The Bayou Bengals are set to host Liberty’s CJ Daniels, who is expected to arrive in Baton Rouge on Friday. LSU is bringing in one of the premier wide receivers from the NCAA Transfer Portal for an official visit over the weekend. CJ Daniels, a standout from Liberty, has been courted by top programs across the United States since entering the portal, and he is now making his way to Death Valley to explore the Tigers’ program.
Having already visited prestigious institutions like Texas and Oregon, Daniels is poised to make an impression with the Bayou Bengals on Friday. In the 2023 season, he showcased his skills by recording 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns, marking a breakout performance. Over his four-year career, Daniels has accumulated 106 catches, 1,954 yards, and 21 touchdowns.
Before the 2023 season, his highest receiving yardage was in 2021 when he secured 37 passes for 629 yards and seven touchdowns. Additionally, Daniels has contributed as a punt returner during his time with Liberty. The Tigers are now aiming to make a significant impact on his recruitment as they kick off an official visit this weekend.
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The Other LSU Transfer Portal Additions:
WR Zavion Thomas – Mississippi State
The addition of Thomas, a proven return specialist with exceptional hands, adds a formidable weapon to the Tigers’ arsenal for the upcoming 2024 season.
Having spent two years in Starkville, Thomas sought a change and entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. The Louisiana native ultimately chose to join the Tigers, attracted by the immediate attention and interest shown by the program.
The Tigers acted swiftly in pursuing Thomas, recognizing his elite skills as a wide receiver and return specialist. Despite high demand in the transfer portal, LSU made a concerted effort by hosting an unofficial visit on Monday.
Thomas, who tallied 503 yards on 40 receptions during the 2023 season, is poised to play a pivotal role in LSU’s plans for the upcoming season. His dual threat as both a sought-after wide receiver and a skilled return specialist makes him a player to watch closely as the Tigers shape their roster for the next campaign.
AJ Swann: Quarterback
Swann appeared in 15 games and made 12 starts during his two seasons as a Commodore. During the 2023 season, he started all six games and threw for 1,457 yards and 12 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder was expected to be Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback entering the 2023 season, but an injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.
Jyaire Brown: Cornerback
Brown, a native of Louisiana, enrolled in the Transfer Portal with three years of eligibility remaining. The former four-star cornerback was courted by numerous SEC programs before signing with the Tigers.
Kelly has emphasized the necessity of seeking Louisiana locals with multiple years of eligibility in the gateway.
Brown ticks both boxes for him. During his two seasons at Ohio State, he accumulated nine tackles and three passes defended, with the opportunity to advance with greater playing time.
Expect the former Top 250 recruit to play an important role in LSU’s defensive backfield next season.
Defensive Back Austin Ausberry: Auburn
Auburn defensive back Austin Ausberry revealed his commitment to LSU on social media on Tuesday. The Baton Rouge native will be eligible for three more years.
The former four-star defensive back from U-High (Baton Rouge, La.) became one of Auburn’s top commits for the 2022 recruiting class.
Ausberry played just 35 snaps in 2023 after redshirting in his freshman season. He only made one tackle in four games.
Ausberry aims to make an impact for the Tigers with a fresh start back home, continuing the trend of Louisiana natives returning to the Bayou State.
Safety Jardin Gilbert – Texas A&M
A former standout at U-High, another Louisiana native is making a return to his home state to don the purple and gold for the LSU Tigers, bringing with him two seasons of eligibility.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds, Gilbert possesses the size that the program is actively seeking, especially as they aim to bolster their defensive backs through the transfer portal.
In the 2023 season, Gilbert began as a starter at Texas A&M but unfortunately had his junior campaign abbreviated due to a shoulder injury after just two games. Despite the setback, he managed to contribute five tackles, a pass breakup, and was involved in a tackle for loss during those two games.
Having played 23 games in College Station, the highly-regarded safety was ready for a change, and the LSU Tigers presented the opportunity.
Now back in Louisiana, Gilbert has the chance to round off his college career representing the Bayou Bengals. With the team actively addressing its needs in the secondary, the Transfer Portal emerges as a crucial window to bring in the necessary reinforcements.
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