Jimmy: This latest installment of LSU's 2021 class projections is packed with new names and information that we wanted to share with our members.
As you can see with my list, I see some shifts in how LSU may allocate its remaining scholarships, as well as some new names surfacing. What this projection doesn't reflect is the possibility of guys decommitting and/or flipping to another schools, nor does it reflect the possibility of LSU parting ways with a prospect to make add a guy at a more pressing position, which seems quite possible at this stage. I expect LSU to add another offensive lineman in this class, but do not have that in this month's projections.
The prospects:
Tristain Leigh continues to be a LSU lean from everything we can gather, putting the Tigers in an extremely strong position down the stretch. The visits, his fascination and comfort with the culture and area, along with key members of his inner circle's positive sentiments on the idea give LSU a strong shot at landing one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects.
Having Malik Nabers on this list may be a tad premature, but I foresee LSU making up ground over time, earning his trust, and ultimately signing the four-star receiver. The offer came much later than Nabers had hoped for, ultimately taking away some of the thrill when it was finally extended. LSU knew this would be the case, but they wanted to make sure the board allowed for it before making it official. The contact between Mickey Joseph and Nabers has been fairly frequent, with other staffers chipping in. There's definitely work that needs to be done here, but I foresee it happening. At least for now.
As for what this means for Brian Thomas--well--we will have to wait and see. I put aLSU FutureCast in for Thomas in July, and I haven't switched it, but there are a lot of signs for me that things haven't gone according to plan for LSU on this front. The confidence level in LSU's offices fluctuated quite a bit over the spring and summer months, with uncertainty growing over time. This could easily change back in time, and it could be premature to make this change on my part, but it just feels like Nabers is more likely than Thomas at this stage to me.
Maason Smith remains in my projections with my already high confidence level on growing since August's piece. Very little has changed other than Smith becoming even more involved with the program and its commitments/top targets, which is a very positive sign for LSU.
Korey Foreman would be a huge pull for LSU and I like the Tigers' chances. He isn't new to these projections, but there have been some major developments of late. FOreman's visit to Baton Rouge was a huge success and the Tigers clearly have emerged as the front runner. Landing Foreman would be huge and the Tigers have all the momentum.
Sage Ryan is a versatile piece that LSU would love to add to this class. Ryan is very comfortable with the LSU program and with visits being shutdown by the NCAA, it is difficult seeing someone else surging ahead and ultimately signing one of Louisiana's top prospects.
Matthew Langlois is back in the projections after Andrew Mukuba declared for Clemson. The Tigers are waiting to see film of Langlois's senior season, which they will soon have. He has been stellar in offseason workouts, so the feeling is that it will translate on the field. His junior tape was outstanding, but without LSU ever being able to see him in person, they have been quite hesitant in extending the offer. I expect that to change soon and Langlois to flip from his Kansas State pledge pretty quickly once it does.
Insert Tennessee commit Damarius McGhee into the conversation as LSU looks to add another pure cornerback to its class. McGhee is the most likely candidate at this stage although he is a Tennessee commitment. The Pensacola product is high on LSU's list and is being heavily recruited by the Tigers at this stage. A little digging shows me that LSU is in pretty heavy with McGhee at the moment and it appears to be paying off.
As you can see with my list, I see some shifts in how LSU may allocate its remaining scholarships, as well as some new names surfacing. What this projection doesn't reflect is the possibility of guys decommitting and/or flipping to another schools, nor does it reflect the possibility of LSU parting ways with a prospect to make add a guy at a more pressing position, which seems quite possible at this stage. I expect LSU to add another offensive lineman in this class, but do not have that in this month's projections.
The prospects:
Tristain Leigh continues to be a LSU lean from everything we can gather, putting the Tigers in an extremely strong position down the stretch. The visits, his fascination and comfort with the culture and area, along with key members of his inner circle's positive sentiments on the idea give LSU a strong shot at landing one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects.
Having Malik Nabers on this list may be a tad premature, but I foresee LSU making up ground over time, earning his trust, and ultimately signing the four-star receiver. The offer came much later than Nabers had hoped for, ultimately taking away some of the thrill when it was finally extended. LSU knew this would be the case, but they wanted to make sure the board allowed for it before making it official. The contact between Mickey Joseph and Nabers has been fairly frequent, with other staffers chipping in. There's definitely work that needs to be done here, but I foresee it happening. At least for now.
As for what this means for Brian Thomas--well--we will have to wait and see. I put aLSU FutureCast in for Thomas in July, and I haven't switched it, but there are a lot of signs for me that things haven't gone according to plan for LSU on this front. The confidence level in LSU's offices fluctuated quite a bit over the spring and summer months, with uncertainty growing over time. This could easily change back in time, and it could be premature to make this change on my part, but it just feels like Nabers is more likely than Thomas at this stage to me.
Maason Smith remains in my projections with my already high confidence level on growing since August's piece. Very little has changed other than Smith becoming even more involved with the program and its commitments/top targets, which is a very positive sign for LSU.
Korey Foreman would be a huge pull for LSU and I like the Tigers' chances. He isn't new to these projections, but there have been some major developments of late. FOreman's visit to Baton Rouge was a huge success and the Tigers clearly have emerged as the front runner. Landing Foreman would be huge and the Tigers have all the momentum.
Sage Ryan is a versatile piece that LSU would love to add to this class. Ryan is very comfortable with the LSU program and with visits being shutdown by the NCAA, it is difficult seeing someone else surging ahead and ultimately signing one of Louisiana's top prospects.
Matthew Langlois is back in the projections after Andrew Mukuba declared for Clemson. The Tigers are waiting to see film of Langlois's senior season, which they will soon have. He has been stellar in offseason workouts, so the feeling is that it will translate on the field. His junior tape was outstanding, but without LSU ever being able to see him in person, they have been quite hesitant in extending the offer. I expect that to change soon and Langlois to flip from his Kansas State pledge pretty quickly once it does.
Insert Tennessee commit Damarius McGhee into the conversation as LSU looks to add another pure cornerback to its class. McGhee is the most likely candidate at this stage although he is a Tennessee commitment. The Pensacola product is high on LSU's list and is being heavily recruited by the Tigers at this stage. A little digging shows me that LSU is in pretty heavy with McGhee at the moment and it appears to be paying off.
