LSU closes out 2015’s top-5 recruiting class
Put a bow on this one, because the 2015 LSU recruiting class is complete and full to it’s 25 member maximum. The Tigers signed seven of the top 10 players in Louisiana and went out of state to fill needs, doing so with blue chip talent. The Tigers ranked 5th nationally overall, the first time LSU has had back-to-back top-5 recruiting classes since 2002-2003.
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In total, over half of LSU’s 25 signees and enrollees are blue chip quality, 13 in all. LSU didn’t lose a single recruit to another school that was committed to the Tigers. Instead, LSU was able to take advantage of coaching turnover at Florida to get Louisiana’s own Derrick Dillon to come home.
For the second year in a row, LSU signed the top player in the state. 5-star WR Tyron Johnson is a natural receiver. His measurables don’t jump off the page and he’s not exceptional at anything, but he’s very good at everything. Johnson will push for playing time from the moment he steps foot on campus. His route-running is college-ready.
“His signing sends a message to the state: If you’re best, you need to come to LSU because we’ll play you.” – Les Miles on Tyron Johnson
LSU signed the best class of running backs in the country. Nick Brossette (who flirted briefly with Texas, but ultimately stayed with LSU), Derrius Guice, and David Ducre form a trio of contrasting styles to go along with Heisman candidate Leonard Fournette and running mate Darrel Williams. If LSU doesn’t find better QB play, they should still be able to generate a decent amount of offense with such a star-studded stable of runners.
In the tradition of #DBU, the defense reloaded with even more defensive back talent. Kevin Toliver II, the longest-committed prospect ever to LSU (over two years!), is the headliner of the entire class and may be the next coming of Patrick Peterson. Toliver II is already on campus and will be competing for starting time this fall.
Louisiana’s own Donte Jackson brings immense speed to the secondary, plus the ability to play both ways as a receiver on offense. Joining Jackson in the backfield will be two other Louisiana natives, Xavier Lewis and Jeremy Cutrer, providing even more depth for one of the best units in the country.
“Big strong road grater. He reminds you a bit of La’el Collins in his body type.” – Miles on OL Toby Weathersby
Second-year offensive line coach Jeff Grimes hauled in one of the best offensive line classes of the Miles era. All five are either natural blue chip talents, or prototypical players for LSU’s system. Grimes went all over the eastern half of the country to fill the class, as two players are from Texas and one each from Georgia, Ohio, and Louisiana.
LSU was able to fill most needs, but the most glaring position at which they did not was linebacker. Earlier yesterday, it looked like Mississippi linebacker Leo Lewis was primed to sign with LSU. Last weekend, he decommitted from Ole Miss when he arrived in Baton Rouge and there was a lot of chatter surrounding him. Instead, he signed with Mississippi State. As the only linebacker prospect on the board, missing out was a huge blow. Playing more two-linebacker sets (as LSU did more the half the time last year) alleviates the need for linebackers, but LSU will still have a large gap. They still have workable numbers at the position next year, but linebacker will be an emphasis in the 2016 class.
Les Miles affinity for punting talent from down under continues, as LSU continued some special teams trends. Aussie Josh Growden becomes the third Australian punter at LSU and current long snapper Reid Ferguson’s brother, Blake, will continue where his brother left off once he graduates.
This staff is hitting a high point on the recruiting trail. After signing the #2 class in the country last year and the #5 class this year, Les Miles, Frank Wilson, Ed Orgeron, and the rest of the staff will turn to a strong 2016 crop in Louisiana. There’s no doubt about it that LSU should sign another top-5 class next year, which takes the already hot recruiting to an entirely different level.
The Tigers are dominating on the trail, which gives lots of hope for on the field success. We know the issue that looms large, but LSU will not lack for talent at any position on the field.
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