Michael Divinity Commits to LSU: What 4-Star LB Brings to Tigers Defense

The LSU Tigers reeled in a premier home-state prospect Sunday evening, securing a commitment from coveted linebacker Michael Divinity:

Rated fifth overall among Louisiana recruits in 2016's composite class rankings, the 6'2", 218-pound John Ehret High School playmaker carries scholarship offers from approximately 30 college football programs. He is considered the fourth-best outside linebacker in his cycle, further illustrating the significance of this addition for LSU head coach Les Miles.

The unbeaten Tigers began targeting Divinity at the earliest stages of his recruitment. Miles' staff extended an offer in the spring of 2014, when he was only a sophomore. 

The significance of receiving that level of attention from an in-state powerhouse wasn't lost on the young standout.

“That’s my hometown and getting an offer from LSU is big,” Divinity told Sonny Shipp of 247Sports in 2014. “I didn’t think they would offer me, and I didn’t think there was any chance it would come so soon.”

Collegiate interest quickly mounted for the 4-star talent, who watched his list of options expand to include Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Miami, Florida and UCLA. He visited Texas A&M, Florida State and Oregon earlier this season before arriving at his final decision.

Divinity is due for a homecoming of sorts this weekend with plans to visit campus in Baton Rouge, according to Rod Walker of the Advocate. He expects to enroll early, per Walker, meaning he would join the Tigers for spring camp next year.

Credit: 247Sports

LSU lands a sturdy 6'2", 218-pound prospect with a physical frame that leaves room for significant growth. He projects as a versatile linebacker who could initially fill voids where needed within the defensive scheme, whether it's lining up along the perimeter or slid inside.

Divinity ultimately projects most suitably as an edge-rusher in a 3-4 scheme or strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 defensive front. Expect his explosiveness to be utilized in blitz packages on a consistent basis, as he possesses the burst and build to wreak havoc in offensive backfields. 

Divinity's skill set was on display during his junior season. He tallied 74 tackles—17 for loss—eight sacks and five forced fumbles in 2014, per Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com.

Bleacher Report recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani broke down his game this summer during B/R's CFB Recruiting 200 series.

"Divinity is an active presence as an outside linebacker. He's even split out to cover receivers on the prep level and has had success doing so," Kirpalani noted. "He covers ground in short order when moving from sideline to sideline."

The Tigers now hold 19 pledges in a 2016 class that is rated second nationally in the composite rankings. LSU remains in the mix for multiple top-tier linebacker prospects, including 5-star Alabama duo Ben Davis and Lyndell "Mack" Wilson.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.