Four-Star CB Cai Bates commits to LSU

Four-star cornerback Cai Bates of Orlando (FL) Edgewater High announced his commitment to LSU Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-2, 185 pounder chose the Tigers over Tennessee, Florida State, and others.

Bates on why he chose LSU

“Definitely the overall culture of the program and the rich tradition that comes with being a Tiger. The plan that the defensive staff has personalized for me with my best football being ahead of me played a big factor in my decision as well as my family having great connections with all of the staff.”

Relationship with coaching staff + their plan for him

“My relationships with coach Steeples and coach House are great. When it comes to coach Steeples, I know that he can teach me the game from a players perspective as well as a coach. Coach House has taken the time out with me to show that I can be used with my length and ball skills to play the outside corner position and make plays. Then eventually move around and be more versatile in the defense.”

LSU’s track record of producing NFL DBs

“LSU being known for producing first round picks will stick for a long time being called DBU. The opportunity to be mentored by those guys as they always come back and train in the off-seasons and pop in to help out. It’s like a defensive back brotherhood.”

Bates ranks as the No. 92 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 12 cornerback and the No. 12 player in the state of Florida.

The Sunshine State defensive back joins coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers’ top 15 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by four-star tight end Trey’Dez Green, four-star linebacker Tylen Singleton, and others.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $108K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.