Four-Star DL Gabriel Reliford commits to LSU

Four-star defensive lineman Gabriel Reliford of Shreveport (LA) Evangel Christian Academy announced his commitment to LSU Friday morning.

The 6-foot-2, 250 was previously committed to Texas A&M.

“The family feel of Lsu is different, especially being from Louisiana. I always felt at home when I visited LSU. Also LSU has sent countless guys from my area to the NFL even a few from my school and I feel as though they can do the same with me. And even on a bad year LSU is always a top contender in the SEC ( the best conference in college football).”

His relationship with the coaching staff and their plan for him played a role in his decision as well.

“I have a great relationship with the entire staff over at LSU, however my top guys would have to be Frank Wilson, Jr Belton, Sherman Wilson, and Matt House. They plan to use me the same exact way I played in highschool at the edge position that can play either side of the ball and in any gap on the line.”

The Bayou State defensive lineman joins coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers’ top 15 2024 class. He is accompanied by four-star tight end Trey’Dez Green, four-star safety Dashawn McBryde, and others.

Gabriel Reliford Recruiting Profile

Reliford ranks as the No. 218 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 23 defensive lineman and the No. 6 player in Louisiana.

Scouting Summary

On3’s Scouting and Rankings Team writes about him as a college recruit:

“Versatile interior defender whose ability to knife between offensive linemen and wreak havoc in opposing backfields strikes fear into offensive play callers. Tremendous first step and ability to get upfield in a hurry. Excellent flexibility and fluidity in space. Can change direction and bring down ball carriers in the open field. Has the movement skills and athleticism to stand up off the edge. Strong and violent hands at the point of attack.”

“Quality run defender that makes plays consistently in the backfield. Excels in tight quarters by winning with leverage and twitch. Ideal fit at next level would be to gain necessary weight in order to develop into pass rushing 3-technique or dominant 5-technique in 4-3 fronts. Could maintain size and be an effective 3-4 outside linebacker as a stand up pass rusher or keep his hand in the dirt as a weakside-end in a 4-3 front. If he can maintain his first step after adding mass he will be a dominant interior player for the next 3 to 4 years.”

He currently does not have an On3 NIL Valuation publicly listed. 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.