LSU Football: Three 2024 Prospects to Monitor on the Recruiting Trail

The Tigers look to make some noise on the recruiting trail in July, but who could be the first to pop?

LSU is fresh off of a busy month of June on the recruiting trail, and after hosting the nation’s top prospects to campus, we could see their efforts pay off sooner rather than later.

Baton Rouge quickly became the place to be for several recruits with each weekend seeing players on LSU’s “wish list” make their way to Death Valley.

Now, with June setting the table for what’s to come, could we see even more fireworks pop in July on the recruiting trail?

Here are three prospects to get familiar with after taking official visits to Baton Rouge:

Cai Bates - 2024 Cornerback

Cai Bates is at the top of LSU’s wish list as the month of July arrives, and with a decision on the horizon, the Tigers have their foot on the gas for one of the top corners in the 2024 cycle. Bates made his way to Baton Rouge for an official visit in June, but it was a busy month for the youngster.

Bates took officials to Tennessee, Alabama and Florida State as well as his recruiting process ramps up in a big way. He’s seen his recruitment take shape during the offseason, and as he prepares for what many expect to be a big-time senior campaign, he should have his mind made up sooner rather than later.

LSU is trending for the four-star cornerback on many industry’s prediction machines, and after getting some time with cornerback’s coach Robert Steeples, this program is looking to lock down the elite-level defensive back.

Jelani Watkins - 2024 Wide Receiver

Jelani Watkins remains relatively quiet about his recruiting process, but on July 4 that all changed in a big way after he released his Top 4 schools. LSU made the cut alongside Texas A&M, Arkansas and Texas.

A Louisiana native who is playing his high school ball in Texas, his final four schools aren’t a surprise, but LSU remains a top option for Watkins after taking his official visit in June. The trip down to Baton Rouge was the only official trip he has taken this summer.

Watkins’ recruitment is one LSU has kept tabs on for a few reasons. One being his elite ability as a wideout, but the second is due to his gifts in track and field. Watkins will be a two-sport athlete at the next level with LSU’s track and field program extending him an offer as well.

Look for LSU to turn up the heat for Watkins even more after the four-star wideout included the Tigers in his Top 4 schools.

Ory Williams - 2024 Offensive Lineman

Ory Williams remains a top target for this program as they continue looking to stack offensive linemen in their 2024 class. With interior offensive lineman Ethan Calloway revealing his pledge on June 30, he became the second lineman to commit to the Tigers in the 2024 cycle, but now all focus shifts to Williams.

Williams took the trip down to Baton Rouge in June for his official, but Texas continues pushing for the fast-rising offensive lineman. For now, it appears to be a two-team battle for Williams’ services where some expect a decision sooner rather than later.

The Texas native is a player offensive line coach Brad Davis has kept tabs on. The 6-foot-7, 285-pounder is beginning to see his game take that next step and Davis knows he can help evolve him into a consistent SEC guy. Look for this program to continue pushing for the rising senior with hopes he pops sooner rather than later.