The Tigers continued to add to an elite 2026 recruiting class as a prolific LSU recruiting weekend ended with the commitments of two defensive line prospects. It started with local product Darryus McKinley’s announcement on Friday. His commitment was followed by Suwannee, Georgia native Deuce Geralds’s decision on Saturday to cap off an incredible recruiting weekend for LSU.
Undoubtedly, the staff is riding high after such a productive weekend. LSU has prioritized the defensive tackle position after fielding an admittedly thin group in 2024. But what is defensive line coach Kyle Williams getting in the most recent dynamic duo of commitments?
Big Recruiting Weekend for LSU
The Abnormal Talent Known as Deuce Geralds
Watching a 6’-2”, 275-pound defensive tackle move the way Geralds does on the field is simply unnatural. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as a four-star prospect and the 12th-best defensive lineman in the country, which is very high praise. Flatly, we think that’s too low.
As a pass rusher, Geralds shows snap anticipation and an impressive burst. He has adequate strength to bull rush, but his ability to bend stands out at his size. Geralds has an ability to bend and dip his shoulder that rivals the best pass rushing defensive end prospects. He plants his foot, then explodes to change direction and elude offensive linemen. That elusiveness even shows up on the offensive side of the ball.
Yes, we called a guy approaching 300 pounds elusive. Geralds also plays running back for Collins Hill High School. But not in a short-yardage, JJ Pegues at Ole Miss type of role. He is a legitimate running back who gets to the edge and outruns defenders. The versatile prospect takes direct snaps at times and even flashes a wiggle at his size. Considering his size and skill set, it’s no surprise that LSU had to fight off teams like Ohio State and Oregon to get his commitment.
Darryus McKinley Stands on His Own
It wasn’t much of a surprise when McKinley decided to join his older brother, Dominick McKinley, at LSU. But make no mistake, the LSU offer was not a legacy situation or an attempt to appease Dominick. The younger sibling is a solid player in his own right.
The three-star prospect chose LSU over Texas and Florida, which is a testament to his potential. He’s roughly the same size but a little taller than Geralds, listed at 6’-3” and 270 pounds. McKinley’s game is more power-based. He routinely resets the line of scrimmage, pushing into the offensive backfield. His film is textbook-worthy as he stacks and sheds blockers.
Double teams from the most talented programs in Louisiana’s 5A classification were no match for McKinley – he simply pushed them around. He’s the vintage run-stopping defensive tackle that every defense needs.
Best Defensive Line Group in the Nation
The two recent commitments from LSU’s big recruiting weekend join University High’s Lamar Brown and Karr’s Richard Anderson in the Tigers’ 2026 class. Things could always change before signing day, but no team currently has a more highly touted group of defensive tackles committed. According to the 247Sports Composite, LSU now holds commitments from the first, second, and twelfth-ranked defensive linemen in the country.
LSU’s commitment to strengthening the defensive tackle position is more evident than ever. After signing three high school recruits and two transfers in 2025, the 2026 class will add quality depth to allow the linemen to remain fresh on the field. Let’s face it; every team should expect yearly random defections from the roster in this age of college football. Depth is also important in that regard.
It’s no coincidence that the best LSU defenses had superb defensive line play. If the Tiger defense is to return to the ranks of the elite, this position group is where it all starts.
Main Image: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
