Here’s an in-depth and detailed feature on Dezyrian “Pook” Ellis’s commitment to LSU, focusing on his background, versatility, recruitment journey, and what he brings to Baton Rouge
Hometown Hero – Dezyrian “Pook” Ellis hails from Winnsboro, Louisiana, a small town and former Franklin Parish student. Choosing to stay at Franklin Parish High—as opposed to transferring to a larger school—showed his dedication to improving his community
Program Turnaround – Ellis played a key role in a transformative few seasons: the team went from a 1–9 record in 2021 to making a quarterfinal run in 2022, making him a pillar of Franklin Parish’s revival
- Passing: 2,184 yards, 31 TDs, 7 INTs
- Rushing: 827 yards, 10 TDs
Above all, he was recognized as District 2‑4A MVP and earned Class 4A All‑State honors - Tallied a spectacular 99-yard rushing touchdown in Week 3 2024, contributing to shocking victory over Calvary Baptist
- Credited with a 171‑yard, two‑TD rushing game, and 121 yards passing with two more TDs in that same standout week Continued domination with career‑high 279 passing yards (5 TDs) and 173 rushing yards (1 TD) in October 2024
- Led home victories with 254 passing yards (2 TDs) and 72 yards rushing in mid‑October
His electrifying athleticism propelled his team to a 41.7 PPG average over multiple games
Ellis is more than just a quarterback:
- Physical profile: 6’2”, 180 lb, ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash; also capable of high jump around 6’4” (tigerdroppings.com).
- Versatility: Started varsity as a wide receiver, starred at QB, and earned attention as a defensive back—truly a Swiss-army‑knife athlete .
He’s a true do-it-all player with potential across several positions—offense, defense, and even special teams .
Multi-Offer Profile
Ellis’s stellar performances earned offers from top programs:
- West Virginia (QB)
- Tulane, Houston, Michigan State
- LSU (CB) (crescentcitysports.com).
- LSU coaching staff targeted Ellis for his adaptability, particularly for the defensive back field. He stated, “Coach Raymond is my guy,” crediting secondary coach Corey Raymond for his direct communication and honesty (tigerbait.com).
- DC Blake Baker and Raymond were praised by Ellis and Franklin Parish coach Adrian Burnette, citing their connection as a key recruiting driver (crescentcitysports.com).
- West Virginia sought him as a quarterback, while LSU projected him as a cornerback.
- Despite aspirations of playing QB, Ellis committed to LSU with defense in mind—believing it to be the best route to win and help his hometown .
- He embraced positional flexibility: “Me, I can play any position… If they offer me OL, I wouldn’t care, because I’d do it” (on3.com).
Ellis took an official visit to LSU on June 20, and the experience “sealed the deal.” He said he “felt it in the air” and expressed immense pride when LSU’s DC reached out formally .
- Commitment Date: June 28, 2025 (crescentcitysports.com).
- How he lines up: Measures 6’2”, 180 lb; signed as LSU’s fourth defensive back overall in the 2026 cycle and eleventh commit total (crescentcitysports.com).
- State Heir: First LSU scholarship athlete from Winnsboro since DT Anthony “Booger” McFarland in 1995—marking a quarter-century milestone (crescentcitysports.com).
Winning Culture
- Ellis: “What I’m looking for in a program is success. I’m a winner and I love to win” (tigerbait.com).
- He aims to inspire Franklin Parish youth, saying LSU can “change people where I come from’s lives” (si.com).
Inspirations & LSU Identity
- He connected emotionally to LSU’s defensive legacy—citing admiration for Stingley, Jefferson, Chase, Beckham … wanting to walk in their footsteps .
- Highlights: CB Derek Stingley Jr., WRs Justin Jefferson & Ja’Marr Chase, and Odell Beckham Jr. (si.com).
Emotional Connections
- Long‑time admiration: “As a kid growing up in Louisiana, you have no choice but to be an LSU fan.”
- He values relationships with Raymond and Baker more than positional debates (si.com).
7. Team Impact & LSU’s Blueprint
CB Corps Reinforcement
- LSU had already added top CB Havon Finney Jr. and Dylan Purter. Ellis now boosts depth with size, speed, and flexibility (tigerbait.com).
Building a State Core
- Ellis is LSU’s No.‑2 athlete in Louisiana overall for 2026, ranking just behind top QB/WR Tristen Keys (si.com).
- LSU’s 2026 class is shaping up as SEC’s No. 1, and Ellis adds to the high-caliber in-state talent pipeline .
Style of Defense
- Safety/CB hybrid athletic types like Ellis fit LSU’s aggressive, versatile secondary approach under coaches Raymond and Baker.
- Burnette emphasized Ellis’s loyalty to Franklin Parish and mission to elevate program culture (tigerbait.com, crescentcitysports.com).
- Called him a “freakish athlete” (6‑2.5, 4.5) capable of QB or DB roles—highlighting versatility (on3.com).
- Burnette praised LSU staff relationships, saying mutual respect turned Ellis into a Tiger .
- Likely redshirt as he adapts to a new position and NCAA speed.
- Training under Raymond and Baker should smooth his CB transition.
- Fits LSU’s boundary corner or safety mold, with tools to help in press coverage, run support, and special teams.
- Could emerge as a three-year starter, adding value on defense and special teams.
- Positional flexibility means he may also be used in linebacker or nickel roles depending on schematics.
- Beckons collegiate opportunity back home—echoing 1995’s Anthony McFarland.
- Could bolster program’s recruiting pipeline, boosting visibility and aspirations among future players.
- In joining Havon Finney Jr. and Dylan Purter, Ellis strengthens depth, height, and athleticism for LSU’s 2026 secondary .
- His signing keeps LSU’s class ranked top in SEC and top‑3 nationally .
Dezyrian “Pook” Ellis isn’t just another recruit—he’s a community icon, multi-positional standout, and emotional commitment to the state and university he’s always cheered for. His presence on LSU’s roster brings grit, versatility, and local pride. With his athletic ceiling and dedicated mindset, he’s poised to emerge as a dynamic defensive force, carrying the hopes of Winnsboro and Franklin Parish onto the national stage.
- Position training: Early reports on his cornerback adaptation.
- Redshirt freshman year: Contributions on special teams and backup safety/corner roles.
- Community connection: Continued work with Franklin Parish and uplifting future players.
This commitment signifies more than a recruit joining LSU—it’s a homegrown success story. “Pook” is the local legend who stayed true, evolved into a dominant athlete, and now enlists with his state’s premier program. His journey symbolizes the power of community, determination, and versatility. As LSU’s newest Tiger, Ellis is poised to redefine expectations, inspire Winnsboro youth, and make an indelible impact on the field.
Geaux Pook, Geaux Tigers!
