Long-term talent acquisition and secondary retooling are top priorities for Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff.
Five days ago, 2025 three-star cornerback Jaylen Bell posted on social media that he had decided not to commit to the Tigers.
During his senior season, Bell, who has been committed to the Bayou Bengals since December 2022, will reopen recruiting and consider alternatives elsewhere.
LSU’s recruiting efforts have gotten off to a strong start with the hiring of Corey Raymond as secondary coach, especially for the 2025 class.
On Wednesday, 2024 five-star ATH Terry Bussey and 2025 five-star safety DJ Pickett were guests of the Bayou Bengals.
When Raymond visits, Bussey will be a defensive back at the highest level, winning and dining him.
The Texas A&M commit is still considering his alternatives before signing a contract on National Signing Day of the following week. Kelly and Co.’s top aim for the 2024 cycle is still Bussey.
LSU is making progress in attracting Pickett as the team retools its secondary.
Corey Raymond, the secondary coach at LSU, has been on staff for less than a month, but already he has had an influence on the recruiting trail.
The presence of the top recruiter on the team is now paying off for Brian Kelly and company.
In the 2025 cycle, the top safety opted to visit “The Boot” in order to observe the Death Valley sceneries.
According to individuals who spoke with LSU Country, Pickett arrived on Tuesday night and spent the entire Wednesday visiting Baton Rouge before leaving early on Thursday morning.
In December, Pickett, who has been steadily rising in the recruiting rankings over the past few months, announced the final five colleges, which are Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Florida, and Michigan.
Now that the Tigers are getting an unofficial visit this week, he’s also keeping Oregon and LSU in the running.
Corey Raymond at the Helm
For someone who has been employed for less than a month, Raymond is managing operations on “The Trail.”
Raymond previously coached seven players who were selected to the first team of the All-America team and four players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft while he was at LSU from 2012 to 2021. Jim Thorpe Award winner Grant Delpit, who was picked in the second round of the NFL Draft, was coached by him. He also had five other players selected.
Raymond played six seasons in the NFL after being a standout defensive back for the Tigers.
Following the appointment, Kelly remarked, “Corey’s love for LSU and his desire for our program to have the best defensive back unit in the nation really stood out.” “Recruiting success and Corey’s vast knowledge and experience make him a great addition to a strong defensive staff.”
He now has the chance to dine and drink with America’s top safety, Pickett, who is now on a major unofficial visit to Baton Rouge.
Raymond and Pickett had corresponded while Raymond was a member of the Florida Gators. Having returned to LSU, he has now had an effect on Pickett.
It’s evident to the Tigers how much Corey Raymond has already improved this program. Jaboree Antoine, the third-ranked cornerback in the country, committed to LSU on Saturday as the team retools its secondary.
Keylan Moses and Additional Tigers Arrive
LSU threw out the red carpet for Pickett’s visit on Wednesday, inviting members of the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class to stop by.
Four-star linebacker Keylan Moses has been the leading recruiter for the 2025 class, and before he left, he made sure to check in with Pickett.
According to those close to LSU Country, the two went through a photo shoot, talked about future plans, and more.
Moses was not the only 2024 signee to show up at Pickett’s visit; DaShawn McBryde and Joel Rogers also made an appearance.
While the two Tigers gave Pickett their pitch, the three safeties posed for photos together.