LSU’s 2024 recruiting class has Louisiana flavor as 20 of the 27 players who signed with the Tigers on Wednesday have Louisiana roots, 16 of them were born in the Bayou State. Denham Springs safety Dashawn McBryde is considered one of the top safeties in the country and Coach Brian Kelly is excited about him.
“Really brings the kind of safety presence we’re looking in terms of being able to cover a number two receiver but also a great tackler, a great student and a great young man,” said Kelly
LSU signed six defensive backs.
One of those players is the most productive high school quarterback in Louisiana prep history. JuJuan Johnson set state records for total yards, 14,451, and total touchdowns, 171, as a four-year starter for Lafayette Chrisitan Academy.
For now, he’s listed as a cornerback on the Tigers roster. But Kelly is open to seeing what he could do on offense.
“You watch him, you go wow he can play this position, then you can watch him again and then maybe he can play this position, then you watch him again and you go he can play this position,” said Kelly.
Johnson is one of four cornerbacks in the class and Kelly feels good about bringing in a solid group of DBs.
“What we’re starting to see is a stabilization and depth within the program that really was devoid of that,” Kelly said. “I think that’s why you didn’t see us jumping into the portal. We really want to be able to develop these younger players. I feel confident in our ability to do that and have them ready to play championship football in the SEC.”
The Tigers also signed five offensive linemen. Weston Davis (Beaumont, Texas), Ethan Calloway (Mooresville, North Carolina), Ory Williams (San Marcos, Texas), Khayree Lee (John Ehret High School), and Joseph Cryer from Natchitoches Central High School.
Davis and Williams are also excellent basketball players. Kelly says not only are they big linemen, but linemen that can move.
“We have guys that can bend that have light feet that can move their feet, there is model that we are looking for that we are going to stick with, they have to have a really good football IQ,” said Kelly.
Offensive line also looks like a very stable position. Starting tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr are set to return next year. It’s possible the Tigers will bring back their starting guards, Miles Frazier and Garrett Dellinger.
Starting center Charles Turner is moving on as he’s accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. But DJ Chester appears ready to fill his shoes.
There’s also Lance Heard and Bo Bordelon ready to fill any voids on the oline.
The 2024 LSU signing class features eight of the top ten high school seniors in Louisiana and there’s still the possibility to add one more.
Acadiana defensive lineman Dominick McKinley, who is committed to Texas A&M. LSU is making a big push to sign him. The early signing period ends Friday and it’s possible McKinley could sign with the Aggies or Tigers by the end of the week. But he’s leaning towards signing on the first Wednesday in February.