4-star safety CJ Jimcoily explains why he committed to LSU

The Tigers added another blue-chip defensive back to their 2025 class earlier this week.

LSU added a pair of commitments in the last few days, headlined by four-star Nashville receiver [autotag]CJ Jimcoily[/autotag].

The Tigers had been recently trending for Jimcoily, and he explained why he ultimately chose LSU over Stanford to On3’s Chad Simmons.

“The coaching staff and the environment at LSU felt like family,” Jimcoily told On3. “In Louisiana, it is different. My dad is from Louisiana, I have family there, and that is how the people are in that state. It is a big family in Louisiana and the people at LSU that recruited me made me feel that way. That feeling was different from anywhere else.

“The people at LSU were a big reason why I committed to LSU. They care for me and want the best for me. LSU showed me where I could get a good degree, internships I could take part in and how I could build strong relationships for my future as well. That was a factor for me also.

“I knew not going to Stanford I would have to give something up academically, but LSU showed me a great, how I can still get a strong degree and still be around great people and be developed as a football player. It came down to the wire, but I had that feeling LSU. Things clicked, the feeling came to me and LSU is the school.”

Jimcoily explained why relationships were key to his decision, from his “faith” in coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] to the group of commits he now joins.

“I have a lot of love and faith in coach Kelly,” Jimcoily said. “He is building a monster recruiting class and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it. Coach Kelly is very passionate about LSU, recruits see it in his eyes and that had a big impact on me.

“Recruits are so excited about playing for LSU and coach Kelly. I have spoken with Bryce Underwood and other commits. They are recruiting me and are excited about the future at LSU. It started with coach Kelly and we all have the faith that he is building something special in Baton Rouge.”

Jimcoily told On3 that the most impactful relationship that led to his commitment decision, however, was that with new safeties coach [autotag]Jake Olsen[/autotag], who followed new defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] from Missouri.

“I love coach Olsen. He has been the biggest component when talking about relationships. From the time he got to LSU, he was in touch me. Coach Olsen is so genuine and honest. We have a great relationship and nobody has recruited me harder. He has a special place in my heart because of who he is and how he put the time in to recruit me.”

After adding Jimcoily and four-star receiver [autotag]Phillip Wright III[/autotag], a Louisiana native and former Michigan decommitment, the Tigers’ class remains ranked No. 3 according to both the On3 industry and the 247Sports composite rankings.

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Is LSU within reach of the No. 1 overall 2025 recruiting class?

Can LSU pull off the No. 1 overall class in 2025?

LSU added another blue-chip recruit to its 2025 class on Thursday, picking up a commitment from four-star safety [autotag]CJ Jimcoily[/autotag]. It was another strong addition as LSU nears the end of a big summer on the recruiting trail.

It comes at a position of need too as LSU continues to do work on its secondary.

Jimcoily hails from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville and is listed at 6-3, 210 pounds. According to Rivals, he’s a top five safety in the class.

With Jimcoily aboard, LSU remains in the race for the nation’s top overall recruiting class. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, the Tigers still sit third nationally. The top two classes belong to Ohio State and Alabama, but LSU is prepping to make a run.

A couple of prospects key to the race are five-stars [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaime Ffrench[/autotag]. The easiest way to boost a class rating is to stock up on five stars at the top. LSU already has three committed, but adding Williams of Ffrench would be huge.

If LSU manages to land just one, LSU is firmly in the discussion for best class in the country.

The depth of the class will also be improved. LSU remains the favorite for three-star defensive tackle Walter Mathis and three-star tight end Mike Tyler. Three stars won’t give the class rating a huge boost, but part of signing the top overall class is signing prospects at a high volume.

LSU is also pursuing four-star safety [autotag]Bryce Fitzgerald[/autotag], which is a name to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

If LSU cleans up with the prospects mentioned here and pulls off a few surprises when early signing day rolls around, then the No. 1 overall class is within reach.

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4-star LSU safety target commits to Auburn

LSU lost a four-star safety target to Auburn on Monday.

One of LSU’s top remaining targets came off the board Monday evening when four-star safety [autotag]Anquon Fegans[/autotag] committed to Auburn. Fegans is fresh off a visit to LSU, but it wasn’t enough to sway the Alabama native out of his home state,

All four major recruiting services consider Fegans a top 10 safety in the class with ESPN placing him No. 2 at his position. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, he’s the No. 57 overall recruit in 2025. That makes him the second highest-ranked recruit in Auburn’s class.

Hugh Freeze and Auburn have been on a recruiting heater. Earlier in the day, Auburn received a commitment from ATH Derrick Smith, the top-ranked recruit in Auburn’s class.

Auburn’s class now sits at No. 6 overall in the On3 Industry Rankings while LSU hangs tight at No. 3.

As far as safeties go, LSU will keep its attention on five-star [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag]. LSU’s chasing the No. 1 overall class title and landing Williams would certainly put the Tigers in that discussion.

Fegans pledge to Auburn was no surprise with the On3 Prediction Machine giving the Tigers a 92.3% chance of entering the day. LSU was considered a long shot, but Brian Kelly and staff were in the mix.

LSU also remains involved with three-star safety [autotag]CJ Jimcoily[/autotag] out of Tennessee, though Stanford is a contender there.

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LSU makes the cut as 4-star safety trims list down to 2 schools

LSU is a 20% favorite for CJ Jimcoily but Stanford is right behind them at 18%, per On3.

One of the top defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class has narrowed his list of final schools down to just two schools, LSU and Stanford.

[autotag]CJ Jimcoily[/autotag] is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound, four-star safety from Nashville, Tennessee, where he plays for Lipscomb Academy. Jimcoily holds a ton of Division I offers but he has decided that only two teams are still being considered. His decision is down to the SEC and the ACC.

There are no crystal ball projections at this time for 247Sports and there are no clear favorites to land him per On3. LSU is a 20% favorite but Stanford is right behind them at an 18% favorite.

At the end of the day, it will likely come down to what his dealbreakers are. If he wants to stay closer to home and play in the best conference in the world he will choose LSU. The Tigers 2025 class is already looking great but Jimcoily’s addition would make it even better.

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LSU projected to land pair of defensive back recruits this month

The Tigers’ hot streak on the trail could continue if they can close the deal with this safety duo.

It’s been a busy July on the recruiting trail for LSU, and the Tigers added a trio of defensive line prospects to the 2025 class during the holiday week.

Now, coach Brian Kelly and staff are turning their attention to rebuilding the secondary. They lost a commitment from top Louisiana cornerback [autotag]Jaboree Antoine[/autotag], though they remain firmly in the mix for him, but they now are favored to land a pair of safety prospects.

Three-star Destrehan prospect [autotag]Jhase Thomas[/autotag] ranks outside the top 500 nationally, but after picking up a late offer from the Tigers following an impressive camp outing, LSU is clearly in the driver’s seat here. It holds several crystal ball projections from 247Sports and is the heavy favorite per On3 for Thomas, who commits on July 13.

Meanwhile, LSU is also in a good position for four-star Nashville safety [autotag]CJ Jimcoily[/autotag]. The top-400 prospect is reportedly down to LSU and Stanford, and while he holds no crystal ball projections, On3 does see the Tigers as the slight favorite at this point.

According to LSU Country’s Zack Nagy, he’s set to make an announcement in late July.

The Tigers are pushing for a top-five class in the 2025 cycle, and landing this secondary duo would certainly help.

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Alabama a finalist to land 2024 4-star safety CJ Jimcoily

Alabama is one of four finalists in the mix to land a commitment from 2025 safety CJ Jimcoily.

On Friday, 2025 four-star safety narrowed his list of finalists down to four schools — Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Stanford, and Tennessee Volunteers. Jimcoily fielded an offer from the Crimson Tide on May 14. He is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama on June 21.

The product of Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee is listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He has the mold to play either safety or cornerback at the next level. His ability to play multiple positions is certainly something that is valuable at the next level. As a junior, Jimcoily was an intricate piece of the Mustangs defense.

Alabama feels like it is in a good position to land Jimcoily’s commitment despite extending an offer more recent than any other school in the mix.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding Alabama football news and the program’s efforts on the recruiting trail.

2025 in-state safety prospect includes Vols in top four

2025 in-state safety prospect includes Tennessee in top four schools.

2025 safety prospect CJ Jimcoily announced his top four schools on Friday.

Tennessee, AlabamaLSU and Stanford are Jimcoily’s top four schools.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound four-star safety prospect is from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jimcoily ranks as the No. 363 prospect in the class of 2025. He also ranks as the No. 32 safety prospect and No. 12  player in Tennessee, according to 247Sports.

Jimcoily will officially visit Tennessee on June 7. He will also officially visit Stanford on May 31, LSU on June 14 and Alabama on June 21.

Tennessee offered Jimcoily a scholarship on May 11, 2022.

The Vols have 10 commitments in its 2025 recruiting class: Quarterback George MacIntyre, defensive lineman Ethan Utley, tight end Jack Van Dorseiaer, cornerback Dylan Lewis, running back Justin Baker, wide receiver Joakim Dodson, cornerback Tyler Redmond, safety Sidney Walton, wide receiver Radarious Jackson and offensive lineman Antoni Kade Ogumoro.

Spartans offer 2025 4-star Tennessee Safety CJ Jimcoily

Michigan State football has thrown its hat into the race for one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 class

Michigan State football has thrown its hat into the race for one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 class.

CJ Jimcoily of Nashville, Tenn. announced on Friday that he’s received a scholarship offer from the Spartans. He plays for powerhouse Lipscomb Academy and ranks as one of the top 20 safety prospects in the 2025 class.

Jimcoily is listed as the No. 16 safety and No. 260 overall prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the 2025 class. He’s also listed as the No. 8 player from Tennessee.

Michigan State is the 23rd program to extend Jimcoily an offer, according to 247Sports. Some of the other notable programs to offer Jimcoily are Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.

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