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The Jay Johnson era at LSU has started off with a bang.
Jacob Berry, a freshman All-American last season at Arizona, tweeted he would be following Johnson to Baton Rouge this upcoming year and play for the Tigers.
Due to recent changes, I am excited to play for Coach Johnson and I’m following him to the SEC… I am thankful for the good ppl and teammates at UA…wishing y’all the best! I’m also excited for the opportunity to wear the iconic purple/gold for LSU!#Geauxtigers pic.twitter.com/Vs0ovm4MqF
— Jacob Berry (@berry_jacob_24) July 4, 2021
Berry was a complete force at the plate, leading Arizona in both home runs (17) and RBIs (70). He batted .352 last year and set freshman records in home runs, hits (87), extra base hits (41), and total bases (167).
Berry primarily played DH last season but also spent time at third base. Berry could either be LSU’s starting DH or—more likely—he’ll take over third base and allow Cade Doughty to move back over to second. Berry will be immediately eligible upon his arrival to campus; however Berry will be a draft-eligible sophomore and has a high MLB Draft grade so he may only wear the purple and gold for one season.
Berry and his new LSU teammate Dylan Crews are both currently playing for the United States Collegiate National Team. Berry went 3-4 with a three-run home run and a double in a scrimmage, while Crews hit what proved to be a game-winning two-run homer.
Berry isn’t the only player following Johnson to LSU. Shortstop Mikey Romero, an incoming freshman from California, flipped his commitment from Arizona to LSU last week. Per PerfectGame, Romero is the top shortstop prospect in California and has an overall grade of 90.