Pat Jenkins commitment brought about as many questions as answers for the LSU recruitniks, as the try to sift through the target list, current commitments and weigh it against what they think the school should do with its available scholarships.
Jenkins also mentioned LSU's desire to move to a 4-3 defense in his commitment video, only adding to the confusion.
Oh, we haven't even discussed the remaining targets on LSU's board.
So, let's dive in.
Jenkins words:
Jenkins mentioned LSU's desire to move to a 4-3 defense in the near future, allowing him to play as a 3-tech in Baton Rouge. Well, that is not entirely accurate.
Dave Aranda is a 3-4 guy, which has been the system he has run at every stop in his coaching career, while Ed Orgeron is a traditional 4-3 coach. With that said, Orgeron does not plan on forcing Aranda to change his scheme. What he is hoping for is being more versatile and athletic up front, which is more 4-3 types of linemen.
Current commit Alec Bryant is a prime example. At first, it appeared Bryant was going to play on the edge as a stand-up rusher, like we saw with Arden Key and K'Lavon Chaisson, but it became clear LSU had different plans.
"He's a Lewis Neal type," one source stated when first asked about Bryant. That statement was followed up with remarks regarding Bryant's future as a hand in the dirt defensive end. In 2019, LSU signed junior college defensive end Soni Fonua, who has experience playing as a down lineman and a stand-up edge rusher.
Then there is four-star Demon Clowney in the 2020 class, who one source told me "could grow to 265-270 pounds," which is rather large for a stand-up defender.
Add in Jenkins, an ideal three-technique in a 3-4 scheme, but also capable of playing the four-technique in LSU's current system and voila, you are beginning to see the change Orgeron is looking for in the way they are recruiting the position.
Current commits:
LSU is not planning on Cam'Ron Jackson being a defensive lineman for them when he touches campus. They intend on having Jackson compete at offensive tackle in the next camp after a sub-par performance as a defensive lineman in the Tigers linemen camp earlier this month.
It appeared Jackson's scholarship spot could be in jeopardy, but that no longer appears to be the case.
Jordan Berry is a nose tackle and nothing more, making his camp experience this week one to keep an eye on. The staff is eager to work with Berry, in hopes of getting a better long-term projection. If he performs well, he will be a part of this class. If he struggles, LSU may not have any choice but to look for other options.
Remaining targets:
LSU is fighting for in-state prospects Jaquelin Roy, Jacobian Guillory and Jalen Lee.
They appear to be firm leaders for Lee and Roy at this point, with Alabama having the momentum with Guillory at this point of the recruiting cycle, as noted in multiple post on Tiger Details in recent weeks.
Roy and Lee's commitments are likely to come prior to the start of their senior seasons, according to numerous sources. Guillory, who was nearly ready to commit to LSU just a few weeks ago, now appears poised for a January decision.
LSU plans on signing at least five defensive linemen this cycle, so things will get interesting if/when their top targets want in. They are still in the mix for guys like Texas defensive end Princely Umanmielen, which could further complicate things.
Oh, and let's not forget Alabama's Eric Taylor, who is nearing a decision (wink-wink).
LSU is looking to become more athletic, explosive and versatile in its front seven.
Jenkins also mentioned LSU's desire to move to a 4-3 defense in his commitment video, only adding to the confusion.
Oh, we haven't even discussed the remaining targets on LSU's board.
So, let's dive in.
Jenkins words:
Jenkins mentioned LSU's desire to move to a 4-3 defense in the near future, allowing him to play as a 3-tech in Baton Rouge. Well, that is not entirely accurate.
Dave Aranda is a 3-4 guy, which has been the system he has run at every stop in his coaching career, while Ed Orgeron is a traditional 4-3 coach. With that said, Orgeron does not plan on forcing Aranda to change his scheme. What he is hoping for is being more versatile and athletic up front, which is more 4-3 types of linemen.
Current commit Alec Bryant is a prime example. At first, it appeared Bryant was going to play on the edge as a stand-up rusher, like we saw with Arden Key and K'Lavon Chaisson, but it became clear LSU had different plans.
"He's a Lewis Neal type," one source stated when first asked about Bryant. That statement was followed up with remarks regarding Bryant's future as a hand in the dirt defensive end. In 2019, LSU signed junior college defensive end Soni Fonua, who has experience playing as a down lineman and a stand-up edge rusher.
Then there is four-star Demon Clowney in the 2020 class, who one source told me "could grow to 265-270 pounds," which is rather large for a stand-up defender.
Add in Jenkins, an ideal three-technique in a 3-4 scheme, but also capable of playing the four-technique in LSU's current system and voila, you are beginning to see the change Orgeron is looking for in the way they are recruiting the position.
Current commits:
LSU is not planning on Cam'Ron Jackson being a defensive lineman for them when he touches campus. They intend on having Jackson compete at offensive tackle in the next camp after a sub-par performance as a defensive lineman in the Tigers linemen camp earlier this month.
It appeared Jackson's scholarship spot could be in jeopardy, but that no longer appears to be the case.
Jordan Berry is a nose tackle and nothing more, making his camp experience this week one to keep an eye on. The staff is eager to work with Berry, in hopes of getting a better long-term projection. If he performs well, he will be a part of this class. If he struggles, LSU may not have any choice but to look for other options.
Remaining targets:
LSU is fighting for in-state prospects Jaquelin Roy, Jacobian Guillory and Jalen Lee.
They appear to be firm leaders for Lee and Roy at this point, with Alabama having the momentum with Guillory at this point of the recruiting cycle, as noted in multiple post on Tiger Details in recent weeks.
Roy and Lee's commitments are likely to come prior to the start of their senior seasons, according to numerous sources. Guillory, who was nearly ready to commit to LSU just a few weeks ago, now appears poised for a January decision.
LSU plans on signing at least five defensive linemen this cycle, so things will get interesting if/when their top targets want in. They are still in the mix for guys like Texas defensive end Princely Umanmielen, which could further complicate things.
Oh, and let's not forget Alabama's Eric Taylor, who is nearing a decision (wink-wink).
LSU is looking to become more athletic, explosive and versatile in its front seven.
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