Theodore LB JJ Bush eyeing July 4th commitment date with SEC programs pushing

It is commitment season for some athletes across the country, and Theodore High School’s JJ Bush looks to be jumping on the train soon. 

Bush has landed on a July 4th commitment date. The linebacker holds several offers, including offers from Arkansas, LSU, Miami, Missouri amd others. Bush is coming off an official visit to Missouri, and he has officials set up with Cincinnati, LSU and Arkansas.

Mizzou took a step forward with Bush over the weekend during his official. The Tiger’s head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff did a good job showing Bush how he will fit into their program. 

“My visit to Missouri was really impressive,” Bush said. “The atmosphere around the program had a strong sense of purpose. You could feel the energy and urgency that they are building with. I had a good talk with coach Drinkwitz. He is passionate about the vision he has for Mizzou and made it clear that I would be a priority in their system. The defensive staff broke everything down for me. They see me as a versatile player who can impact the game in multiple ways. They talked about using me as an EDGE presence but also dropping back into coverage at times, depending on the package. That flexibility stood out.”

The Theodore product feels good about where Missouri stands with him after the official. 

“Mizzou is definitely in the mix because they are building something strong and they are doing it the right way,” Bush told Touchdown Alabama. “The coaching staff believes in developing their guys and I can see myself fitting in with their defensive identity. It is aggressive, fast and physical. Also, being in the SEC and competing at a high level is important to me and they can offer me that opportunity.”

LSU will host Bush on the weekend of June 13. The Tigers stand out to him ahead of his official for multiple reasons. 

“I am really looking forward to seeing the environment at LSU; the culture, the fans, the energy on game day,” said Bush. “I heard it is something you can not really understand until you experience it. What sets LSU apart is the tradition of producing elite defensive players year after year. It is a place where guys go to play at the next level. Also, the competition level, the coaching, the expectation pushes you to be your best.”

Arkansas is also making a push ahead of Bush’s official visit on June 30th. He feels he has an opportunity to enjoy success as a Razor Back. 

“It means a lot to know that Arkansas is making me a priority,” said Bush. “That kind of attention shows me that they are serious about my potential and what I can bring to their defense. I can see myself thriving in their scheme. I can play fast, use my length, speed off the edge and bring consistent pressure. I can envision myself being a difference maker in Fayetteville.”

Scott Satterfield and Cincinnati continue to push for Bush, and the Bearcats are next up for the Theodore product. 

“Coach Satterfield has always been real with me,” Bush said. “We had a strong conversation about the vision he has for Cincinnati and how he wants to get the program back to the College Football Playoff. He believes in player development and building a team that can compete nationally. What makes Cincinnati a contender for me is how hungry they are. They have been on that big stage before and they want to get back. I see myself as being a key part of that process.”

The next few weeks will play a crucial role in Bush’s decision.