Beyond football, Briggs shined as a two‑time all‑league basketball player and recorded track bests like 11.42 seconds in the 100‑meter dash and a 21‑foot‑10‑inch long jump ([si.com][1]). This multi-sport pedigree underlines his explosive athleticism and positional versatility.
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## What Makes Him a Top‑10 Prospect
Briggs isn’t merely a standout on the West Coast—He’s nationally ranked. Consider this scouting insight:
> “Briggs was one of the hottest recruits this past off‑season… a Swiss Army Knife that can do it all on the gridiron.” ([si.com][1])
His natural length (between 6′4″–6′6″ depending on listings), soft hands, Y‑catching ability, fluid movement, and willingness to block signal a **complete tight end**—rare in today’s game ([si.com][1]).
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## The Flip: From Arizona State to LSU
Initially, Briggs verbally committed to **Arizona State** during his recruitment. But earlier this spring, he decommitted and re-entered the recruiting fray ([si.com][1]). That opened the door for several elite programs—including Alabama, Michigan, UCLA, and LSU—to compete for his signature.
**LSU jumped into the mix in February**, quickly extending an offer and bringing him to campus. In late April, he revisited the Tigers, and **on June 7**, he returned for a **multi‑day official visit** during LSU’s Big Summer recruiting push ([si.com][1]).
Now, with his commitment official, the momentum has firmly swung in Louisiana’s favor.
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## Why the Flip Matters for LSU
1. **Elite Talent at a Premium Position**
LSU’s recruiting class has been rising, and securing a **Top‑10 TE** like Briggs cements their tight end room as one of the nation’s best. His athletic ceiling is sky‑high—both in the passing game and as a blocker—aligning with Brian Kelly’s offensive vision ([si.com][1]).
2. **Fits Kelly’s Scheme**
Kelly’s offenses at Notre Dame and LSU have heavily utilized **two- and three‑TE sets**, creating mismatches in both the receiving and running game ([lsutigerswire.usatoday.com][2]). Briggs, with his blend of size, skill, and fluidity, is tailor‑made for tight end–heavy personnel packages.
3. **Boost to Class Rankings**
LSU’s 2025 class currently ranks around **No. 3 nationally**. Adding a player of Briggs’s caliber strengthens that standing—and gives them an edge on rivals like Alabama, Miami, and Texas A\&M in recruiting wars .
4. **Regional & Roster Impact**
While Louisiana has produced top tight ends (JD LaFleur already committed), national talent like Briggs brings new dimensions—especially playing across from home-grown stars. His early presence would shore up depth for upcoming seasons, especially as current TE Mason Taylor prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft ([en.wikipedia.org][3], [si.com][4]).
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## What to Watch Next
* **National Signing Day:** Briggs is expected to sign during the early period. That’ll finalize the class and let LSU shift focus to other key positions.
* **Summer Offense Integration:** With fall practice approaching, LSU will reveal how quickly they integrate their two-TE sets. Don’t be surprised if Briggs sees early reps alongside upperclassmen.
* **Transfer Portal Moves:** LSU historically complements high-end recruits with portal additions. A portal TE might join to provide veteran depth while Briggs and other freshman develop.
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## Final Word: Tigers Strike Gold
Briggs’s flip is more than just another commit—it’s a **statement piece**. His combination of athleticism, skill, and size is rare, especially on the tight end front, a position where elite recruits are hard to come by. For LSU, this is a win that pays dividends:
* It strengthens their offensive arsenal.
* It bolsters an already stacked recruiting class.
* It positions LSU as a top destination for future multi-sport athletes seeking major roles early.
At **6′5″, 200 lbs with 571 receiving yards**, Briggs already has the physical and technical traits to make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge .
With a *Top‑10iate prospect* committed, expect LSU to leverage that momentum—targeting other elite athletes and rolling out potent, mismatch‑driven offensive looks this fall. Welcome to Tiger Country, Israel Briggs.