LSU Secures PWO Cornerback Ryan Robinson Jr.

LSU added another key piece to their 2023 recruiting class on Thursday after New Orleans native Ryan Robinson Jr. announced his commitment to Brian Kelly and the Tigers.

Robinson Jr. will accept a preferred walk-on opportunity in Baton Rouge. Kelly has detailed the importance of building a successful program with walk-ons who can make an impact in the SEC and bringing in a player of Robinson Jr.’s caliber is a huge step in the right direction.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder will pass on scholarship offers from schools such as Nebraska, Florida State, Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Oregon and more to take a walk-on opportunity with the Tigers.

“Everywhere I’ve been, the walk-on program has been instrumental to our success,” Kelly said last spring. “So, when we talk about instrumental, it’s not only in terms of the ability to add depth, but scholarships, too. I believe that walk-ons should have a chance to earn a scholarship.”

Robinson Jr. bypassing scholarship offers to walk-on at LSU shows the culture this program is building and will continue to build under Kelly. After competing in the SEC Championship Game in Kelly’s first season, the positive trajectory is evident as this offseason continues to become a success.

God did #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/jTsFWDLN2V
— Ryan Robinson,Jr. (@ryan1rob) January 19, 2023

Brian Kelly’s Recruiting Message:

“We’re going to identify the best prospects throughout the country and you’ll see that in this signing class. We’ll have players from the northeast, the midwest, the west coast. But our base will be Louisiana and the south,” Kelly said. “When you’re LSU and you have a brand that’s so recognizable, you can’t have blinders on either. Our scope and vision is national but it’s not like we’re pulling four guys out of every state. We’re gonna have a heavy influence in the state of Louisiana, like we should.”

“I think within a calendar year we could be looking to turn over 70 scholarships,” Kelly said. “I certainly don’t think it’s going to be in the mid to high 30s [as the norm]. I think that’s outside the lines. I do believe the high 20s is going to be the norm. I remember years where it was 18, I think those days are over.”

“You don’t want to jump every year into the transfer portal when it comes to the cornerback position. We did this year because there was such a need to put together a representative group. I think there’s gonna be a heavy influence on freshmen and that’s the way we want to build,” Kelly said. “Does that mean we won’t look at transfers? No, it doesn’t mean we’ll close the door on that, but last year they were one year and done. We’re not looking in that respect. Corners would have to have more than one season of competition left if we go that route.”