WATCH: 5-star WR Shelton Sampson Jr. commits to LSU
Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic five-star wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. went into his Saturday commitment ceremony with four finalists. They were Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Texas A&M.
In front of a large crowd, Sampson played a video recognizing each of his finalists that was mixed in with high school highlights. He eventually showed another clip that revealed his pledge to the Tigers.
Watch to see how Sampson Jr. announced his decision to commit to LSU.
Sampson Jr. is one of the nation’s top prospects
Sampson Jr. is the No. 32 overall prospect and No. 6 wide receiver in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 rates him even higher as the No. 21 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the 2023 On300. Both rankings rate him as the No. 3 player in Louisiana.
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His commitment elevated the Tigers’ 2023 recruiting class four spots to No. 6 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. He is currently the only five-star in LSU’s group.
Landing Sampson Jr. could have multiple benefits for the Tigers. According to On3 LSU/SMU Analyst Billy Embody, his commitment may pay dividends both on the field and on the recruiting trail.
“Shelton Sampson (Jr.) is a massive get for LSU for many reasons,” Embody said. “After last year’s class losing wideouts from in-state during the coaching change, LSU needed to plant the flag back in Louisiana. Landing Sampson Jr. does that and he’s a Baton Rouge native, which is important.
“Then you have his on-field play, which can really bolster this receiving room for years on the outside. That’s critical with where the positional depth stands on the outside. The staff of Cortez Hankton, Joe Sloan, and others who worked this one really locked in and outside of some buzz here and there for others, led the entire summer. Sampson (Jr.) is a huge addition to an already promising class.”
Shelton Sampson Jr. On3 Scouting Summary
The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Shelton Sampson Jr.:
“Big-play wide receiver with one of the best combinations of vertical speed and catch radius in the 2023 cycle. Clocked a sub 4.4-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 prior to his junior season. Uses that speed to create separation on downfield routes with regularity. Pairs the long speed with advanced ball skills. Shows the ability to leap over defenders to high-point the ball in contested situations. Comes down with some fantastic one-handed and diving grabs. A younger prospect for the cycle who continues to show improvement over time.”