LSU has regained a commitment from top corner Derek Stingley Jr. Continue reading below to see how Stingley, who posted one of the nation's most impressive combine performances this spring, could not only rise up the ESPN 300, but also be the next, great DB to play in Death Valley:
What he brings: Stingley is an athletic defensive back with playmaking ability. The top-five corner prospect possesses a nice blend of fluidity, quickness and speed. He can play on an island with the ability to smoothly turn and the top-end speed to run with receivers. A flexible athlete, he is smooth in transition out of his breaks and demonstrates a quick burst to close. More than just a good athlete, he is a prospect with some football bloodlines and is a heady player. He displays a good feel for the game, being able to maintain quality leverage, as well as demonstrating very good instincts. His blend of athleticism and smarts allows him to be in position to make plays. Additionally, he possesses good ball skills as well as the leaping ability to high point the ball, finish and generate turnovers when the opportunity is there. He is not the biggest DB, but he is a physical player who can be an effective open-field tackler.
How he fits: This recruiting trail included a detour with Stingley having decommitted from LSU at one point, but ultimately the Tigers got their man and kept a key in-state target close to home. LSU has developed and produced some excellent defensive backs and is looking to continue to keep that position a strength with 2017 contributors Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver II having moved on to the NFL, Kristian Fulton's future still unclear and Greedy Williams having the option to leave after this coming season. However, the Tigers have managed to bring in some young, talented corners to address the need, having just signed 2018 ESPN 300 No. 5 CB Kelvin Joseph and now adding Stingley to a class that also includes another top-five CB, prospect in Maurice Hampton. This latest addition gives them a prospect with the tools to be a quick and versatile contributor. He can immediately be a key special teams player with experience and ability as a return man and is also physical enough to contribute on coverage units. Defensively, his combination of athleticism, speed, smarts and toughness should allow him to play outside or inside as a CB, or even contribute at safety if needed.
Reminds us of: Stingley reminds us some of current Ohio State CB Damon Arnette. A player that coming out of high school had a nice blend of length and speed. Both are sound but aggressive players at the position.
How the class is shaping up: While many of the top prospects in Louisiana are still undeclared, the Tigers have been able to build a good foundation. They have landed the No. 2 player in the state in Kardell Thomas, a massive, powerful and nasty OG. They also just brought Stingley, a key in-state target, back into the fold. Charles Turner is an OL out of IMG Academy in Florida who has physical upside and projects at center for the Tigers. They have landed a commitment from one of the top prospects in Tennessee in ESPN 300 CB Maurice Hampton, who also doubles as baseball star. A second four-star cornerback in the class is Marcus Banks from the Lone Star State. Running back is a major need in the 2019 cycle, and Tyrion Davis is a strong, powerful runner and a key in-state pickup.