The chase for top-level college football quarterback prospects can become a bit like musical chairs, as it's now routine for elite passers to declare multiple commitments during their recruitment.
Some coaches who entered the 2015 season feeling confident about future potential at the position are now scrambling to solidify alternatives. Others who just recently seemed desperate in the 2016 cycle's quarterback market approach national signing day with a much rosier outlook.
With just five weeks remaining until national signing day, the LSU Tigers find themselves in search of a passer who can help elevate the offensive attack in Baton Rouge.
It's a situation head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron likely didn't expect to encounter. Elite 11 finalist Feleipe Franks, a 4-star quarterback from Wakulla High School in Florida, previously spent 17 months committed to the Tigers.
The lengthy verbal pact began shortly after Franks' sophomore year, lasting deep into his senior season. He decommitted from LSU days before Thanksgiving, landing in the Florida Gators' recruiting class less than a week later.
Franks, a 6'5", 220-pound prospect, is rated No. 3 nationally among pro-style passers in composite rankings. He threw for 2,766 yards, 35 touchdowns and two interceptions in 2015, per MaxPreps, leading Wakulla to a state championship game appearance.
Franks appeared to be the right fit for LSU throughout most of this cycle. He was a catalyst for one of America's most impressive classes.
"It definitely gives you an edge to have a high-profile quarterback, and in my opinion we have one with Feleipe Franks," Tigers defensive tackle commit Caleb Roddy told Bleacher Report this summer. "He's fantastic, and he has a rocket arm. Hopefully he can take the offense to another level when it's his time to step up at LSU. I truly believe he can be one of the best in the country."
Instead, he's expected to contend for early playing time with a rival SEC squad.
It leaves LSU in a precarious situation at a paramount position. While conference foes Florida, Georgia and Ole Miss welcome blue-chip quarterback recruits to campus this winter as early enrollees, the Tigers are sorting through multiple late possibilities.
Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins, Rutgers pledge Anthony Russo and former Oklahoma State commit Nick Starkel could emerge as intriguing options during this final stretch. Each competed alongside Franks at national Elite 11 finals in July.
Haskins, the No. 7 pro-style passer in composite rankings, is rated highest among this trio. Though he spent much of his childhood in New Jersey, the 6'3", 198-pound playmaker starred at the Bullis School in Maryland.
He was a consistent contender for Elite 11 MVP honors this summer and followed that performance with an impressive senior campaign. Haskins threw for 2,217 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 contests, according to Brandon Parker of the Washington Post.
"I'm a game-changer whenever I have the ball in my hands, whether it's first down or third down," he told Bleacher Report in April. "I'm going to get the job done. I don't make too many mistakes, and if I do make a mistake, there won't be one the next play. It's about making sure I capitalize on everything around me."
Committed to Maryland since May, the 4-star recruit has been receptive to other schools since a coaching regime change in College Park. Haskins traveled to Ohio State earlier this month and is now considering official visits at Texas A&M and LSU, according to Shea Dixon of 247Sports.
Russo, a composite 3-star recruit from Pennsylvania, was a relative unknown outside of the Northeast until his surprising push to national Elite 11 finals. He performed well throughout the high-pressure event, finishing as an official member of the "Elite 11."
"This was an opportunity for me to come out and prove myself as one of the nation's best. I think I was able to do that," Russo said at the competition.
Freshly hired Rutgers head coach Chris Ash is certain to make retaining him a main priority as signing day approaches. However, just like Haskins, Russo is challenged to establish meaningful relationships with new staff members despite a limited time allotment.
The 6'4", 221-pound Archbishop Wood High School product completed 67 percent of pass attempts this fall, according to the Bucks County Courier Times. He tallied 2,399 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Though Russo does not yet claim a reported LSU offer, there has been communication with Cameron. The Tigers play-caller told him a spot may open soon.
“Coach Cameron said they are waiting on what Feleipe Franks does first, and that I’m on top of their board if they don’t get him,” Russo told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports this month.
LSU could also take a hard look at Starkel, a fellow 3-star prospect who spent eight months pledged to Oklahoma State. He backed off that verbal commitment in mid-December and received an offer from UCLA within 48 hours.
If the Tigers elect to go all-in on a pursuit of this 6'3 ½", 186-pound Texas quarterback, there will be company. Aside from UCLA and LSU, Texas A&M is also a university of interest, Starkel told Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles.
"Recruiting's picking up really fast; a lot of schools are hitting me left and right. I'm just going to wait and make sure I make the right decision," he told Sayles.
The Liberty Christian School senior posted career-high production across the board this year. He collected 3,091 yards through the air, tossing 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Starkel, Russo and Haskins are certainly targets worth monitoring as Miles and Cameron survey the country for a quarterback to replace Franks. More candidates could ultimately enter the equation in weeks to come, with the Tigers attempting to improve an underwhelming aerial assault.
The Tigers have averaged just 168 passing yards per contest since 2014. LSU quarterbacks combined to throw 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during the 24-game span.
Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.