Elite Safety Flips to LSU
LSU Secures Nation's No. 5 Safety Greedy James, Flipping Commitment from Texas
Key Points
James is ranked No. 5 among safeties nationally and No. 11 overall in the 2027 class, listed at 6'0" and 175 pounds, with a 4.01-second shuttle time, underscoring his projection as a high-end defensive back.
LSU’s defensive back board has transformed this cycle, with James joining cornerback Markez Davis as the second defensive back commit, signaling a tightened emphasis on the secondary for the 2027 class.
James officially visited LSU on June 5 for an official visit, a key factor in accelerating the flip from Texas.
He also traveled to The Opening in Oregon, competing on the Southwest squad with LSU targets Peyton Houston and Trey Martin and meeting Easton Royal, highlighting LSU’s West Coast recruiting footprint.
James has publicly praised LSU staff, noting his relationship with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has been 'great' and that Raymond has been 'real with me from the start', reflecting the personal element of LSU’s push.
LSU has flipped four-star safety Karnell "Greedy" James away from Texas, landing one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 recruiting class. James made his announcement via a 247Sports livestream, choosing the Tigers over the Longhorns in a major win for new head coach Lane Kiffin. Longhorns Wire reported the move is a significant loss for Texas.
James is ranked No. 5 among safeties nationally and No. 11 overall in the 2027 class, according to ClutchPoints. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound prospect hails from Manvel High School in Texas — and was born in New Orleans, giving LSU a natural hometown edge in the fight.
Kiffin's Recruiting Push Swings James to Baton Rouge
The flip did not happen overnight. LSU's staff waged a sustained campaign to peel James away from Texas. A key turning point came on June 5, when James took an official visit to LSU's campus. That visit accelerated the process and gave the Tigers the momentum they needed, according to Yahoo Sports.
Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond played a central role. James said Raymond has been "real with me from the start" and that their relationship has been "great." That personal bond is a hallmark of how LSU recruits its secondary — and it worked again here.
James Brings Elite Speed and Versatility to LSU's Secondary
James projects as a high-end defensive back at the next level. He runs a 4.01-second shuttle time and carries a frame that fits well in either a safety or cornerback role. Louisiana Sports noted that LSU expects him to play cornerback despite being recruited as a safety.
He also competed at The Opening in Oregon, representing the Southwest squad. There, he crossed paths with fellow LSU targets Peyton Houston and Trey Martin, as well as Easton Royal. The shared experience on the recruiting trail helped build bonds that may pull more prospects toward Baton Rouge.
LSU's 2027 Defensive Backfield Builds Fast Under Kiffin
James is the second defensive back to commit to LSU's 2027 class. He joins cornerback Markez Davis, signaling a focused effort to lock down the secondary early in the cycle. Audacy noted that the flip is part of LSU's strong momentum in building its defensive backfield.
The additions reflect a broader strategy under Kiffin: identify elite secondary talent early and move fast. With James now on board, LSU's 2027 class looks increasingly dangerous at the back end of the defense.
Texas Suffers a Painful Late Loss on the Trail
The flip stings for Texas. James had been committed to the Longhorns before LSU made its move. Longhorns Wire called it a significant loss for the program. Texas may attempt to re-recruit James, but for now, LSU holds the commitment of one of the nation's top 2027 prospects.
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