2014 just finished, so let's look forward to 2015, shall we? Never too early to start is it? A position by position look of where LSU may go with recruiting. Today, we look at defensive lineman and linebackers.
The 2014 recruiting cycle just finished up, and we're all enjoying what the Tigers have brought in, which is, a lot. The #2 ranked recruiting class in the nation per every recruiting site/publication. However, recruiting is most certainly a never ending cycle and we're all a bit greedy. So, we're going to take a look at who LSU is targeting now, and where they may look forward too once the 2015 recruiting cycle clicks into full gear.
Def. Tackle
Offered
Daylon Mack (6'2", 310 lbs., Gladewater, Texas) HUDL: One of two offered DT's for the Tigers, Mack, an A&M commit, is an absolute monster. As of now, Mack would have been the 3rd biggest DT offered by LSU in 2014. A top 15 prospect and the #5 DT, it'll take some work to get him to flip from A&M, but the staff won't stop trying
T.D. Moton (6'4", 310 lbs., Shreveport, Louisiana) Highlights: Another huge DT offered by LSU, he was the first DT offered for this class. Moton is a Top 100 prospect, and the #12 DT. Moton was once a Mississippi State commit, before decommitting, and now has LSU and A&M as his leaders, with LSU as the slight favorite.
Recruits to Watch:
Shy Tuttle (6'2", 314 lbs., Lexinton, North Carlina) HUDL: Yet again, a huge and monster DT. Tuttle is bigger than both Mack and Moton. A top 5 DT and an absolute beast, Tuttle is yet to be offered by LSU but has been recruited by Brick Haley and John Chavis but doesn't have them as one of his leaders. Those are Alabama and North Carolina.
Rasheem Green (6'5", 275 lbs., Gardena, California) HUDL: Green's a different type of DT prospect, taller and far lighter and quicker, but still talented. 5 star DT (there's a trend, 2015's DT class is loaded). Like Tuttle, he's been recruited by Brick Haley and John Chavis but he's out of California and goes to Junipero Serra. Don't think I need to tell you where he's likely going on based on that bit.
Albert Huggins (6'3", 275 lbs., Orangeburg, South Carolina) Highlights: Like Green, a lighter build for Huggins. Another 5 star DT (the Top 7 DT's are all 5 stars). Another tough road for the Tigers if they do choose to offer. Clemson, Georgia, and South Carolina are his leaders
Potential Target
John Washington (6'3", 290 lbs., West Monroe, Lousiana): Washington is a 4* prospect out of Monroe, who doesn't yet have an offer, nor is he listed as a target. But there have been several early Crystal Ball projections to LSU, so I've mentioned him here. There's also no tape or highlights available. His process will likely pick up later in the summer months.
Weak Side Def. End
Offered
Arden Key (6'5", 200 lbs., Atlanta, Georgia) HUDL: Strong and quick, Key, the #9 WDE holds LSU as one of his 26 offers. Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Florida State are his leaders. LSU is in a group behind those. He's one of 2 WDE's offered by the Tigers
Rasool Clemens (6'6", 200 lbs., Bloomfield, New Jersey) HUDL: Tall and rangy, Clemens, a 3-star prospect, is a Top 20 WDE, and currently has LSU as his leader. He was offered by the Tigers just under two weeks ago, on January 27th
Recruit to Watch:
Natrez Patrick (6'3", 220 lbs., Atlanta, Georgia) HUDL: LSU has kept feelers on the 4 star, Top 5 WDE prospect Patrick. He'd be the top WDE target the Tigers would have offered if they do choose to go that route. Patrick currently is a heavy lean to in-state powerhouse Georgia
Strong Side Def. End
Offered
Terry Beckner Jr (6'4", 268 lbs., East Saint Louis, Illinois) HUDL: Beckner is rated the #2 overall prospect in 247's rankings, #22 per the composite. He's the #2 overall SDE. The physically strong Beckner is out of Illinois, like recent LSU 5-star ILB signee Clifton Garrett. LSU just recently offered Beckner, and is considered one of his favorites, along with Ohio State and USC
Byron Cowart (6'4", 250 lbs., Seffner, Florida) HUDL: LSU is one of 27 offers for Cowart, the #4 SDE in the country, and a Top 100 prospect. LSU has a ways to go with him. Auburn, Florida, and Oregon are his leaders.
Inside Linebacker
Offered
Leo Lewis (6'3", 225 lbs., Brookhaven, Mississippi) HUDL: Offers have taken awhile to come for the 4 star, #9 ILB out of Mississippi. Been a slow start to his recruitment but I'd expect it to pick up soon. Potentially one that'll have to impress in the camps. Alabama and Mississippi State are his favorites
Outside Linebacker
Offered
Jeffery Holland (6'2", 230 lbs., Jacksonville, Florida) HUDL: Holland is a 5-star prospect, and the #2 OLB in the country. Probably built more for a 4-3 or as an ILB, he's still a very talented player. LSU has a tough road to climb, as Florida is his leader.
Sherrod Pittman (6'1", 215 lbs., Jacksonville, Florida) HUDL: Pittman, like Holland is also from Jacksonville. Built more as an OLB, he's quick and light on his feet. LSU offered Pittman back in May, but he's a South Carolina commit and the chances are very slim that he winds up in Baton Rouge.
Sh'mar Kilby-Lane (6'1", 215 lbs., Hallandale, Florida) HUDL: There's not a lot of film to go off of for Kilby-Lane, and he just recently received a 4* composite rating from 247. Ohio State is his leader and as of now that looks like where he'll end up.
It's obviously very, very early in the 2015 cycle, but this was a rundown of some of the major names that could and likely will pop up down the line for LSU. There's still a Junior Day to come, camps in the summer, coaches visits, unofficial visits, official visits and all that. It's a long road, but the 2015 cycle has already begun, and will continue to heat up. Up next, I'll preview the defensive backfield.