LSU didn’t have a defensive back commit in its 2027 class.
Until the Tigers got “Greedy.”
On Thursday, Lane Kiffin and Co. reached into the state of Texas to flip four-star Karnell “Greedy” James from a commitment to the Longhorns. The Manvel, Texas, native had pledged to his in-state program in December.
James, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back, is the 15th commit in the Tigers’ 2027 class, including the third on the defensive side of the ball. LSU already has top-50 national prospects KJ Green and Chris Whitehead in the fold at defensive end.
If James has his way, the Tigers could add another five-star recruit. He was asked during his 274Sports commitment livestream if he’s recruiting anyone to come with him to Baton Rouge, and James pointed to one of the Longhorns’ current receiver commits.
“Definitely my dog, Easton Royal, for sure,” James said of the five-star wideout from New Orleans, who is ranked as the No. 6 overall recruit in the 247Sports Composite. “We’ve always been talking.
James is an intriguing prospect himself with a reported 6-6 wingspan. He has the length and range to play safety, which is where he has predominantly lined up at Manvel High in 2025, but James also has the versatility to play cornerback.
As a high school junior, James posted 53 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups, as well as two punt return touchdowns.