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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