2010 LSU Recruiting Thread (1 Viewer)

[MLU]

While I enjoy the aspect of other team's recruiting news that the College Recruiting Thread brings, I get annoyed by how it's all just thrown in a big melting pot of information. I hope that fans of other teams will take the time to start a thread dedicated to their team's recruiting news like I am starting for LSU. I know that I would certainly appreciate the time and effort.

<table class="basiclist" id="page1tab" cellspacing="0" height="630" width="550"><thead><tr class="header"><td align="left" width="165">SIGNED LOI</td> <td align="center" width="030">piece of work</td> <td align="center" width="060">Stars</td> <td align="center" width="030">Ht</td> <td align="center" width="030">Wt</td> <td align="center" width="030">40</td> <td align="center" width="035">RR</td> <td align="left">Hometown</td></tr></thead><tbody name="tableSignedPage1" id="tableSignedPage1"><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Spencer Ware</td><td align="center">ATH</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">5-11</td><td align="center">220</td><td align="center">4.71</td><td align="center">6.1</td><td align="left">Cincinnati, OH</td></tr><tr><td align="left">J.R. Ferguson </td><td align="center">DE</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">272</td><td align="center">4.9</td><td align="center">6.0</td><td align="left">Chatham, VA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Jordan Allen</td><td align="center">DE</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-6</td><td align="center">266</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">5.9</td><td align="left">West Monroe, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Kadron Boone</td><td align="center">WR</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-1</td><td align="center">190</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.9</td><td align="left">Ocala, FL</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Eric Reid</td><td align="center">DB</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">210</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.9</td><td align="left">Geismar, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">J.C. Copeland</td><td align="center">DE</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">240</td><td align="center">4.65</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">LaGrange, GA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Travis Dickson</td><td align="center">TE</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">235</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Ocean Springs, MS</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Jarrett Fobbs</td><td align="center">ATH</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">5-11</td><td align="center">180</td><td align="center">4.45</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Shreveport, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Jakhari Gore</td><td align="center">RB</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">5-10</td><td align="center">170</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Miami, FL</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Zach Lee</td><td align="center">QB</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-4</td><td align="center">195</td><td align="center">4.77</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">McKinney, TX</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Justin Maclin</td><td align="center">DE</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-4</td><td align="center">215</td><td align="center">4.5</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Memphis, TN</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Tyrann Mathieu</td><td align="center">DB</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">5-10</td><td align="center">175</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">New Orleans, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Tharold Simon</td><td align="center">ATH</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-4</td><td align="center">185</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Eunice, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Ronnie Vinson</td><td align="center">ATH</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">5-11</td><td align="center">186</td><td align="center">4.53</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">New Orleans, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Evan Washington</td><td align="center">OL</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-5</td><td align="center">290</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">DeSoto, TX</td></tr><tr><td align="left">James Wright</td><td align="center">WR</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">180</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.8</td><td align="left">Belle Chasse, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Ken Adams</td><td align="center">TE</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-5</td><td align="center">240</td><td align="center">4.76</td><td align="center">5.7</td><td align="left">Wesson, MS</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Sam Gibson</td><td align="center">ATH</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">200</td><td align="center">4.44</td><td align="center">5.7</td><td align="left">Prattville, AL</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Elliott Porter</td><td align="center">OL</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-4</td><td align="center">280</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.7</td><td align="left">Waggaman, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Alfred Blue</td><td align="center">RB</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">203</td><td align="center">4.5</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Boutte, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Cameron Fordham</td><td align="center">TE</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-4</td><td align="center">243</td><td align="center">4.67</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Duluth, GA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Nick Jacobs</td><td align="center">TE</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-5</td><td align="center">245</td><td align="center">4.83</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Many, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Luke Muncie</td><td align="center">LB</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">215</td><td align="center">4.49</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Klein, TX</td></tr><tr><td align="left">D.J. Welter</td><td align="center">LB</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-1</td><td align="center">225</td><td align="center">4.55</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Crowley, LA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Armand Williams</td><td align="center">WR</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">185</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Slidell, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Brandon Worle</td><td align="center">RB</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-1</td><td align="center">227</td><td align="center">4.56</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">LaGrange, GA</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Brad Wing</td><td align="center">K</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">175</td><td align="center">-</td><td align="center">5.5</td><td align="left">Baton Rouge, LA</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table class="basiclist" id="page1tab" cellspacing="0" height="65" width="550"><thead><tr class="header"> <td align="left" width="165">COMMITTED/UNSIGNED</td> <td align="center" width="030">piece of work</td> <td align="center" width="060">Stars</td> <td align="center" width="030">Ht</td> <td align="center" width="030">Wt</td> <td align="center" width="030">40</td> <td align="center" width="035">RR</td> <td align="left">Hometown</td></tr></thead><tbody name="tablecommittedPage1" id="tablecommittedPage1"><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><td align="left">Houston Bates</td><td align="center">DE</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-3</td><td align="center">240</td><td align="center">4.7</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Covington, LA</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Dexter Blackmon</td><td align="center">DT</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6-2</td><td align="center">265</td><td align="center">4.9</td><td align="center">5.6</td><td align="left">Selma, AL</td></tr></tbody></table>

I expect that LSU will really go after some big-time out of state recruits this year after what was an absolutely amazing year for talent on Lousiana, even by Louisiana standards. LSU has really begun to draw in OOS talent the last couple years as they see the Tigers on the Nat'l scene more and more. Having one of the best Academic Centers in the nation as well as some of the best facilities in the nation sure doesn't hurt, but what I think they really see is the talent that LSU has been putting in the NFL the last five to six years. Great weather and rabid fans who add to a unique gameday atmosphere only adds to what makes LSU so enticing for a young athlete. With the addition of Brick Haley and John Chavis, LSU now ranks among the best in coaching staffs as well.

The first recruit of the season was not a well known player outside of the local coaching circles, but he's risen into the Top 250 and will lilkely rise more once he gets more exposure. The LSU coaches have shown a real eye for receiving talent the past few years.

Rivals.com Commit Capsules | ESPN Recruiting Videos

<hr align="left" color="red" width="100%">

Tharold Simon
ATH (6-4, 185)
Eunice
Eunice, LA
Profile

5/16/2009: The early story on Tharold is that both Crowton and Chavis wanted him, but it looks like Chavis will win out. He's projected to play at safety, but could also play at WR. There are some concerns about his academics, but LSU will be signing a lot of guys this year and he possesses rare athleticism and size, so they're making an offer.

 

[MLU]

Nick Jacobs
TE (6-5, 245)
Many
Many, LA
Profile

5/16/2009: Jacobs is a DE/TE in High School, but will play TE at LSU. Trent Johnson is also interested in his services on the basketball court.

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[MLU]

Brandon Worle
RB (6-1, 240)
Troup
LaGrange, GA
Profile | Video

5/16/2009: This kid is a hammer. He'll probably be used primarily as a FB, but who knows when injuries happen. His video on YouTube is a joy to watch.

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[MLU]

D.J. Welter
LB (6-0, 214)
Notre Dame
Crowley, LA
Profile | Video

 

[MLU]

Eric Reid
DB (6-3, 175)
Dutchtown
Geismar, LA
Profile

5/16/2009: One of the real stars in this class. He's a 4.4 GPA student, 6-3, 175, runs a 4.5/40, etc. Projects to be a safety and one of the best in the country. You'll be hearing a lot more about this guy. Here's a good read from The BR Advocate.

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[MLU]

Luke Muncie
LB (6-3, 215)
Oak
Klein, TX
Profile | Video

5/16/2009: Very good safety prospect who will play LBer in college. The kid is reportedly already benching 315 and squatting 545. He could very likely star at a very important position in Chavis' defense. There's video on his ESPN profile page:

Muncie is a very solid safety that will probably grow into an outside linebacker. He has good size and is quicker than fast. Does a great job of keeping blockers from tying him up. Wins the battle of inside hand position against wide receivers and gets excellent extension to keep the offensive man locked out. Separates and disengages from blocker in order to get to ball carrier. Takes great angles to the football and maintains leverage on the football as the ball carrier attempts to get to the outside. Smart football player that is alert to reverses coming back at him once action starts away. A solid openfield tackler that really unloads if given the opportunity. Does a good job of getting the head across the defenders body when angle tackling. Drives legs and explodes through the ball carrier the majority of the time. Solid pass defender in underneath zones and is capable of locking on in short zones. Muncie is a very sound defensive football player that likes to hit and plays with confidence. His build and ability to bulk up will give him the chance to be an outside linebacker at the next level. He is tough with very solid football skills and is a great reactor on the move.

02/03/2010
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[MLU]

James Wright
WR (6-2, 180)
Belle Chasse
Belle Chasse, LA
Profile | Video

02/03/2010
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[MLU]

Justin Maclin
LB (6-4, 215)
Ridgeway
Memphis, TN
Profile | Video

6/7/2009: After a weekend trip to convince his mom, LSU snags # 10. Alabama was in the lead, but his he reportedly almost committed during his visit in March. He's had LSU on the breain ever since. He has ties to Yanokowsky and Porter. No way LSU lands a LBer from outside the state this good without Yanokowsy and Chavis. He was the highest rated LB on LSU's list and LBer was a big need this year in recruiting. He has a real good shot at getting another star, but at the least he'll be Top 100 before recruiting season is done. LSU offered him a scholarship before last football season started.

7/26/2009: Video from his appearance at the SC camp. Rivals dropped him from their Top 250. I think he looks an awful lot like Bradie James.

8/28/2009: Ridgeway's Justin Maclin learning the game

 

[MLU]

Ronnie Vinson
ATH (5-11, 186)
Isidore Newman School
New Orleans, LA
Profile | Video

6/8/2009: Ronnie Vinson will likely pair with Eric Reid at safety although he could possibly play receiver as well. He's still raw physically and needs to improve overall strength, but he's not afraid to be physical and has great ball skills. Has the makings of a very good Free Safety IMO. If he improves his speed, he could possibly play CB. If he ends up on offense (or in the return game) his shiftiness and cutting ability will serve him well. He caught 40 passes last year and had 75 tackles. LSU wants him for defense I understand.

There is some video on his ESPN page.

02/03/2010
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[MLU]

​

Sam Gibson
ATH (6-2, 200)
Prattville
Prattville, AL
Profile | Video

06/09/2009: Gibson plays QB, but LSU offered a scholarship to play DB or WR. I assume his grades are in order since he was offered by Stanford and Vanderbilt (also UAB, Virginia and South Alabama) Neither Au or Alabama offered him, but they were probably going to do so eventually. They did recruit him pretty hard according to the article.

&#8220;I accepted as soon as they offered.&#8221; the Prattville, Alabama native said. &#8221;Ever since my recruiting process started I wanted to be an LSU Tiger.&#8221;

08/12/2009: Prattville's Sam Gibson escapes mean streets, finds stardom

Sounds like a good kid. I am curious as to where the coaches will put him.

02/03/2010:
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[MLU]

Cameron Fordham
TE (6-4, 235)
Northview
Duluth, GA
Profile | Video

06/09/2009: Son of former LSU lineman Jeff Fordham. Was offered a scholarship pretty early on in his recruitment by LSU. I understand that he spent some time working with the O-Line at camp and he could very well grow into a Tackle or Center position. I'm pretty sure that we'll see LSU end the recruiting of TE's with Richard Dickson's little brother.

02/03/2010
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[MLU]

Zach Lee
QB (6-4, 195)
McKinney
McKinney, TX
Profile | Video

06/14/2009: Not just a top QB prospect, but also a top pitching prospect. He's also on track to graduate in December, allowing him to enroll in time for spring practice. ESPN has a good capsule and some video of him. He looks pretty polished. Recruiting for a QB is probably over since Garrett from the last class is most likely going to redshirt.

Lee possesses the prototypical pocket passer measurables you look for in a drop back quarterback. He shows good height and can see the field from within the pocket. This kid has some moments where he really looks great and he will "wow" you with some throws that are difficult to make.Plays in a spread scheme where he is consistently in the shotgun and he is not forced to drop from center and work through progressions. Stands tall and generally gets rid of the ball on time and accurately. Sets up quickly and can make all the necessary throws when he plants and transfers his weight properly. Release quickness is more than adequate and over-the-top and he gets very good velocity on short and intermediate passes. At times shows outstanding RPM's on the ball. Can change ball speeds and shows nice touch and timing on the deep ball and redzone fade route. Can drop the ball in over coverage to only where his guys can catch it. Can hit receivers in stride and throws a catchable ball on underneath routes with little adjustment by receivers. Possesses just enough athleticism to buy some time, sidestep the rush and get rid of the football, but is not going to be a player that makes many plays outside the pocket with his legs. Lee at times can be a bit robotic in his methods. Will lock onto his primary target. Footwork is just adequate and it benefits him to be in the shotgun, get set and get rid of the ball. Overall, there are moments with Lee where he looks really good and in rhythm, but to be at his best he must be on time and be protected. He is efficient and productive in this scheme as a pocket passer. Has a chance to blossom into a fine player.

02/01/2010
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[MLU]

Houston Bates
DE (6-3, 240)
St. Paul's
Covington, LA
Profile

06/17/2009: He was recruited as an ATH. He could play LBer, DE or FB. He plays DE now and he has no problems getting up-field in a hurry...

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[MLU]

Evan Washington
OL (6-5, 290)
DeSoto
DeSoto, TX
Profile | Video

Also the son of former NFL journeyman, DE Marvin Washington...

 

[MLU]

Elliott Porter
DT (6-4, 280)
Archbishop Shaw
Waggaman, LA
Profile | Video

Plays DT and OL for Shaw, but will play OG at LSU. Big, string, smart kid who comes from a well-coached program. He is very athletic for his size and should terrorize defenses when they see him pulling and turning upfield.