BREAKING: 4-star DB Javien Toviano commits to LSU
2023 Arlington (Tex.) Martin defensive back Javien Toviano announced his commitment on Thursday with LSU winning out for the prized defensive back. Michigan, Texas and Texas A&M were the other final programs for the four-star prospect.
LSU turned his recruitment into what was viewed as an in-state battle to a legitimate recruitment where the prized defensive back could head out of state. The first year under Brian Kelly was a big step in the right direction.
“When my recruitment first started, it was kind of the norm that I wasn’t getting out of the state. I kind of flipped that script over the summer and the spring time,” Toviano said. “LSU’s been that place, I didn’t expect to go there as many times as I did, but it just happened to be that way. I think it’s a special place for sure. The things they did in Year 1 is remarkable from that standpoint. Not many coaches can come in and shift the program and win 9-10 games and knock off Alabama.”
Cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples and Kelly went in-home with Toviano last week. His relationship with both has grown, culminating in the in-home visit.
“Tremendous. A guy that I can just talk about anything football related, school, it’s definitely grown over the past 9-10 months of my recruitment as of late,” Toviano said of Steeples’ push. “It (the visit) was reaffirming that I am a priority. It’s cool when you go visit their place, but when they’re at your own home, it’s a little different. You get that vibe that you’re a priority and when they say it, they mean it.”
Scouting report on new LSU commit Javien Toviano
“Heady, pure football player who makes an impact in all three phases. Projects as a defensive back long-term with the highest upside likely being at safety. Has good size at 6-foot-.5, 180 pounds with long arms (6-foot-4 wing-span). Instinctive and physical as a defender. Diagnoses and triggers quickly as a run defender.
“Has very good change of direction with the ability to redirect in coverage, which he backs up with strong agility marks in the combine setting. Has performed well in covering some touted receivers at the high school level. Doubles as a running back and makes plays on special teams. Lacks the pure top-end speed of top cornerbacks. Plays faster than he tests, but will need to improve his speed to be a top corner. Physical and on-field skill set lines up best at safety at this time.”
Toviano ranks as the No. 54 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 5 safety and the No. 9 player in the state of Texas.
