BREAKING: LSU football lands a commitment from top cornerback target

The wait is finally over, as LSU football lands a commitment from top cornerback target Cai Bates. The class of 2024 four-star teased his commitment early last week, along with his top schools. Now, Tiger fans can rest easy as coach Brian Kelly has secured one of the best cornerbacks in the class.

LSU football lands a commitment from top-tier cornerback Cai Bates

Just like that, LSU football has quickly found itself with one of the best cornerback groups in the entire class of 2024. Before today, they had five defensive back commits, including four-stars Dashawn McBryde, Ju’Juan Johnson and Joel Rogers.

Now, they’ve officially added a fourth four-star defensive back with the commitment of Cai Bates. The class of 2024 stud currently ranks No. 103 nationally and No. 18 in Florida. Furthermore, he’s the No. 9 cornerback, according to 247 Sports.

The Tigers beat out several top programs for the elite class of 2024 talent. Along with LSU football, Florida State, Alabama and Tennessee were some of his top schools.

Bates could be one of the Tigers’ best recruits in the class of 2024

Cai Bates began his football career at wide receiver, which helps to explain his playstyle as a cornerback. When covering receivers deep downfield, it’s not uncommon to see him track the ball better than the player he’s guarding. Add in the fact that he stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, and it’s not hard to see why he made a whopping four interceptions in his first two games as a defensive back.

Cai Bates…Certified playmaker🔥

(Via. @BigCountyPreps1)#floridafootball #nextup #footballhighlights #youthfootball pic.twitter.com/jEnJLKFsQp

— FootballVille Florida (@FBVFlorida) March 24, 2023

Even more impressive is the fact that he has made as many as three interceptions in one game. In the playoffs against Tampa Bay Tech, Bates was a man on a mission, recording three interceptions and five pass breakups.

INT by Edgewater’s Cai Bates! Eagles getting some momentum now
⁦@bates_cai⁩ ⁦@EdgewaterFB⁩ pic.twitter.com/rlL0rIvvac

— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) November 26, 2022

In addition to football, Bates is a notable multi-sport athlete. He also runs track and plays basketball, two sports that help prep for football in very different ways. Track obviously assists with speed, but basketball is the intriguing one. When watching Bates play, it’s common to see him box players out and catch the ball at the highest point, similar to what you might see basketball players do when going for a rebound.

Cai Bates!!!
Edgewater DB with the INT in the end zone with 2:30 remaining in the 4th quarter.
Edgewater leads 28-24
⁦@EdgewaterFB⁩ ⁦@bates_cai⁩ pic.twitter.com/2VZu7dmUb7

— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) November 19, 2022

All of this is to say that class of 2024 cornerback Cai Bates might have just become the best player in the Tigers’ class. He has some incredible athletic ability and has the size to match. If he continues to work at it, he has the potential to become one of the next great LSU defensive backs.

Only time will tell, but with this group, the future is incredibly bright for coach Brian Kelly and LSU football.

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