LSU Top 100 commit Damien Shanklin shuts down recruiting process
Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central On300 edge rusher Damien Shanklin committed to the LSU football staff on July 5.
Shanklin, a Top 100 prospect, picked the Tigers over a double-digit offer list that was trimmed down to a final three of LSU, Alabama and Ohio State.
Now, less than two weeks removed from announcing his college decision, Shanklin is taking his LSU commitment a step further.
On Tuesday, Shanklin announced he was shutting down his recruitment and would no longer entertain other options – whether it’s calls from college coaches or visits to college campuses.
Instead, the 4-star prospect’s college focus will remain solely on LSU.
“I will be closing my recruitment,” Shanklin said. “I’m 1000% committed.”
Shanklin is part of a Top 5 recruiting class for the Tigers, which is made up of 16 commitments. LSU holds On3’s highest “Blue-Chip Percentage” among any team in college football, meaning the Tigers have the most 5-star and 4-star commitments relative to the total number of commits in the class. For LSU, 14 of the 16 commits are not just 5-star or 4-star prospects, but also rank inside On3’s updated On300 rankings for the 2025 class.
How did LSU reel in the Indiana 4-star EDGE rusher?
Relationships were key, and the push was led by LSU edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples.
“Just felt comfortable talking to Coach Peoples and building that bond,” Shanklin said. “And felt like I was home when I was there as well.
“I just feel like Coach Peoples can build me into one of those guys like Darius Robinson and get me to the next level and pursue my dreams.
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“I really love everything about it.”
With 5-star prospects committed at quarterback and running back, and LSU’s class sitting inside the Top 5 nationally, Shanklin said the Tigers are building one of college football’s best classes.
“Seeing Bryce Underwood, Harlem Berry and a couple other guys tells you a lot,” Shanklin said. “The No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 running back … and I know I’m not the No. 1 EDGE, but to me, I am. I feel like this recruiting class is going to be great playing for Coach Brian Kelly. I think it’s going to be amazing.”
As a junior in 2023, Shanklin had 66 tackles, including 17 stops for los and three sacks.
“His ability to get to the ball,” Warren Central head coach Mike Kirschner said when asked about what stands out about Shanklin’s game. “He is relentless in his pursuit. He’s a ball hawk. He’s around it. He wants to be around it. That’s something inside some kids. He’s a ball hawk.”
As for Shanklin’s commitment to LSU, Warren Central’s head coach circled the overall fit as key to beating out the Tide and Buckeyes.
“He really believes that’s where he fits with the team and the kids and the culture,” Kirschner said.
