July Recruiting Recap: A Look Into Who LSU Gained Commitments From
Brian Kelly and Co. are in the midst of a heater on the recruiting trail, and as August arrives, this program is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Tigers have built momentum after a successful Bayou Splash event on July 27, setting the table for what’s to come this fall as LSU puts the final touches on its 2024 recruiting class.
During the month of July, Kelly and his staff added critical pieces to the foundation on the recruiting trail. The Tigers secured four commitments that all add different elements to this program moving forward.
Here’s a look into who pledged to the purple and gold as LSU continues its hot stretch on the recruiting trail:
Tylen Singleton - Linebacker - No. 5 Player in Louisiana
Singleton was the first domino to fall LSU’s way in July, and after his commitment, it sent a rippling effect across the Tigers recruiting scene. As coveted as they come, his pledge is tremendous for this program.
Singleton can do it all on the gridiron. He’s played linebacker and safety for Many (La.) High School while even stepping outside and taking snaps at cornerback for his program.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder has some saying he’s built as a safety once in Death Valley, but linebacker is his forte and it’s clear from his tape. Singleton could be the hardest hitting player in Louisiana and is only getting stronger.
With LSU itching for another linebacker in its 2024 class, Singleton checks the boxes immediately and gives defensive coordinator/linebacker’s coach Matt House a monster weapon for the foreseeable future.
A player who moves sideline-to-sideline extremely well, his lateral quickness has him cover the field in the blink of an eye. Once moving in open space, he closes the gap on opponents well in order to slam into others and make play after play.
Cai Bates - No. 9 Cornerback in America
In what became an LSU vs. Tennessee battle for Bates services, the Tigers came out on top after earning a pledge in late July. Now, Brian Kelly’s program secures the prized cornerback, adding another key piece to the secondary.
For Bates, he’s a game changer. The former wide receiver transitioned to a cornerback role during his junior season and thrived instantaneously. In just two games, he reeled in four interceptions and seven pass breakups.
He’s become a prospect who is fast-rising in the rankings and it’s for good reason. He’s evolving at a rapid pace after making the positional change and he’ll continue trending positively throughout his senior campaign.
What does Bates do significantly well at the moment? He thrives in off-man coverage, has tremendous body control and has no problem locating the football at its highest point. His time as a wide receiver has translated to immediate success in the secondary.
Ory Williams - Offensive Tackle
The 6-foot-7, 300-pound menace already attains the adequate size to play SEC ball, but factor in the development skills Coach Davis attains, and Williams has the chance to be a big-time producer for the Tigers.
Williams’ athleticism is a piece of his game that stands out most when watching film. The quick feet gives him an advantage more times than not while utilizing his balance to stay in front of the defense.
For Kelly and Davis, Williams is the type of player that can learn quickly and be an impact guy sooner rather than later. It’ll be interesting to see if LSU utilizes his versatility and allows him to play inside as well.
Joseph Cryer - Interior Offensive Lineman
When LSU offered Natchitoches Central (La.) offensive lineman Joseph Cryer last Wednesday, the Tigers immediately took charge of his recruitment. The Ole Miss commit made his way to Baton Rouge on Friday before decommitting from the Rebels on Sunday.
The fast-rising lineman then flipped his commitment to LSU on Monday. Cryer, one of the top offensive linemen in-state, gives Brian Kelly and Co. another weapon to further develop upon his arrival to Baton Rouge.
For now, Cryer brings a key piece to LSU’s interior offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder attains adequate size at the SEC level with his technique beginning to hit its stride ahead of a big-time senior campaign.
