Kristian Fulton to LSU: Tigers Land 5-Star CB Prospect

Kristian Fulton, a 5-star cornerback from Archbishop Rummel in Louisiana, is staying right where he's from. Fulton announced his commitment to LSU on Wednesday, as noted by Shea Dixon of 247Sports. He picked the Tigers over Texas A&M and a bevy of other SEC schools.

Fulton is viewed as the No. 21 prospect in the nation, per 247Sports' recruiting rankings. He's the No. 2 overall cornerback and the best player from the state of Louisiana.

For most of the process, it's seemed preordained that Fulton would give his verbal to LSU. The Tigers received nine unofficial visits from Fulton before his senior season, including multiple camp visits.

The likes of Florida, Tennessee and Georgia weren't far behind, but it appeared they were fighting an uphill battle against Les Miles and Co.

"Obviously it helps him staying there," Fulton said, per Garland Gillen of kplctv.com." We built this relationship for almost two years now ... since I was a sophomore. I pretty much got comfortable with Coach Les Miles over there. We're real tight, he knows my family. It wouldn't have made a big difference, but I'm glad he's still there."

247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions had given Fulton a 96 percent chance of winding up in Baton Rouge.

Fulton will join a class that may be the best in the nation. The Tigers already had 18 players in their class with at least a 4-star distinction. That's the most of any team nationally. 

Fulton, who has moved back and forth from 4- and 5-star distinction, has had a pair of stellar upperclassman campaigns. He recorded 11 interceptions while helping Rummel to the state semifinals. That all came despite missing the first three games due to a torn labrum. He came back as a senior and continued to ascend up the rankings, moving up from a 4-star ranking to a 5-star.

Listed at 6'0", 177 pounds, Fulton will need to bulk up a little bit before withstanding SEC contact. He's far more of a coverage corner than a run-stopper at this point anyway, but the weight deficiency will only make matters worse. LSU has to coax average play against the run to avoid opponents just running to his side every chance they get.

In terms of pass coverage, though, there are few better. Fulton is a ball hawk who has a knack for breaking for the ball at the perfect time. While a little overaggressive at points, he has the quickness to atone for his mistakes in most cases. With the improvements he's made over the last 12 months, it's hard to count him out of being an instant-impact player.

Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.

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