LSU Tigers: Early Enrollees Arrive in Houston for Texas Bowl Preparation
As Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers prepare for their Texas Bowl showdown against the Baylor Bears, there are three fresh faces making their way into the program, each of them set to join the Tigers’ ranks for the 2025 season. LSU’s coaching staff, already busy managing player retention and navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal, is now turning its attention toward integrating the program’s newest signees. These early-enrollees will have the rare opportunity to get a head start on their college careers, participating in bowl preparations as they gear up to make their mark in Baton Rouge next year.
Here’s a look at the three early-enrollees who have joined the Tigers in Houston to prepare for the upcoming Texas Bowl. These young talents will add depth to LSU’s roster, with each bringing unique skills that will help shape the team’s future success.
1. DJ Pickett – No. 1 Cornerback in America
Arguably the crown jewel of LSU’s 2025 recruiting class, DJ Pickett is a player that the Tigers have been eager to land. Rated as the No. 1 cornerback in the country, Pickett comes to LSU as one of the most highly-anticipated recruits in recent memory. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 180 pounds, Pickett brings a unique combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ that has already made waves in college football circles.
Pickett’s recruitment was highly competitive, with major programs like Miami, Oregon, and Georgia vying for his commitment. However, LSU ultimately secured the services of the elite cornerback, thanks in part to the recruiting efforts of LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. The Tigers have long been known for their talent at the cornerback position, and Pickett is expected to continue that legacy.
In his recruitment, Brian Kelly expressed his belief that Pickett is not only the best cornerback in the country but also one of the closest things to a “lockdown corner” that college football has seen. Kelly was impressed by Pickett’s ability to move, especially for someone his size. “Watching a guy on film move that way (with his height) was what really surprised me,” Kelly said during National Signing Day. “We believe he’s hands-down the best corner in the country.”
Pickett enrolled early and arrived in Baton Rouge just in time for LSU’s bowl preparation, where he’s already making a positive impression. While he will not be eligible to play in the Texas Bowl—since early enrollees cannot participate in postseason games—he is gaining valuable experience by practicing with the team and learning LSU’s defensive schemes. This early exposure to the college football environment should set the stage for Pickett’s significant role in the Tigers’ secondary when the 2025 season kicks off.
2. Harlem Berry – No. 1 Running Back in America
Joining Pickett in Houston for bowl prep is Harlem Berry, the No. 1 running back in the country. A Louisiana native, Berry has been on the radar of college football programs for years, and his decision to remain loyal to LSU speaks volumes about the relationship he’s built with the coaching staff. The running back is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players to come out of the state in recent years, earning praise for his playmaking ability, vision, and explosive athleticism. He is often described as a “human joystick” because of his elusive ability to break tackles, bounce off defenders, and accelerate into the open field.
On Signing Day, analysts were quick to label Berry as one of the top athletes in Louisiana’s rich football history, and his high school career backs up that hype. Known for his ability to take over games, Berry arrives at LSU with expectations of making an immediate impact. Many have compared him to former LSU stars like Leonard Fournette, a player who similarly made a splash in his early college years.
Despite being one of the most sought-after recruits, Berry chose LSU thanks to his strong relationship with running backs coach Frank Wilson. “I built a great relationship with Coach Frank,” Berry shared. “All the other coaches at the other universities, I felt that they could get me where I needed to get. But it was just that connection I had with Coach Frank. It was more than just football.”
The decision to enroll early allows Berry to get a jump start on his LSU career, and he will participate in the Tigers’ spring camp. His early enrollment in Houston, along with his high school success, will help him transition quickly to the collegiate level. Expect Berry to become an essential part of LSU’s offense when the 2025 season begins, as his playmaking ability and vision should make him a dynamic weapon for the Tigers’ backfield.
3. Damien Shanklin – Four-Star EDGE Rusher
Rounding out LSU’s trio of early enrollees is Damien Shanklin, a highly regarded edge rusher from Indianapolis, Indiana. Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Indiana and a four-star recruit, Shanklin brings significant physical tools to the table. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he possesses the ideal size to thrive as an edge rusher in the SEC. His length, athleticism, and power make him a serious threat to opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen.
Shanklin committed to LSU in July 2024, and the Tigers coaching staff was excited to add one of the top defensive prospects from the Midwest. Over the course of his high school career, Shanklin developed into one of the nation’s top pass rushers, recording 48 total tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in his senior season. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense extended beyond the sack column, as he also tallied 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Shanklin’s versatility and physicality make him a perfect fit for LSU’s defensive scheme, and the Tigers expect him to compete for a starting spot along the defensive line in the near future. Like the other early enrollees, Shanklin will get a head start on his LSU career by practicing with the team during bowl preparation, helping him adjust to the speed and intensity of college football. His potential as a pass rusher will be vital for LSU’s defense, especially as the team looks to develop a more aggressive and dynamic front seven.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for LSU
The arrival of these three early enrollees—DJ Pickett, Harlem Berry, and Damien Shanklin—in Houston for Texas Bowl preparations signals a bright future for LSU football. While they will not be eligible to play in the bowl game, their participation in practice will provide them with invaluable experience as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Each of these players brings a unique set of skills that will enhance LSU’s roster, and their early enrollment will help them integrate into the program’s culture. With the addition of these dynamic recruits, LSU is setting the stage for another competitive season and positioning itself for future success in the SEC and beyond.
As the Tigers head into the offseason, these early enrollees will continue to develop, and their impact will be felt in Baton Rouge for years to come.
