4-Star OT Austin Deculus Picks LSU: 'Coaching Staff Was Like No Other'

Last month, Cypress, Texas, 4-star offensive tackle Austin Deculus told Bleacher Report that while he would publicly announce his college plans immediately following his team's spring game, he already knew where he was headed.

Friday was the big day, and at the annual Cy-Fair High School spring game, Deculus ended his recruiting process by verbally committing to LSU. Deculus, the nation's No. 10 offensive tackle in the 2017 class, chose LSU over offers from Michigan and Tennessee.

Deculus is LSU's eighth overall commit and second offensive linemen pledge for the 2017 cycle. He currently is the highest-ranked offensive pledge for LSU. He joins fellow Texan, 4-star guard Edward Ingram, the nation's No. 9 guard, in the class. Jeff Grimes, LSU's offensive line coach, had a major part in recruiting both athletes.

"It feels really good to have that school behind my name," Deculus said. "When people talk about me, they'll think about that. I'm happy that I don't have to be stressed out with making a decision anymore."

Deculus earlier in the spring announced a top five of LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The Tigers are getting an athletic, 6'6", 323-pound lineman who can play either left tackle or right tackle and is football savvy enough to play guard early if necessary. Deculus plays with solid pad level and lateral agility and is expected to compete for a starting job early in his college career.

Before he heads to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Deculus first will travel to Beaverton, Oregon, in July for The Opening. He qualified for the national competition at The Opening Houston regional.

Deculus showcased his speed and quickness at the regional by running the 40-yard dash in 5.09 seconds. He was the fastest 2017 offensive lineman in the 40 at the camp and one of only three offensive lineman at the event—the others being 2018's Colten Blanton and Casey Phillips—to finish the dash in less than 5.1 seconds.

Deculus, recruited by both Grimes and special teams coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto, reportedly last visited the LSU campus to attend a scrimmage April 9. He also was in Baton Rouge in February for LSU's "Boys From the Boot" junior day. He was originally offered by the Tigers as a sophomore.

"The environment around the campus and game day ... I love how it gets," Deculus said. "The coaching staff was like no other. [Grimes] told me facts; he didn't tell me stuff I knew wasn't true. That's what I like about him. He always gives people chances."

Credit: Student Sports

Athletes like Trai Turner, Andrew Whitworth, La'el Collins and Joe Barksdale are recent success stories as LSU offensive lineman alumni who are in the NFL. Deculus is hoping to one day add his name to the long list of Tigers who have had the opportunity to play in the league.

Deculus said he's planning on shutting down his recruiting for good and is excited about helping the Tigers recruit players who will help the program.

"I know some coaches will still try to recruit me," he said. "Even though I'm committed, I know some won't stop. But it feels good to have it come to an end. Going to The Opening and now being able to represent my next school, it feels good."

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