4-star CB Cai Bates commits to LSU: 'It's a dream come true'

As a kid, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater four-star cornerback Cai Bates had a unique way to motivate himself before playing little league games. Instead of listening to music, Bates would turn on highlights of Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu at LSU to pump himself up.

Now as he prepares to begin his senior year, Bates is one step closer to playing on the same field his idols played on. Bates announced his pledge to LSU Wednesday night choosing the Tigers over Alabama and Tennessee.

“The culture of the program is what separated LSU,” Bates told On3. “It’s a program known for producing defensive backs and I know that players who played there will come back, so it’s really a defensive back brotherhood. Those guys are players I looked up to growing up and watched who will come back during their offseason to help.

…A lot of legends will come back to help out and I can get a player perspective of the game.”

LSU extended an offer in late March and from the moment on, Bates said he felt like a priority to their 2024 class. He visited campus twice since that offer first going to their spring game and then taking his official on June 23.

During those visits he got a taste of everything he wanted in a program. The history, the networking for life after football, the connection with the coaching staff, it all clicked for Bates.

“It means everything to me to be that next guy in line at LSU,” said Bates, the No. 92 player in the 2024 class. “It’s a dream come true to be able to put myself in a situation like this. If I go out and give it my all, everything will be poured back into me and that my work won’t be discounted.”

Brian Kelly showed Bates how much of a priority he is to LSU

Comfortability was a key factor in Bates recruitment. He may be from Florida, but LSU felt like a home-away-from-home to him.

That comfortability starts at the top. Brian Kelly and Bates Immediately he connected with and that wasn’t a one-time connection. The two have talked frequently with Kelly telling Bates how much they wanted him to come to Baton Rouge.

That constant contact showed Bates just how much a priority he was really was to them.

“You know you’re a priority to a school when the head coach frequently reaches out to you and talks with you,” ,” Bates said. “I didn’t really know much about him as a person until he started recruiting me. Head coaches are busy so for him to take the time to contact me multiple times, it let me know that I’m a priority.

…Speaking to him, he really has a plan for all of his players individually. He also came into the SEC and did well in his first year so he really solidified his spot. He’s ready to go out and compete for national championships.”