2022 Offensive Lineman Jaylen Early Updates Recruitment Process, Where LSU Football Stands

Back in early March, 2022 offensive line recruit Jaylen Early couldn't have dreamed what the next few months have turned out to be. Holding just a single scholarship offer from Colorado, it wasn't until the Oklahoma Sooners saw Early's tape and extended him an offer that his recruitment really took off.

Early currently holds 28 Division I scholarship offers with some of the top programs in the country joining the sweepstakes, including LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Oklahoma and Texas. The most exciting part about his recruitment process thus far for Early is getting to spend time with the coaching staffs and learning about the various programs that have made him offers.

In regards to LSU specifically, Early has been primarily reaching out to offensive line coach James Cregg after picking up an offer in mid April. The month of April was particularly fruitful for the Duncanville, Texas prospect's recruitment as he picked up 16 offers in that 30-day stretch alone.

"We discussed possible visits and how I could excel at LSU. I have learned that LSU is a great school beyond athletics," Early said. "Coach Cregg tells me they really like my athleticism and second level blocking."

That 30-day period in April could only be the tip of the iceberg in his recruitment. Early said once programs are able to actually reach out to him on Sept. 1 he expects the relationship building process to really take off.

"Right now I'm in the relationship building phase. I'm talking to different staffs and getting to know them. Things should pick up next month for sure," Early said. "I'm planning to cut my list after the season and again next summer. I want to go into my senior with a top-five, maybe even top-three."

At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Early believes his athleticism and aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage are the two traits that show the most on his tape. The offseason has been mostly about improving his technique in all aspects and getting stronger.

One of the changes that he'll be undergoing as a junior at Duncanville High School is a switch from tackle to guard. He hopes to show that versatility to college scouts, as being able to play both positions will only help with his potential college suitors.

Watching the 2019 LSU team a season ago, Early came away extremely impressed with the performance of the offensive line. There are three qualities that Early is looking for when searching for his college home; relationship with the staff, academics programs, and the culture of the program and campus.

It's three qualities that he sees in the LSU program.

"LSU has one best programs in the nation. They have amazing academics. As soon as I am able to I will be heading there for a visit," Early said. "I am definitely considering them."