Three elite prospects who could join LSU next

Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world in June after signing four new players.

Led by America's best interior offensive lineman, Carius Curne, the Tigers have added several new players to the 2025 class.

July is now upon us and the Bayou Bengals are expected to set off some recruiting fireworks in the coming days.

With two leading candidates expected to announce their decisions this week and another candidate due to do so on July 13, Kelly and co. are preparing for a crucial part of 'The Trail' this month.

A look at three elite recruits who could commit to the LSU program next:

Damien Shanklin: #1 EDGE in Indiana

The four-star EDGE team visited Death Valley in early June, where defensive line coaches Bo Davis and Kevin Peoples took a major step.

Indiana's No. 1 prospect, LSU, is leaving the recruiting region to the south, but they have quickly circled Shanklin as one of their top EDGE prospects for the 2025 cycle.

Now that the visit to Baton Rouge is over, LSU is in the running for the coveted Indiana native.

On3 Sports recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong predicted LSU would take Shanklin now that its recruiting process has been ramped up.

For LSU, they now have Shanklin on a much-needed official visit, while the four-star prospect will still visit other programs. The Tigers will have to fend off the likes of Ohio State, but appear to be the team to beat here.

Shanklin has set a commitment date for July 5.

Zion Williams: Four-star defender

The coveted defensive lineman is considered a gem by the LSU staff, with the program rolling out the red carpet during his official visit last month. Williams traveled to Baton Rouge in early June for a multi-day stay.

The Texas native has the TCU Horned Frogs firmly in the mix, but fresh off an official commitment to LSU, he has set a commitment date for July 4thLSU feels like they are leading the way in this and time is running out until a decision is made.

Bo Davis, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound threat up front, and his recruiting team have made Williams a top priority in the final stretch, with the Tigers leading the charge for her services. Both Davis and Blake Baker have targeted Williams heavily of late.

Jhase Thomas: Defensive back

Destrehan (LA.) defenseman Jhase Thomas dreamed of an offer from LSU for the past few years, and after an impressive performance at LSU's Elite Camp in early June, his dream became a reality,

After receiving an offer from his hometown school, Thomas was awarded a scholarship by Brian Kelly and the Tigers.

The 2025 defensive back was already on LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen's radar after several unofficial trips to Baton Rouge.

By the summer, it was expected that if Thomas showed up at camps in Death Valley, the chances of the offer being submitted would be slim.

In June the time had come.

Thomas is said to have completed the 40-yard dash twice in the 4.4 time and put in an impressive all-around performance during the drills.

LSU has developed an efficient pipeline from Destrehan to Baton Rouge over the years, with Justin Jefferson being the most recent success story.

Now, Thomas has a decision date of July 13. LSU is ahead in this game, with the Tigers hoping to close things out and get a commitment from the state's prized defender.

Other LSU news:

History Made: Angel Reese Sets WNBA Record, Rewrites History Books

LSU Football Recruiting Review: Tigers Make Multiple Commitments in June

Former No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired as coach, faces lawsuit

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