And....we're off
LSU's Transfer Portal Hunt:
Before we get into the names, it is important to know the timeline here. LSU starts classes next Tuesday, and most if not all transfers have a narrowing window of next week to get this done. There is no concern about overall numbers with numerous spots available to fill. The target number will be in the 28-29 signees by the February signing period.
Mekhi Wingo, DT, Missouri
Wingo took an official to LSU prior to visiting USC and Oklahoma. New cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples was Wingo's head coach early in Wingo's prep career, giving LSU an inside track of sorts. Sources were optimistic once he entered the portal, but that optimism has grown over the past couple of days. LSU has a major need at the position and there are positive signs pointing in LSU's direction at the moment.
O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, UL(L)
LSU is hoping that the visit with Torrence positions them to land the massive lineman. Florida and Auburn are believed to be the big players here. It feels like a Tigers vs Tigers battle after talking to sources, though. Lacy's commitment certainly won't hurt, but it is pretty clear that it won't play that big of a factor in Torrence's decision. He sees the opportunity to play right away in an area he is familiar with, and the visit appears to have put LSU in a much stronger position. Florida isn't to be counted out, but it was shocking to learn that this may be a LSU and Auburn battle for the ex-UL lineman.
Tre'Mond Shorts, IOL, East Tennessee St.
LSU needs offensive linemen in a bad way and Shorts is a plug and play option. The All-American could start at guard or potentially play center for the Tigers. Sources went from hopeful to confident in his recruitment. Shorts's decision will come in the next handful of days like others, so there won't be that long of wait to see exactly where everyone stands. As of now, the feeling is that LSU is in a pretty good spot for another impact offensive lineman.
West Weeks, LB, Virginia
Linebacker is another major need, especially with Mike Jones and Micah Baskerville still contemplating entering the NFL Draft. More on that later. With all that said, the attention turned to Virginia freshman linebacker West Weeks. South Carolina is going to be a big player, but there is some confidence in Baton Rouge that Weeks may end up being a Tiger in the coming days.
Michael Trigg, TE, USC
LSU would love to add a tight end, but prior to Trigg entering the portal, there wasn't someone that demanded a ton of their attention. Trigg has their attention though, but it may take a visit to get this done and time is moving fast. If Trigg does indeed stop in Baton Rouge, the Tigers will have a real shot here.
Another CB:
The secondary quickly became a major concern for Kelly with numerous departures in recent weeks. With three pledges in place (Greg Brooks, Joe Foucha, Mekhi Garner), the Tigers are hoping one more cornerback comes forward in coming days. If not, look for them to address this position in the next portal run after spring football.
The High School Board:
Jacoby Mathews:
Mathews remains a priority and LSU is slowly building momentum in his recruitment once again. One thing to remember here is that one of the reasons Mathews elected to bypass the early signing period was to see how things played out in Baton Rouge. Frank Wilson has played a big role of late with both Jacoby and his father, which appears to be working in the Tigers favor. Mathews is still eyeing a visit to Florida and Texas A&M is still in the hunt, but it is starting to feel like it may be LSU sitting at the top of his board once again.
Trevonte Citizen:
Things don't feel as positive with Citizen as they do with Mathews. Citizen was tied to Kevin Faulk and his departure set LSU back in his recruitment. Frank Wilson and staff are trying to close the gap, but it feels as if they are still trailing at the moment. It is too premature to say Citizen won't be in this class, but it is fair to say that LSU currently trails in his recruitment.
Danny Lewis:
LSU offered Lewis and he simultaneously decommitted from Cincinnati upon receiving the overture. It led many, including myself, into believing he was destined for Baton Rouge. LSU just hired Cincy's OC Mike Denbrock, so everything appeared to be aligning for the Tigers. However, Florida is one to keep an eye on here. After poking around it became clear that the Gators are positioned to be a serious threat down the stretch. We will have our ear close to the ground on this one.
John Rutledge:
Rutledge's offer surprised many, but it is apparent that LSU is really intrigued by his speed and upside. There are a lot of scholarships to be had and adding someone with legitimate track speed and some position versatility is a no-brainer for LSU at the moment. LSU is the leader simply because they are the only player at the moment, but that may change in coming weeks. As of now, it is fair to assume that Rutledge may very well end up in this class.
LSU's Portal Concerns:
Now for the bad. There are still some guys wavering on their futures and if they do indeed decide to depart, it would further weaken some thin position groups. Offensive lineman Anthony Bradford is believed to be one of those guys, with multiple sources confirming that he has indeed contemplated entering the portal in recent weeks. LSU has very little experience up front, so his departure would be another setback for Kelly, who is tasked with replacing the entire starting unit.
There has been a lot of smoke surrounding defensive back Jay Ward as well. Ward, who was recruited by Corey Raymond, is said to be considering the portal as well as potentially entering the NFL Draft. Either declaration would be a blow to the Tigers defense. It does appear there could be an opportunity for Ward to remain in Baton Rouge, along with Bradford, but multiple sources confirm that both are exploring their options at the present time.
Kayshon Boutte appears to be locked in. Myles Brennan's return helped, along with his ties and connection to the state. His NIL deals probably didn't hurt, either. There will still be some concerned people throughout the spring and into the summer, as recruiting never ends in the current stage of college football. Never. But as of now, it appears that Boutte will likely stay.
As Julie alluded to in a prior piece, there is a belief that Deion Smith will remain in Baton Rouge throughout the spring, which will give the Tigers some time to convince him to stay put. They love what he brings to the table and the room still lacks depth, so keeping him in Baton Rouge will be important to the staff. But if he doesn't want to be here, the summer looks like the most likely time for him to join his new program.
NFL Draft:
Micah Baskerville:
It sounds like Baskerville is still contemplating returning for his final season or foregoing the remainder of his eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft. It sounds like things are still up in the air and the LSU staff is really pressing for him to stay. My gut tells me he returns for a final season.
Ali Gaye:
Gaye is another that has yet to determine his future. It does not appear that a transfer is in the works, but I wouldn't rule it out just yet. It does sound like the NFL Draft is an option, but a shoulder rehab would limit his ability to ascend up draft boards.
Jay Ward: As mentioned earlier, Ward is looking at all options at the present time. It is hard to say which way he is leaning, with all the options (stay put, transfer, NFL) all in play.
Mike Jones: Mike Jones expected to be one and done at LSU, but he struggled to find playing time this past season. The depth chart looks much better and LSU is hopeful he returns. Different sources had different feelings on how this one could end up.
LSU's Transfer Portal Hunt:
Before we get into the names, it is important to know the timeline here. LSU starts classes next Tuesday, and most if not all transfers have a narrowing window of next week to get this done. There is no concern about overall numbers with numerous spots available to fill. The target number will be in the 28-29 signees by the February signing period.
Mekhi Wingo, DT, Missouri
Wingo took an official to LSU prior to visiting USC and Oklahoma. New cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples was Wingo's head coach early in Wingo's prep career, giving LSU an inside track of sorts. Sources were optimistic once he entered the portal, but that optimism has grown over the past couple of days. LSU has a major need at the position and there are positive signs pointing in LSU's direction at the moment.
O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, UL(L)
LSU is hoping that the visit with Torrence positions them to land the massive lineman. Florida and Auburn are believed to be the big players here. It feels like a Tigers vs Tigers battle after talking to sources, though. Lacy's commitment certainly won't hurt, but it is pretty clear that it won't play that big of a factor in Torrence's decision. He sees the opportunity to play right away in an area he is familiar with, and the visit appears to have put LSU in a much stronger position. Florida isn't to be counted out, but it was shocking to learn that this may be a LSU and Auburn battle for the ex-UL lineman.
Tre'Mond Shorts, IOL, East Tennessee St.
LSU needs offensive linemen in a bad way and Shorts is a plug and play option. The All-American could start at guard or potentially play center for the Tigers. Sources went from hopeful to confident in his recruitment. Shorts's decision will come in the next handful of days like others, so there won't be that long of wait to see exactly where everyone stands. As of now, the feeling is that LSU is in a pretty good spot for another impact offensive lineman.
West Weeks, LB, Virginia
Linebacker is another major need, especially with Mike Jones and Micah Baskerville still contemplating entering the NFL Draft. More on that later. With all that said, the attention turned to Virginia freshman linebacker West Weeks. South Carolina is going to be a big player, but there is some confidence in Baton Rouge that Weeks may end up being a Tiger in the coming days.
Michael Trigg, TE, USC
LSU would love to add a tight end, but prior to Trigg entering the portal, there wasn't someone that demanded a ton of their attention. Trigg has their attention though, but it may take a visit to get this done and time is moving fast. If Trigg does indeed stop in Baton Rouge, the Tigers will have a real shot here.
Another CB:
The secondary quickly became a major concern for Kelly with numerous departures in recent weeks. With three pledges in place (Greg Brooks, Joe Foucha, Mekhi Garner), the Tigers are hoping one more cornerback comes forward in coming days. If not, look for them to address this position in the next portal run after spring football.
The High School Board:
Jacoby Mathews:
Mathews remains a priority and LSU is slowly building momentum in his recruitment once again. One thing to remember here is that one of the reasons Mathews elected to bypass the early signing period was to see how things played out in Baton Rouge. Frank Wilson has played a big role of late with both Jacoby and his father, which appears to be working in the Tigers favor. Mathews is still eyeing a visit to Florida and Texas A&M is still in the hunt, but it is starting to feel like it may be LSU sitting at the top of his board once again.
Trevonte Citizen:
Things don't feel as positive with Citizen as they do with Mathews. Citizen was tied to Kevin Faulk and his departure set LSU back in his recruitment. Frank Wilson and staff are trying to close the gap, but it feels as if they are still trailing at the moment. It is too premature to say Citizen won't be in this class, but it is fair to say that LSU currently trails in his recruitment.
Danny Lewis:
LSU offered Lewis and he simultaneously decommitted from Cincinnati upon receiving the overture. It led many, including myself, into believing he was destined for Baton Rouge. LSU just hired Cincy's OC Mike Denbrock, so everything appeared to be aligning for the Tigers. However, Florida is one to keep an eye on here. After poking around it became clear that the Gators are positioned to be a serious threat down the stretch. We will have our ear close to the ground on this one.
John Rutledge:
Rutledge's offer surprised many, but it is apparent that LSU is really intrigued by his speed and upside. There are a lot of scholarships to be had and adding someone with legitimate track speed and some position versatility is a no-brainer for LSU at the moment. LSU is the leader simply because they are the only player at the moment, but that may change in coming weeks. As of now, it is fair to assume that Rutledge may very well end up in this class.
LSU's Portal Concerns:
Now for the bad. There are still some guys wavering on their futures and if they do indeed decide to depart, it would further weaken some thin position groups. Offensive lineman Anthony Bradford is believed to be one of those guys, with multiple sources confirming that he has indeed contemplated entering the portal in recent weeks. LSU has very little experience up front, so his departure would be another setback for Kelly, who is tasked with replacing the entire starting unit.
There has been a lot of smoke surrounding defensive back Jay Ward as well. Ward, who was recruited by Corey Raymond, is said to be considering the portal as well as potentially entering the NFL Draft. Either declaration would be a blow to the Tigers defense. It does appear there could be an opportunity for Ward to remain in Baton Rouge, along with Bradford, but multiple sources confirm that both are exploring their options at the present time.
Kayshon Boutte appears to be locked in. Myles Brennan's return helped, along with his ties and connection to the state. His NIL deals probably didn't hurt, either. There will still be some concerned people throughout the spring and into the summer, as recruiting never ends in the current stage of college football. Never. But as of now, it appears that Boutte will likely stay.
As Julie alluded to in a prior piece, there is a belief that Deion Smith will remain in Baton Rouge throughout the spring, which will give the Tigers some time to convince him to stay put. They love what he brings to the table and the room still lacks depth, so keeping him in Baton Rouge will be important to the staff. But if he doesn't want to be here, the summer looks like the most likely time for him to join his new program.
NFL Draft:
Micah Baskerville:
It sounds like Baskerville is still contemplating returning for his final season or foregoing the remainder of his eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft. It sounds like things are still up in the air and the LSU staff is really pressing for him to stay. My gut tells me he returns for a final season.
Ali Gaye:
Gaye is another that has yet to determine his future. It does not appear that a transfer is in the works, but I wouldn't rule it out just yet. It does sound like the NFL Draft is an option, but a shoulder rehab would limit his ability to ascend up draft boards.
Jay Ward: As mentioned earlier, Ward is looking at all options at the present time. It is hard to say which way he is leaning, with all the options (stay put, transfer, NFL) all in play.
Mike Jones: Mike Jones expected to be one and done at LSU, but he struggled to find playing time this past season. The depth chart looks much better and LSU is hopeful he returns. Different sources had different feelings on how this one could end up.
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