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9:52 pm
March 9, 2016
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LSU bolstered its passing attack Saturday, securing the commitment of wide receiver Jhamon Ausbon, who announced his decision via Twitter:
I would like to announce that I’m officially committed to Louisiana State University🐯!
#GeauxTigers #PurpleReign☔️ pic.twitter.com/8KvBn1zjTZ— Jhamon Ausbon (@TheJhamonAusbon) June 26, 2016
Ausbon is the No. 11 wideout in the 2017 recruiting class, per 247Sports’ composite ranking. He also sits 67th overall nationally and 14th in the state of Florida.
He originally committed to Baylor in July 2015 before decommitting from the Bears on March 29.
“I just don’t really have much to say, other than I’m going to make an impact wherever I go,” Ausbon said of the decision, per Bleacher Report’s Damon Sayles.
Ausbon isn’t an explosive athlete, which isn’t much of an issue given his size (6’2 ½”, 217 lbs). Of course, that’s not to say Ausbon isn’t a threat further down the field. He’s adept at adjusting his body and leaping to grab the ball out of the air on deeper throws. If he’s matched up one-on-one with a defensive back on a lofted pass, chances are he’ll come down with the ball.
Ausbon’s frame is what makes him such a tantalizing prospect.
Even if he doesn’t become demonstrably faster, he’ll still be a good possession receiver. Plenty of defensive backs will have a hard time defending him in man coverage because of the size difference.
Elite WR Jhamon Ausbon (@TheJhamonAusbon) is headed to #TheOpening Finals in Oregon this summer. #GotOpen pic.twitter.com/z2fQ1aaWak
— B/R The Future (@BR_TheFuture) April 5, 2016
Outgoing Ohio State wideout Michael Thomas is built similarly (6’3″, 209 lbs) to Ausbon and represents where he could be in a few years. Despite a lack of blinding speed—a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—Thomas caught 110 passes for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns.
If anything, Ausbon could potentially exceed Thomas’ contributions. He’s a better pass-catcher and route-runner than the former Buckeye was at this stage of his career, and he has had the benefit of playing at the IMG Academy for his senior season.
When he transferred to the school, Ausbon mentioned the developmental benefits that would come from making the move, per Matt Clare of Rivals.com:
At the end of the day, it’s an opportunity to work with coaches that have NFL and college football coaching experience. These are guys that played your position at the same levels too. The whole focus on preparing athletes for the next level was really my main thing. I’m going to be in college after next year and this experience will help me prepare to play on the next level.
With that kind of specialized tutelage, entering college from IMG should soften Ausbon’s transition as he adjusts to the rigors of playing for a team in a Power Five conference.
Ausbon could potentially be a threat inside the red zone from the second he steps onto the field as a true freshman. If he adds some more dynamism to his game, he could develop into one of college football’s best receivers if utilized correctly; he wouldn’t have a single significant weakness in his game.
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