Talented recruit that visited Tennessee during the summer decommits from LSU
A talented defensive recruit that visited the Tennessee Vols during the summer reopened his recruitment this week. 2024 four-star cornerback Cai Bates decommitted from LSU on Monday evening. He had been committed to the Tigers since late July. "After talking with my family and coaches and lots of prayer, I decided to make this […]
A talented defensive recruit that visited the Tennessee Vols during the summer reopened his recruitment this week.
2024 four-star cornerback Cai Bates decommitted from LSU on Monday evening. He had been committed to the Tigers since late July.
"After talking with my family and coaches and lots of prayer, I decided to make this decision to give myself the best chance to make a great decision for myself and my future," said Bates in a statement to On3.
Bates, 6-foot-2/185 lbs from Orlando, FL, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 9 cornerback in the nation and the No. 15 player in the state of Florida. He's also rated as the No. 98 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class.
Scouting report via 247Sports: A pass catcher turned pass defender with plenty of developmental upside given length and tentacle-like arms. Started prep career off playing wide receiver before being thrust into action at cornerback midway through junior season. Found success right away in coverage, totaling four interceptions and seven pass break ups in just a handful of games. Still figuring things out from a technical standpoint, but has no issues tracking the football and putting himself in position to make a play at the catch point. Lack of verified speed markers is not ideal in an era where perimeter defenders are constantly challenged vertically, but does have a basketball background and natural bounce shows up on tape. Must keep evolving and take to coaching, but should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level.
The battle between the LSU and Tennessee for Bates was close in the summer. And the Vols have continued to recruit Bates despite his commitment to LSU (UT linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary visited Bates in October). So it certainly appears that Tennessee will be a legitimate threat to land Bates with just a month to go until the early signing period.
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