LSU Coach Brian Kelly has built his defensive secondary the last two seasons on the fly, leaning heavily on the transfer portal.
Last season at the cornerback position, it worked out well as Jarrick Benard-Converse from Oklahoma State and Mekhi Garner from U-L Lafayette were solid pieces on a good defense. The two combined to make 66 tackles. Garner had eight pass break ups and Bernard-Converse had two interceptions.
In 2023, the use of the transfer portal to sign cornerbacks has not worked out. Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander has improved every game, but now is hurt. Ohio State transfer JK Johnson went down with a leg injury in fall camp.
Even more frustrating, Denver Harris from Texas A&M and Duce Chestnut from Syracuse are inactive, but still on scholarship.
Kelly has said they don’t want to rely on the transfer portal to fill out their defensive secondary. Looking ahead to the 2024 recruiting class there’s a real effort to recruit cornerbacks out of high school.
Here’s a look at the cornerback commitments for the Class of 2024.
Cai Bates 6-1, 175 pounds
The four-star recruit is from Orlando, Florida, and committed to LSU last July. According to 247 sports, he’s ranked as the ninth best cornerback in the country. He chose LSU over Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida State. Bates started his high school career as a receiver but has quickly become one of the best corners in the country.
Ju’Juan Johnson 5-11, 190 pounds
Johnson is a talented athlete from Lafayette. He’s putting up huge numbers for Lafayette Christian as a quarterback, but his future is as a cornerback. He’s rated by 247 sports as the 22nd best cornerback in the country. Johnson originally committed to Colorado but ended up giving his verbal pledge to LSU last May. Johnson is described as the ultimate competitor with a great work ethic.
Wallace Foster 5-9, 170
Foster is a three-star commitment from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. He’s been committed to LSU for nearly a year. LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson led the recruiting effort. Foster chose the Tigers over Florida, Florida State, Texas, Texas A&M, and Miami
Bernard Causey 6-0, 170
Causey is LSU’s latest commitment and is also from New Orleans as he stars for John F. Kennedy High School. He’s known as a physical defensive back who was previously committed to Ole Miss. Again, assistant coach Frank Wilson is a major factor in Causey choosing the Tigers. Causey is also a big part of the recent success at John F Kennedy. The Cougars made it to the quarterfinals last year, and they are 7-1 this year.
PJ Woodland 5-11, 155
Woodland is another recent commitment for LSU. He’s from Hattiesburg, Mississippi and attends Oak Grove High School. He’s listed as an athlete, but projects to play cornerback in college. Woodland is a former Mississippi State commitment. Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas also offered him. Woodland attended an LSU camp last summer and committed to the Tigers after going to last Saturday’s shutout victory over Army.
