Grand Valley State transfer defensive lineman Jay'Viar Suggs commits to LSU Tigers

Grand Valley State transfer defensive lineman Jay’Viar Suggs officially committed to the LSU Tigers on Wednesday evening. Kentucky, LSU, Michigan and Wisconsin were the four finalists for his services.

The decision comes shortly after he wrapped up a multi-night stay in Baton Rouge, according to On3’s Shea Dixon. He announced the move via his Instagram page on Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Grand Valley State is a place of great familiarity for Tigers head coach Brian Kelly. He was one of the most successful coaches in school history there, winning five conference titles and making six Division II playoff appearances in 13 years. In his final three seasons with the Lakers, GVSU went 41-2, at one point winning 32 consecutive games. Kelly also led Grand Valley State to two national titles (2002 and 2003).

LSU got into the mix for the services of Suggs late and managed to bump a team from Suggs’ initial list of a final six. That list included the likes of Arkansas, Florida State and USC. Those three schools were cut with the trimming of the list down to four.

Florida State had seemed to be in a promising position after getting Suggs on campus, with the defensive tackle raving about the visit. But the Seminoles have been eliminated at this point despite the selling point of having two recent NFL draftees off the defensive line: Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

The talented defensive lineman had also reportedly developed a strong relationship with Seminoles assistant coach Odell Haggins.

“What stood out to me was who he is as a person,” Jay’Viar Suggs said. “It’s different when you talk about yourself. But when other people talk about you, you can see what type of person they really are. His message was clear: ‘Come in, play your best and we’re gonna work.’”

Michigan State did not make the final six despite hosting Suggs on a visit.

In two seasons at Grand Valley State, Jay’Viar Suggs recorded 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended.

That type of production has made him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, particularly in the spring window, which tends to be a bit lighter on talent, especially in the trenches.

As a recruit, Jay’Viar Suggs was an unranked prospect, coming out of Flint (MI) Clarkston.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp also contributed to this article.