LSU Country

No. 1 Prospect in Indiana, LSU Football Commit Damien Shanklin Shuts Down Flip Rumors

Shanklin silences flip rumors via social media, reiterates commitment to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.

Zack Nagy

Courtesy of Damien Shanklin's Instagram.
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Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central edge rusher Damien Shanklin revealed a commitment to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers in July with the program securing one of the top prospects in the Midwest.

Shanklin, the No. 1 prospect in Indiana, is a player the LSU coaching staff remains high on with the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder's physical traits jumping off the page.

With the recent news of LSU losing a commitment from the No. 1 prospect in America, Bryce Underwood, it's no secret the top programs have attempted to poach prospects verbally pledged to the program.

That includes Shanklin.

The buzz continues circling that the Michigan Wolverines are in contact with Shanklin down the stretch, but the coveted defensive lineman quickly shut down rumors on Monday night.

The Early Signing Period is eight days away with programs revealing their final pushes for players committed elsewhere.

Shanklin Silences Flip Rumors:

Shanklin took to social media to post a Tiger emoji underneath a report stating that he'll be "considering" the Michigan Wolverines down the stretch. The emoji spoke wonders.

The No. 1 prospect in Indiana is the latest prospect to shut down flip rumors while revealing his commitment to the LSU program.

Kade Phillips Bypasses Texas Visit, Locked in with the Tigers

Missouri City (Tex.) Hightower cornerback Kade Phillips flipped his commitment from the Texas Longhorns to Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers in August after the program turned up the heat down the stretch.

Phillips, the No. 4 ranked cornerback in America, reached five-star status in the latest recruiting rankings after a dominant senior campaign.

Now, the coveted prospect has shut down his recruitment and will sign with the LSU Tigers during the Early Signing Period, he tells LSU Tigers On SI.

"I'm just ready to get to Baton Rouge," Phillips said.

With the recent news of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping his commitment from the LSU Tigers to the Michigan Wolverines, it's no secret the LSU program is in a vulnerable place.

Since the news broke, programs have been looking to flip other prospects committed to the Bayou Bengals.

That included five-star cornerback Kade Phillips.

There were recent reports circulating that Phillips was set to travel to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday with Steve Sarkisian and Co. pushing for him to flip back to the program.

Phillips confirmed with LSU Tigers On SI that he was not visiting TexasĀ this weekend and remained home on Saturday. The five-star will be back in Baton Rouge next weekend for an unofficial visit with LSU to round out his recruitment process.

The Longhorns saw the program in a vulnerable spot, upped the ante for Phillips and ultimately saw the No. 4 cornerback in America remain loyal to the LSU program.

Phillips will now be back in Baton Rouge for the Oklahoma game next weekend in Tiger Stadium.

ā€œKade has some of the best physical traits weā€™ve seen at the corner position in the 2025 cycle. This is a guy who has elite length and a big frame. At that size, he can really move. He was a state finalist in the long jump in Texas, and you see that athleticism on the field," On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power said.

ā€¦ I really like him as a corner. He has position versatility with the ability to play corner or safety at the next level, but we feel like the length and speed and ball skills he shows as a two-way player at the high school level really translates well to corner.ā€

Now, LSU locks in Phillips' services after a rigorous push from the Texas Longhorns down the stretch. He will sign with the Tigers during the Early Signing Period on Dec. 4.

More LSU News:

Paul Finebaum: LSU, Brian Kelly in a "Really Bad Spot" Moving Forward

LSU Dishes Out Offer to No. 1 Quarterback in America

Nick Saban Calls LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier a "Sleeper" Ahead of 2024 Season

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of LSU Country, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Tiger Football, Basketball, Baseball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving LSU athletics.Ā 

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