Hot board evaluations: LSU on path for elite 2024 cornerback class
LSU wrapped up its 2023 camp on Saturday and now heads into the final six months before the early signing period with plenty of work ahead. With already 18 commits in the 2024 class, the Tigers are in a great position to fill out their roster across the board with positions of need
Robert Steeples has made significant progress towards restocking his cornerback room after two straight years of taking a haul of transfers over the offseason. The 2024 class will look to build the long-term depth the defense needs and Steeples is on his way to bringing in one of the more impressive cornerback classes in the entire country.
Here’s a look at the names to know, with four commitments and two top targets.
Past hot board evals: Wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, edge, linebacker
Ondre Evans – Committed to LSU
(Chad Simmons/On3)
On3 Industry Ranking: 90.69, No. 26 CB
Nashville, Tennessee
Recruitment… A late riser in the 2024 class, Ondre Evans picked up offers from LSU, Alabama and Georgia this month, but it was his time at LSU that stood out the most. With “family roots” in Louisiana and a camp session that went well, Evans committed to LSU on June 15 and is now the highest rated cornerback currently in the class. On3 has Evans as the No. 12 cornerback in the country and a top 100 player.
On Film…Evans was exceptional at LSU’s Elite Camp earlier this month, so I had high expectations as I went to watch his tape, and he lived up to what I saw in person. The speed pops both in person and on the screen and allows him to really smother high school receivers. It raises his ceiling substantially that he’s clocked 10.55 in the 100 meters and is one of the top sprinters in Tennessee. He was also an impressive receiver, showing his hands and catch radius on several occasions. At 6-foot-1, his physical traits and ball skills are elite and he’ll continue to round out his game.
Zion Ferguson – Committed to LSU
2024 LSU CB commit Zion Ferguson. (Billy Embody – On3)
On3 Industry Ranking: 89.77, No. 37 CB
Gainesville, Georgia
Recruitment… Zion Ferguson has said all of the right things when it comes to LSU. He’s said it’s his dream school, he still plans to go there, and he loves the staff. At the same time, he scheduled his first official visit and it’s not to LSU. He’s headed to North Carolina this weekend as the Tar Heels make a significant push for the Georgia native. His mother is from North Carolina and his grandmother still lives in North Carolina. He said in the spring, North Carolina, Auburn. And Arkansas were the three schools working the hardest to get him away from LSU.
On Film…Played a lot of zone at Grayson, allowing him to roam and be a playmaker in the back end. Ferguson was physical with receivers and was able to make plays in the backfield with his play recognition. I want to see more reps in man coverage, but the overall playmaking ability and range is there to make Ferguson an exciting prospect.
Wallace Foster – Committed to LSU
On3 Industry Ranking: 86.81, No. 80 CB
New Orleans, Louisiana
Recruitment… Wallace Foster committed to LSU in November and has stayed solid. He’s spent a lot of time at LSU since committing and has been a really active recruiter for the staff. This is one that has been very straightforward, which is what this staff needed.
On Film…Foster found himself on the field as both a freshman and sophomore at Warren Easton, earning an LSU offer after his freshman season as he also shined on the track. He tore his ACL before his junior season and has been rehabbing to play as a senior. On his sophomore tape, you can see some good explosiveness that shows as he returns interceptions and kickoffs. Had some really good reps in single coverage as a sophomore as well, which projects well if he gets back to 100 percent for this senior season.
Ju’Juan Johnson – Committed to LSU
On3 Industry Ranking: 90.54, No. 27 CB
Lafayette, Louisiana
Recruitment…Remember when Ju’Juan Johnson committed to Colorado and there was a collective sense of uncertainty over what exactly was happening? The LSU staff never panicked, though, staying the course and eventually getting Johnson to reopen his recruitment before committing to LSU not long after. Johnson is locked in with the Tigers now, a significant get for Robert Steeples and the Tigers as Johnson is one of the more accomplished Louisiana high school players in the class.
On Film…Johnson is one of the most fun players in the state because he can seemingly do everything. He’s an electric quarterback at LCA who can break off 50-yard touchdown runs both by design or on scrambles then hit a 40-yard passover the middle with ease. Ultimately he’s not big enough to play quarterback at the P5 level, but his athleticism can be utilized at LSU in the coming years and that should excited LSU fans.
Wardell Mack
On3 Industry Ranking: 93.64, No. 11 CB
Marrero, Louisiana
Recruitment… LSU currently leads in the On3 RPM, but Wardell Mack’s recruitment is far from over. He’s spent the month of June taking official visits to Florida State and Florida, with a trip to Texas coming this weekend. He’s spent a ton of time at LSU throughout the fall and spring, but the Seminoles and Gators have both picked up steam over the past month. Sam Spiegelman reports that Mack is “eyeing an official in December and currently remains undecided about a timeline for a decision.”
On Film… Excellent technique, great positioning, and someone who is trusted with holding up on the boundary, Mack checks a lot of boxes. He also shows his speed and athleticism on offense at receiver or even taking direct snaps at quarterback. The speed component is massive because of how polished he is at defensive back. His arms stand out as being long for his 6-foot frame. Could project as a nickel as he continues to fill out because of his quick hips and change of direction ability in the short-to-intermediate range.
Cai Bates
On3 Industry Ranking: 92.68, No. 16 CB
Orlando, Florida
Recruitment… Cai Bates has visited Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State, and Tennessee this month and now heads to LSU this weekend. LSU has a slight lead in the On3 RPM, but it’s clear that his recruitment is wide open and there’s little clarity about what his timetable is for a decision.
On Film…Listed at 6-foot-1.5, it’s surprising how well Bates moves on both sides of the ball. The fluidity at receiver shows a ton of potential for Bates at the next level as he continues to sharpen his skills at corner. Really showed good competitiveness at the line of scrimmage on defense and fought to recover when he lost a step. Can high point the ball and is comfortable battling with the ball in the air. The upside is evident.
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