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Hold that Tiger: DeMario Tolan Commits to LSU

Blake Baker gets his first commitment as part of the LSU staff

By Zach Junda

New LSU linebackers coach Blake Baker reeled in his first commitment for the Tigers in the form of four-star linebacker DeMario Tolan.

Tolan is from the Orlando area and got an LSU offer on February 1, mere days after Baker joined the Tiger coaching staff. Per the 247 Composite, Tolan is the No. 254 overall prospect in America and the 27th ranked linebacker.

Below is an evaluation of Tolan courtesy of 247’s Andrew Ivins.

On the smaller side now, but should only get bigger once working with a college strength staff. Likely to eventually carry 225 pounds or more. An athletic linebacker with a highlight tape that pops as he has spent the past two years flying around making stops behind the line of scrimmage. Quick to trigger. Sifts through traffic with confidence and a sense of urgency. Ability to change directions and pounce on a ball carrier is a strength at this stage in his development. Also excels in coverage as his instincts lead to pass break ups and his foot speed allows him to keep up with tight ends and bigger slot receivers. Doubled as a running back at different points during his high school career and found some success moving the chains with his competitive nature. Multi-sport athlete that was a district qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles. Son of two veterans. Carries a high GPA and is an honors student. Will need to get better at finishing off tackles at the next level, but is viewed as one of the top off-ball linebacker prospects in the class of 2022 given how he moves and hits people. Projects as scheme-versatile defender that likely won’t need to leave the field in passing situations.

Tolan is the second commitment LSU has landed in the past week. Nathan Dibert, a place kicker from Michigan, committed last Friday.

The addition of Tolan gives LSU’s 2022 class 13 commits. LSU has actually seen its ranking slip from third to sixth nationally because Penn State and Oklahoma have seen their class rankings surge due to some elite prospects committing this week, but the Tigers still have the number one class in the SEC.