By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Due to recent developments, I thought it made sense for us to deliver a breakdown of LSU's impressive, yet under the radar 2024 class as it stands:
16 commitments, 8 from the state of Louisiana, including 5 of the top 11 talents in the Boot, this group is a bit of a sleeping giant when looking at where they land on national rankings.
Placed 5th on Geaux247 and 10th at On3, Brian Kelly's 2024 class may not be getting enough attention for the Louisiana recruiting revolution we're witnessing unfold....but does it matter?
LSU are hitting on both local and national targets; not just five star or big name hunting, Kelly's recruiting staff (led by Frank Wilson, JR Belton and Sherman Wilson) are continuing to pursue the right young men for the program they're building.
With Graduate Champions as the motto, the standards at LSU Football have undoubtedly been raised under Head Coach Brian Kelly.
Still, LSU also offer a host of lucrative NIL opportunities & partnerships which continue to attract top talents. In the end, the Tigers are covering all bases...yet there is still benchmarks Kelly and his staff look for in every recruit.
For example, while Georgia should feel good about sealing the #1 overall ranked QB Dylan Raiola, LSU are undoubtedly joyous when it comes to the character, talent, potential, and personality of their own class quarterback....which is where we begin our breakdown:
COLIN HURLEY
(QB, Trinity Christian, FLA)
Ranked as the 255th overall national talent & the 15th-rated quarterback of the 2024 class, Colin Hurley's position in the recruiting service rankings system won't wow many, but that should never be what any scout is looking for in a quarterback...because when it concerns the Trinity Christian QB, you can check every box.
Possessing a howitzer arm, brilliant escapability within a collapsing pocket, a litany of kniving, accurate off-platform throws, intriguing possibilities as a dual threat quarterback, and a proven winning mentality, Colin is the real deal...but that's just part of his story.
Off the field, Colin is one of the nicest, most intellectual, thoughtful, respectful, and professional young men I've ever spoken to.
Already well versed in community outreach, media relations, mentored by Anthony Richardson & Tim Tebow, as well as becoming a rising prospect in the eyes of many across the country, QBs Coach Joe Sloan hit an absolute home run when LSU earned Hurley's commitment.
Colin is demanding the smoke of greatness and championship destiny, inviting the pressure as the days tick away before his January 2024 campus arrival....with an excited fan base clamoring for the day he wears the purple and gold.
JU'JUAN JOHNSON
(CB, LCA, LA)
Committed to Deion Sanders' Colorado, while serious offers from Alabama and Corey Raymond's Florida lurked in the background, as recently as late April, the LCA 5 star CB appeared out of reach for the Tigers.
But all along, there were seeds of doubt planted throughout his commitment to Colorado, culminating in a disastrous, snow-covered visit out West.
Once he shook off the cold, Ju'juan Johnson knew there was only one place for him: that was at the real DBU.
For LSU's cornerbacks Coach Robert Steeples, Ju'juan Johnson is next to 2023 5 star Javien Toviano as the crown in his cap, already tearing it up on the trail and sealing the flip during a secret weekend visit earlier this month.
Despite playing quarterback for LCA, Johnson is regarded as one of the highest graded corners during major camps throughout 2021 and 2022, with many coaches, scouts or analysts in near universal agreement regarding his boundless potential in the secondary.
Under the coaching & development pedigree of Robert Steeples, the 5 star will join a crew of former high school teammates on roster, including 5 star DB Sage Ryan and Jordan Allen.
Rocking the #7 at LCA for his entire high school career, Johnson may just earn that number back as a Tiger....perhaps sooner rather than later.
STAY TUNED FOR PART II!!!
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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
©️ 2023 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
These three reflect the type of talent and character CBK thrives on. You must be committed to team and process to succeed as a Coach Kelly led Tiger.