LSU football viewed as favorite to land 5-star DL from Alabama

LSU football looks like the program to beat for a five-star defensive lineman from Alabama.

LSU football is hoping to steal 2021 five-star defensive lineman Dylan Brooks away from Auburn and Alabama.

Brooks, 6-foot-5/220 lbs from Roanoke, AL (Handley), is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation. He’s also rated as the No. 19 overall 2021 recruit.

Rivals recently “ranked the contenders” for Brooks and they have LSU leading the charge for the elite defensive lineman.

According to Rivals, the race for Brooks is “tight”. But they believe the Tigers are out in front thanks to LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, noting “Brooks is familiar with LSU, he is high on Orgeron as a coach and these out-of-state Tigers seem to be pressing all the right buttons right now”.

Rivals also pointed to Orgeron’s track record of development with defensive linemen as a reason that Brooks is high on the Tigers.

Not far behind LSU in the race for Brooks are Auburn, Tennessee and Alabama.

247Spots national writer Charles Power describes Brooks as a player who “uses a quick first step off the snap to blow by over-matched offensive tackles”. Power also says Brooks “has a natural pass rushing skill set with dip and bend around the edge”, while noting that the Alabama native is strong against the run.

Power compares Brooks to Denver Broncos edge rusher Bradley Chubb, who was a top five draft selection in 2018.

It’s easy to see why programs like LSU and Alabama are salivating over the talented defensive lineman.

For now, it’s unclear when Brooks will make a decision.

The Tigers currently have five players committed to their 2021 recruiting class, including five-star outside linebacker Raesjon Davis.