LSU Rallying to Secure Top 5 Recruiting Class
By Spencer Darr
National Signing Day is at hand and LSU is poised to jump in to the top 5 recruiting class rankings. 21 recruits have already committed to the Tigers, with a recent run of top linemen beefing up an already solid group.
After most Tiger fans had gone to bed on the eve of National Signing Day, LSU scored big with Arden Key‘s 9:45 pm announcement – committing to Louisiana State. Key is a 4-star defensive end (247 Sports) who owns an impressive, but poorly soundtracked, video featuring him ruthlessly imposing his will on his less gifted opponents. Key’s commitment is early evidence of Ed Orgeron’s impact hire.
With another winner in the bag, what’s left for Les Miles and company on National Signing Day (other than admiring their Odell Beckham Jr. billboard)?
uDec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LP Field. Notre Dame won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
In the most literal sense, four scholarships. Those spots could all be spoken for by 5 o’clock tomorrow, though the team is free to rollover unused scholarships to next year. There will be three can’t-miss announcements on National Signing Day:
8:30 am – Daylon Charlot
Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight wide receiver Daylon Charlot (13) returns a punt during the first half of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Team Highlight defeated Team Armour 46-6. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Daylon Charlot is a 4-star wide receiver out of Patterson, LA. NOLA.com is calling the fight in Bama’s favor after cancelling a planned visit to Miami this last weekend at their request. But if he’s not wearing crimson expect to see Charlot don a purple Tigers cap. With sure hands and sickening acceleration he would make an immediate impact on special teams.
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11:30 am – Leo Lewis
Friday morning Leo Lewis was committed to Ole Miss, but the times, they have been a’changing. After a weekend visit to LSU, and a decommitment from the Rebels, the battle is down to the Tigers and Mississippi State. With less than 12 hours until his announcement, ‘the experts’ predict Lewis will be taking his talents to Baton Rouge. The Tigers are thin at linebacker so Lewis should be the the recruiting staff’s top target on NSD.
Toby Weathersby
If LSU lands his commitment as well, they would have the foundations of an elite offensive line for at least the next three years.
There is not a formal announcement time for Toby Weathersby, but he is expected to reveal his intentions to attend LSU tomorrow. The Tiger’s already have an absolutely ridiculous haul of offensive linemen coming in, which could factor into Weathersby’s decision tomorrow. If LSU lands his commitment as well, they would have the foundations of an elite offensive line for at least the next three years.
What would signing day be without poached recruits? Not nearly as exciting. The Tiger’s have been lusting over a couple potential targets that could flip over:
Derrick Dillon – Florida
Jan 3, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; West wide receiver Derrick Dillon (84) runs against East defensive back Kareem Ali (17) during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. West beat East 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
After Will Muschamp was fired Derrick Dillon softly re-opened his commitment. LSU has been working on him since, with James Smith calling the race in the Tiger’s favor. Expect the staff to double their efforts if Daylon Charlot commits to Alabama early in the morning.
Torrance Gibson – Ohio State
Jul 9, 2014; Beaverton, OR, USA; Alpha Pro athlete Torrance Gibson (6) heads off the line of scrimmage during Nike Football
Five-star athlete Torrance Gibson was a firm Ohio State commit – but he hopes to play quarterback and the Buckeyes have a bit of a playing time problem at that position. With that in mind, LSU was able to convince Gibson to visit Baton Rouge two weekends ago. With Auburn hot on the LSU’s tail it is hard to get a clear read on where Gibson will end up, though I think it’s safe to assume it won’t be Ohio State.
As matters of the heart go, poaching plays both ways and LSU could strike out on a few rogue recruits. The primary concern is with the running backs – a position with four new recruits on top of established stars. Don’t be surprised to see these players defect from the class:
Nick Brosette
Running back suspect #1 – Nick Brosette, a Baton Rouge resident, may be heading to Austin. Rated as a 4-star prospect, Brosette probably isn’t thrilled with the idea of splitting carries six ways. Given the depth at that position, LSU would be okay with Brosette.
Derrius Guice
Jan 3, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; West running back Derrius Guice (20) scores a touchdown against the East during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. Guice was the game offensive MVP. West beat East 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
But losing out on Derrius Guice would be trouble for LSU.
Excuse me, I forgot to immediately mention he runs a *rubs eyes* 4.29 40-yard dash. It sounds better when you sing it.
Rated by Rivals as a 5-star prospect – Guice should see playing time early and often. Excuse me, I forgot to immediately mention he runs a *rubs eyes*
. It sounds better when you sing it. That speed, carried by a 6 foot, 220 lb. frame, mixes for a devastating combination.
"When the dust settles, and the final fax has been… faxed – don’t be surprised to find LSU sitting in the top 5 class rankings."
When the dust settles, and the final fax has been… faxed – don’t be surprised to find LSU sitting in the top 5 class rankings. You can watch the action on your television with ESPNU or online with WatchESPN. If you can’t get away with watching television at work, then Twitter (@spencerdarr), 247 Sports, Rivals.com, and ESPN.com all provide live text updates.
Check back with the Big Easy Believer for updates, signing announcements, and a recap following the conclusion of LSU’s class.