Lure of starting job led LSU's Eugene to position switch

LSU defensive backs coach Ron Cooper approached Jai Eugene about switching positions.
Eugene had only played cornerback in his college career. He knew moving to free safety may represent his best chance to earn a starting role.
“I just wanted to play,” Eugene said. “I thought if push came to shove, I’d move back to corner. But I’m liking safety. It’s a place I feel I can make more plays and showcase my talents. Sometimes, I wish I would have moved back there earlier.”
The departure of Jones, who left following his junior season to enter the NFL draft and that of the development of sophomore Morris Claiborne at cornerback, led to the decision.
“As a football player, it’s expanding my knowledge of the game,” said Eugene, who plans to coach one day. “I understand the defense better. When you’re a cornerback, you really only worry about your side of the field. I have to cover the whole field now, make sure nothing gets past me.”
So, first things first, he must win the job.
“As long as we’re taking snaps this spring, we’re going to evaluate the competition there,” LSU coach Les Miles said.
Eugene has been here before, he lost a starting spot at corner to Peterson two years ago after getting starting in the position for nine straight games as a sophomore.

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