LSU’s recruiting push is already taking aim at a committed defender, and the target is Mississippi State pledge Julian McDonald.
McDonald, a cornerback from Mississippi, has been on LSU’s radar after drawing an offer from the Tigers on June 21, just a few weeks after he committed to the Bulldogs on June 6. He spoke with LSU Tigers On SI about where things stand, and while he says his commitment remains solid, he’s not shutting the door on other programs.
“I’m committed to Mississippi State, and I take my commitment seriously. That said, I’m always willing to listen and learn more about other schools."
The Tigers’ interest makes sense given what McDonald brings to the table. He is ranked as the No. 101 cornerback in the class and the No. 37 recruit in Mississippi, but the appeal goes beyond the rankings.
He has the kind of speed that lets him run with top receivers downfield, and he’s also sticky in man coverage. There’s still development ahead, but the athletic upside is obvious.
A major part of LSU’s pitch comes through defensive backs coach Corey Raymond, whose track record has already caught McDonald’s attention.
“There’s definitely interest because of Coach Raymond," McDonald tells me. "He’s one of the best DB coaches in the country, and the way he develops defensive backs and gets them ready for the next level really stands out. I have a lot of respect for what he’s built."
The Tigers are looking to keep building momentum on the recruiting trail as they search for more talent, including players already committed elsewhere, and McDonald has become one of the names to watch.
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