Recruiting: Edge rusher C.J. Jackson, Karr wide receiver TaRon Francis commit to LSU

Brian Kelly enjoyed a banner weekend with LSU’s dominating performance against Auburn on the football field. He also landed commitments from a pair of highly touted prospects who were on recruiting visits. Both were justifiably impressed with the team effort and the atmosphere surrounding the game.

Edge rusher C.J. Jackson vowed to sign with the Tigers in the 2024 class. Edna Karr wide receiver TaRon Francis pledged to the Purple and Gold for 2025.

Atlanta’s the crib but LSU IS HOME🏠#Committed pic.twitter.com/gf9Y1qwZoL

— Christopher (CJ🎰) Jackson (@CJ_jackson21) October 15, 2023

With Jackson’s commitment, the Tigers now sit sixth nationally in the 2024 recruiting rankings with 25 overall commits. This move also ties LSU with Georgia, whose class is the top ranked group in the country, for the most four-star commitments (15).

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound native of Tucker, Georgia pledged to Georgia Tech on June 25 but backed off October 5. He made an unofficial visit to Baton Rouge this weekend, but his official visit happened back June 16 days following his offer from the Tigers. He is the 64th overall ranked prospect and the seventh rated edge rusher in the ’24 recruiting cycle according to On3.

Defensive coordinator Matt House has handled the recruiting duties for LSU. A high-level talent from the Atlanta area, Jackson represents a player that the Yellow Jackets staff highly coveted.

Subsequent visits that Jackson had scheduled were cancelled once he gave his verbal to the Tigers.

Francis became the fifth commitment for LSU’s 2025 class, placing the Tigers fourth nationally in the rankings.

100% Committed to LSU… I’m staying home geaux tigers🐯 pic.twitter.com/zPQMhwecfp

— TaRon “Manchild” Francis (@T7even7) October 15, 2023

The 6-foot-1, 200 pounder considered offers from Florida State, Michigan, Marshall, Texas A&M, Troy, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Florida A&M.

A smooth route runner, Francis flawlessly gets in and out of his cuts. He excels at the 50/50 balls, creates good separation in his routes and uses his body very well to shield defenders from throws.