4-Star WR Stephen Sullivan Discusses LSU Decommitment, What's Next

As the first pledge of LSU's 2016 class, Donaldsonville, Louisiana, wide receiver Stephen Sullivan was expected to be a recruiting keystone for head coach Les Miles.

Sunday evening, the 4-star standout announced via Twitter that he has reopened his recruitment. Despite decommitting, Sullivan said that he still has LSU high on his list of schools:

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 pic.twitter.com/Me27Ut39TV

— Stephen Sullivan (@SJS_10) August 17, 2015"

The decision, Sullivan said, wasn't a sudden one.

"It's something I've been thinking about since May," Sullivan told Bleacher Report Monday. "I thought about it for a long time. I decommitted to make sure I pick the right school for me."

Sullivan is a big loss for LSU, figuratively and literally, at 6'5" and 230 pounds. He's a big-bodied playmaker who takes advantage of his size and hands against smaller defenders. Sullivan showed his ability over the summer at The Opening in Oregon.

As a junior, he was a reliable target in Donaldsonville's passing game. He caught 57 passes for 987 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sullivan, the nation's No. 12 wide receiver, averaged better than 17 yards per catch.

Sullivan, as he tweeted Sunday, reiterated on Monday that he's still a big fan of what LSU has to offer. He has a great relationship with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, as well as Miles and receivers coach Tony Ball.

LSU was his first FBS offer; he now has nine reported offers and a growing list of schools interested. To Sullivan, decommitting meant two things—giving all schools a chance to recruit him and being emphatically sure that he's making the right choice for his future.

"I'm not saying LSU isn't a great school," Sullivan said. "I'm just making sure I find the school that fits me, because at the end of the day, it's going to be me at practice and in the classroom. I'm just making sure I'm doing the right thing."

Credit: 247Sports

Among the schools considered to be in the mix for Sullivan outside of LSU are TCU and Auburn. Sullivan is being heavily recruited by both schools, and he has interest in them. He has made stops to both schools on unofficial visits.

Sullivan said he is taking his time with the process to ensure he makes the right decision. LSU is still considered a favorite to win him over, but the other interested schools have a legitimate chance at earning his commitment and, ultimately, his signature on a letter of intent.

As for announcing other potential favorites, Sullivan decided not to tip his hat.

"Every school that's considering me," he said. "My arms are open."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles