Better Know a Freshman: Damarius McGhee

LSU is the best school for defensive backs in the country and as a result attracts the best defensive backs in the country. This of course is not news to anyone. And while safety was a big need for this class, the Tigers were not about to finish this class without someone to play on the outside, which brings us to Damarius McGhee

The Story

When you talk about trending in the right direction, McGhee fits the description perfectly. At one point he was ranked as the 908th player in the country, but finished as the 189th ranked player, a four star prospect and the 13th best corner prospect in the country according to 247. In the summer of 2020 he committed to the Volunteers but in November, he decided to open up his commitment. On the first national signing day, Corey Raymond swept in and got McGhee to ink with the Tigers.

The Numbers

The Film

Scouting Report by Andrew Ivins of 247

“A slender build with promising length. Essentially a utility man for his high school that does a little bit of everything lining up at cornerback, safety, wide receiver and even quarterback. Can score anytime he touches the ball and seems to always be making plays on special teams. Could probably catch passes at the FBS level, but highest ceiling appears to be on defense given coverage skills and verified testing numbers having clocked a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and 4.25 in the short shuttle the spring before his junior season. Has shown the ability to not only flip his hips, but also jump routes. Will make a hit. Must get bigger and continue to develop as a defender, but one of the more intriguing defensive back prospects in the Sunshine State this cycle. Has the profile of someone that could eventually play on Sundays.”

The Future

A quick look at the depth chart does not lead one to believe McGhee will see the field very early. The Tigers are quite set with their two starters at corner and between Ray Jones, Dwight McGlothern, and the handful of newcomer safeties, it will be tough to find playing time on the inside.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If there is a glaring concern for McGhee it is that he is fairly undersized. He is listed at 162 and his verified height according to 247 was 5’11.5” not the 6’1’’ he is listed as. It is possible he grows another inch or half inch in his time with LSU but the thing that is in the most control is his weight. A year under Tommy Moffit does wonders.

Ultimately, the word of Raymond is gospel. If he feels that a defensive back is worth a scholarship, there is little reason to think he won’t be a valuable contributor. His long term roll is unclear but it looks like McGhee is another player who will add value to the Tiger defensive backfield for the next few seasons.

High End: Get’s playing time as a freshman, day two draft pick by senior season

Low End: Relegated to special teams and reserve defensive back

Realistic: Carves out a career as a defensive back generalist, playing all over the field, and is a late round draft pick ala Kary Vincent.