LSU Football: Tigers hoping to keep elite safety in-state

LSU football doesn’t want to let an elite safety leave the state.

2021 four-star safety Jardin Gilbert still hasn’t decided where he’s signing, though LSU football is hoping he lands in Baton Rouge.

Gilbert, 6-foot-1/175 lbs, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 8 player in the state of Louisiana and the No. 11 safety in the nation. He’s also rated as the No. 165 overall player in the nation.

The Louisiana native is down to six schools: Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, LSU, Southern, and Texas A&M.

Gilbert is expected to announce his decision on January 2 at the All-American Bowl Declaration Day (which will be broadcast on NBC).

Where does LSU football stand for Gilbert?

This one is kind of hard to read. Gilbert isn’t really giving much away.

Gilbert recently spoke to 247Sports about his recruitment and didn’t give too many clues.

“It’s home,” said Gilbert of LSU. “I know a lot of family would be there watching me play. They’re DBU and I’m a DB. It would be a great experience to play there if I choose there.”

I tend to think Gilbert will end up staying home. But with Alabama in the mix, it’s impossible to say that for sure.

If Gilbert does elect to sign with LSU, it means the Tigers will be getting a player with a ton of upside.

247Sports director of scouting Barton Simmons says Gilbert is a “thin safety prospect that is underdeveloped but has length and plenty of growth potential”.

Simmons also notes that Gilbert “has the look of an impact power five starter with developmental upside to play multiple positions in the secondary and potential to develop rapidly with physical maturation” and possesses “significant NFL Draft upside”.

Gilbert said he’s going to talk to all the coaches recruiting him before he makes his final decision.