Rivals100 DB Kelvin Joseph breaks down his commitment to LSU

LSU came into the day with just four spots remaining in their 2018 recruiting class. After Saturday's Army All-American Bowl commitment from Rivals100 defensive back Kelvin "Fat" Joseph that number is down the three. The Baton Rouge (La.) Scotlandville native made his pledge to the Tigers during the nationally televised game and re-joined the class after three months on the open market.

"I was just waiting to see how everything would go after the season," Joseph said. "Once defensive coordinator [Dave Aranda] came back that made my decision easier."

Joseph said that he always was closest with the Tigers coaches, especially defensive backs coach Corey Raymond, but wanted to keep his options open in case something unexpected happened.

"It was a tight race with LSU, Florida State and Alabama," Joseph said. "Both of them were there but LSU is the place for me."

As a Baton Rouge native, Joseph said he always felt the pull of staying close to home and joining several friends, including four-star Tigers basketball commit Javonte Smart.

"We can be hometown heroes, that's what I always tell myself," Joseph said. "I could have gone anywhere but I would rather play in Louisiana where I can make my own name."

Joseph originally came into the week not planning on announcing a decision, but once an extension was announce for Aranda, he felt much more comfortable making his choice known early.

"If the defensive coordinator leaves you never know who else might go or if he might bring in a whole new staff," Joseph said.

Alabama and Auburn are still expected to receive official visits from Joseph prior to Signing Day but he added it's going to be pretty tough for those schools to make him change his mind. Joseph will sign his letter-of-intent on National Signing Day, Feb. 7.