Jarell Martin to LSU: Tigers Land 5-Star Basketball Recruit

Versatile five-star forward Jarell Martin decided to stay close to home and attend LSU, which gives Tigers head coach Johnny Jones a marquee prospect to highlight a solid 2013 recruiting class.

A report by Scout.com's Brian Snow on Thursday confirmed Martin's decision.

The Madison Prep Baton Rouge star ranks No. 14 on the ESPN 100 rankings and is a consensus top-20 player in the nation at least. He stands somewhere between 6'8" and 6'9" and has a very unique skill set for his size. Not only does he have an exceptional long-range jumper, but Martin is also comfortable posting up power forwards on the inside.

The length that Martin brings to the table will allow for some flexibility on the defensive end as well.

Numerous top-tier programs, which most notably included UCLA and Louisville, according to Snow, coveted Martin. Ultimately, the hometown lure was too much for any other prospective school to overcome.

As the No. 1 player in the state of Louisiana, the signing of Martin is huge for the Tigers. The current team is very thin at forward, and the departure of center Justin Hamilton was going to make life without Martin very difficult. Martin provides some fortification for the front line if need be, but can be a matchup nightmare at the 3 thanks to his athleticism, length and passing ability.

Jones is a first-year head coach and former point guard for the Tigers, and he adds Martin to the fold along with four-star recruits Tim Quarterman and Jordan Mickey. Junior college transfers Deng Deng and John Odoh will arrive in 2013 as well, setting the Tigers up with a solid foundation to succeed in Jones' first season at the helm.