott.

The head coach likes LSU’s cornerback depth so much; he envisions Ward as one of the team’s starters at safety next season.

In his weekly appearance on ESPN 104.5’s “Off the Bench” with T-Bob Hebert and Jacob Hester, Orgeron was asked about Ward.

“I thought that Jay Ward, the last three games, played like an All-American,” Orgeron said. “That play against Florida, and then the two plays he made against Arkansas, you know those were outstanding. He can play nickel for us, I think; I know Cordale is going to be our starting nickel. We gonna move Jay Ward to free safety because we need help there.” 

And if Ward does struggle at safety, Orgeron isn’t concerned.

“He is a utility guy, and we will see if he fits well at safety. If not, he can play corner, play nickel. Jay Ward is like three players for us,” the head coach said. 

Orgeron declared Ward the starter at free safety right now, opposite senior Todd Harris, saying he was a natural at the position.

The emergence of Ward at safety is good news for the Tigers. He emerged as a true playmaker last season and allows Jones to get all of his best players on the field as he looks to get LSU’s defense back on track.