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Four-star safety Ryan Yaites breaks down his college decision

On3 imageby: Billy Embody04/15/22BillyEmbody
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Chad Simmons/On3

On Friday, LSU landed a commitment from 2023 Denton (Tex.) Guyer defensive back Ryan Yaites, who gives Brian Kelly & Co. their third pledge of the class. Yaites made multiple trips to LSU, which was included in a Top 4 of Cal, Michigan State and Texas Tech.

LSU’s been on the mind of Yaites for a minute now and this past week, he dialed up safeties coach Kerry Cooks and committed.

“Just the coaches on the staff,” Yaites told The Bengal Tiger of what made LSU his pick. “He (Cooks) said just know I want you and I’m going to get you. At the time, I didn’t know what he meant, but now he told me, ‘See what I mean? I got you.’ With LSU, what really just made the deciding factor was it was honestly with my parents and God, I was just waiting for a sign. 

“Yesterday, I was on the phone with some people and talking to coach Cooks, I said I was thinking about committing. He said, ‘It’s about time!’ Once he said that, I said that’s it and it’s a done deal.”

Cooks was recruiting the 6-1, 175-pound prospect back at Notre Dame and once he arrived at LSU, he picked that up. LSU sees Yaites fitting in well at safety in Matt House’s defense.

“It’s really the consistency of talking. Going into the beginning of the process, I wanted to feel like family and I wanted to have a solid foundation and that’s what LSU provides,” Ryan Yaites said. “It’s definitely special and I’m glad to be a part of it. Coach Cooks wants me at safety and it’s the SEC, a big-time place. I can play anywhere and wherever will get me on the field soonest. I’m ready to come in, do what I need to do and get on the field as soon as possible.”

Head coach Brian Kelly impressed him with his energy and balance between business and family.

“Just his vibe and his energy,” he said. “You see him and he puts on a smile, starts talking with you. It brings a smile to your face. It’s happy, but it’s all serious and it’s business, but it’s that family and loving factor. It’s like talking to a father figure.”

When visiting LSU, Yaites got to spend time with current players like his former 7-on-7 team quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. His one-time Texas Flex teammate likes the campus setup and Tiger Stadium.

“The facilities and campus in general, everything is relatively close,” he said. “Walking with Nuss, he walked to the fieldhouse and apartments. Everything’s around each other like Torchy’s and all the good grub spots. It’s amazing. Going inside Death Valley for the first time, hearing all the crowd noise and even being in the stands watching the Florida-LSU game, that was crazy. Everybody was hype. It just felt like home.” 

Ryan Yaites sees bright future for LSU under Kelly’s direction

For LSU fans wondering, Ryan Yaites plans to be a difference maker for the Purple and Gold.

“They’re going to get a guy that’ll come in there and buy into the program,” Yaites explained. “Whatever they say, I’m going to do. Yes sir, no sir. Someone that’s coachable. Even if I’m getting yelled at, I know it’s all love. I’m going to work hard and ball out.”

He’s got eyes on recruiting some players to LSU, feeling that Kelly and his staff are building something special in Baton Rouge.

“If anybody is having their doubts, don’t let peers and everybody persuade you. Take this recruiting process as a mind thing. Let your heart lead into going where you want to go. With LSU, just know it’s special. We’re building a special thing and they already are building a special team. Come be a part of the ride. Geaux Tigers!”

According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Yaites ranks as the No. 184 overall prospect, No. 14 safety in the nation and No. 33 prospect in the Lone Star State.

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