4-Star DB Michael Daugherty follows his heart, commits to LSU

This race went back and forth a few different times along the way. Michael Daugherty is a four-star safety out of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson that started getting offers at a young age. The 6-foot, 170-pound ended up with over 40 offers, and at different times, he was close to committing to different schools.

But he held off, took his time, and waited until April 13 to honor his late grandfather that passed two years ago today. It came down to LSU and North Carolina.

“I just followed my heart,” Daugherty told On3. “Since cutting down my list, I have had talks with my parents, and it came down to two schools. We talked it out a lot, and over the last few weeks, it came down to LSU.

“From the daily life to the academics to the mental fit to the football side of things, LSU was the best place for me.”

LSU was also Daugherty’s dream school. He grew up following the Tigers, he dreamed of playing in Baton Rouge, and he now gets to live that dream out.

“LSU has great football and I really connected with coach Cooks and coach House, but there was a lot more to my decision than that. I feel it is the best place for me to grow on and off the field. It just feels right to me at LSU.

“The fit for me as a young man meant the most. I was looking for a place I could be myself and LSU is that place. I like where LSU can take me in life and how I feel I can mature and grow in that environment.”

Daugherty is excited about the direction under Kelly

Daugherty knows all about LSU’s history on the football side too. He was once recruited by Ed Orgeron, now Brian Kelly is in charge, and the Peach State safety is excited about his future in the SEC.

“I loved coach O, but coach Kelly is ready,” Daugherty said. “He is a great coach and we have talked a good bit. I like his grit, how he is not robotic as a coach, and what he is about ethically.

“The new coaching staff recruited me hard and I am excited about my opportunity at LSU. It is a great program and I feel I can be a program-changer. I love the energy at practice, I like what the coaching staff is doing with the team, and once it became clear that LSU was the school, I got excited about it.”

LSU now has three commits for the 2023 cycle.