Pair of LSU Commits Keeping Options Open, Remain Locked In With Tigers
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LSU has been blazing hot on the recruitment trail as of late while they begin transitioning to prioritizing 2024 prospects. Over the summer and into the fall, we saw Brian Kelly’s program lockdown a few juniors, but they must keep their foot on the gas for their current commitments.
The Tigers currently hold a Top 5 2024 recruitment class with Colin Hurley, Tayvion Galloway, Zion Ferguson and more, but as players continue wanting to maximize their recruitment, they will take visits elsewhere.
Fast forward to the last few weekends and we’ve seen a pair of 2024 commitments take visits elsewhere while entertaining other programs. It’s normal. As youngsters, it’s important to take in each environment in order to make the correct decision.
Zion Ferguson, one of LSU’s most prized commitments, hasn’t shut down his commitment yet as other schools continue pursuing the lockdown corner. Labeling LSU as his “dream school” when committing over the summer, it’s clear where the Tigers stand in his recruitment, but other schools such as Arkansas, Oregon and others are keeping tabs on the junior.
Along with Ferguson, 2024 commit Joseph “Jojo” Stone is also keeping his options open. Stone has thrived at wide receiver but has also been labeled as an “athlete” given his ability to line up in a number of different spots on the gridiron.
Stone is also monitoring other programs it appears, but remains locked in with LSU. He’s visited Georgia and other schools as his recruitment begins to take off ahead of his senior campaign.
By no means is it out of the ordinary for players to explore options, but the Tigers must keep their foot on the gas for both Ferguson and Stone as LSU continues retooling their roster for the future.
A dive into each player:
Zion Ferguson - Cornerback - 2024
Ferguson became commit No. 5 in the 2024 class after the Tigers also welcomed 4-star tight end Tayvion Galloway in July. This is a huge win for Brian Kelly, who lands a versatile defensive back with tremendous upside.
The Grayson High School product chose LSU over Arkansas, Auburn and Florida State, among others, adding to the incredible stretch on the recruiting trail this program had over the summer.
The 6-foot, 160-pounder has all the tools to compete in the SEC with the developmental skills this coaching staff attains. Kelly has been working to develop relationships early in the 2024 cycle, clearly making an impression on Ferguson over a short period of time.
Ferguson has proven to be a threat in the secondary with his elite ball-hawking skills, but also attains soft hands to make highlight reel interceptions routinely. Only finishing his junior year, he has all the tools to develop into a lethal threat for this LSU defense when his time comes.
Joseph Stone - Athlete - 2024
Standing at 5-foot-11, 180-pounds, Stone is about as versatile of an athlete this coaching staff could ask for. Reeling in 37 offers according to Rivals, Stone has been a hot name on the market with LSU coming in and taking the Georgia native.
LSU is beginning to form a pipeline from Loganville, Ga. to Baton Rouge with 2023 4-star safety Michael Daugherty committing to the Tigers last offseason as well before enrolling early in January. Daugherty also played with Stone at Grayson High School, one of the top football programs in the country.
Stone has been in Baton Rouge three times unofficially this year, developing a relationship with the new staff and getting familiar with this new era of LSU football. Being recruited as an athlete gives the Tigers hope that he can be a do-it-all player on this deep roster they’re developing.
