The Wish List: What's Next for LSU's 2024 Recruiting Class?
The LSU football staff has 23 commitments in the 2024 recruiting class with significant shakeup occurring over the last handful of days.
The Tigers lost a pair of pledges over the last 24 hours, but with potential reinforcements on the way, this program isn't in panic mode.
LSU reeled in a commitment from Top 100 overall prospect CJ Jackson on Sunday, filling a position of need for this program, but there remains work to be done in the 2024 cycle.
With two prospects backing off of their LSU pledges and potential flip targets in the works, what's next in the current cycle?
The Departures: Joseph Stone and Ondre Miller
Joseph Stone... There was buzz surrounding a potential flip from Stone over the summer after taking a visit to Louisville, but shortly after, he reaffirmed his commitment to the purple and gold.
Now, with the Early Signing Period just two months away, Stone has reopened his recruitment as he looks elsewhere to play his college ball.
The Tigers have their sights set on a potential addition at the wideout position now that Stone is no longer in the picture.
Ondre Miller... Earlier in the week, Evans to Georgia became a real possibility, and after a midweek visit to Athens, it busted the door wide open for a flip, sources tell LSU Country. Now, the four-star cornerback officially announced his commitment to the National Champions.
Evans is the No. 1 overall player in the state of Tennessee with Kirby Smart and his staff stealing a major SEC target once again. With the Tigers in constant contact with Evans, the Tennessee native now makes a major splash on the recruiting trail.
The 6-foot, 185-pounder has been a fast-rising prospect in the 2024 class. With his body beginning to fill out, he’s seen it take his game to a new level. Evans became one of the highest risers in the recent 247Sports recruiting rankings, going from unranked nationally to No. 106.
Flip Watch: Dre'lon Miller and Bernard Causey
Dre'lon Miller... The four-star wide receiver backed off of his commitment to Texas A&M on Tuesday following a visit to Baton Rouge last weekend.
Miller, who has several potential suitors, has been wined and dined by LSU on several occasions with the Tigers trending for the electrifying wideout.
Miller dominated in his junior campaign. He tallied 1,399 yards of total offense, 21 touchdown catches, 361 yards rushing while also impacting the game on special teams.
Now, as his senior season continues, Miller is carrying his success into his final run on the prep scene. He’s caught 30 passes for 624 yards and eight scores so far.
"Watch what recruits do, not what they say," is important here. Fresh off of an LSU visit, Miller backed off of his Texas A&M commitment. Keep tabs on Miller.
Bernard Causey... The Ole Miss commitment is a player whose stock is rising at a rapid rate. Causey is at the top of LSU's "wish list" when it comes to adding another cornerback to the 2024 class with this area certainly being a position of need.
Experts within the industry believe LSU ultimately wins out here for Causey's services, and with Evans now out of the picture in the current cycle, it's imperative this program locks down the in-state defensive back.
The 6-foot, 160-pounder out of New Orleans is a "must-get" for the Tigers as they look to revamp the cornerback room moving forward. Look for this program to ramp up his recruitment in a big way after losing Evans to Georgia.
The Committed Targets: Terry Bussey and Gabriel Reliford
Kelly and his recruiting staff made a splash last weekend after bringing in a trio of Texas A&M commitments to town. LSU hosted five-star ATH Terry Bussey, four-star wide receiver Dre’lon Miller and four-star defensive lineman Gabriel Reliford for visits.
Terry Bussey... Bussey returned to Baton Rouge once again after taking an official to LSU when the Tigers faced off against Arkansas in September. Shortly after his visit, he revealed his commitment to Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M. Now, it’s clear there’s mutual interest between LSU and Bussey after a return trip, but he remains locked in with the Aggies. It'll be a challenge to flip Bussey from the Aggies, but it's a massive win for LSU to keep the door open.
Gabriel Reliford... The Louisiana native made the trip down to Baton Rouge for a second game day experience this season. Reliford has been pledged to A&M for a while but it hasn’t stopped Kelly and Co. from pushing for his services. He’s visited campus on several occasions as this staff continues a full-court press to flip the current Aggie pledge. Look for Reliford to return before the season ends as the LSU staff locks in on adding another defensive lineman to the 2024 class.
There's More: The JUCO Targets
The 2024 recruiting cycle isn't limited to just players at the high school ranks. This program can also add fresh faces via the JUCO level with a trio of players to keep tabs on.
Shone Washington... The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has received several offers over the last few months, but a recent visit to Baton Rouge could see LSU gain serious momentum. It's Brian Kelly's goal to lock down the state of Louisiana, especially with players who have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal with ties to the state.
For Washington, it could be a match made in heaven. He was once committed to the purple and gold in high school before backing off of his pledge. With familiarity to LSU, the Tigers could certainly make an early impression.
Jaden Hamlin... Over the last week, LSU has dished out three offers to JUCO guys with the latest going to the No. 1 defensive lineman: Jaden Hamlin.
Hamlin, who plays his ball at Southwest Mississippi Community College, has been a hot commodity on the recruiting trail as of late. Hamlin, a 6-foot-3, 305 pound monster, will be back at the Power Five level come next season with the chance to be a force sooner rather than later.
Antonio Alfano... The former No. 1 recruit in the 2019 cycle, Alfano is emerging as the top player in JUCO ball. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive lineman currently plays at Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania as he continues a surge up the rankings. Look for the former Alabama pledge to continue being a hot commodity on the recruiting scene with LSU turning up the heat.
