Recruiting analyst predicts LSU football will steal 2021 OL from Penn State

LSU football is looking to add to its 2021 recruiting class.

Penn State has been considered the favorite recently for 2021 three-star offensive lineman Diego Pounds, but one recruiting analyst believes LSU football could step in and steal the talented offensive tackle from the Nittany Lions.

247Sports’ Billy Embody recently made his predictions for the Tigers’ 2021 recruiting class and he has LSU landing Pounds.

“While Penn State has picked up the 247Sports Crystal Ball picks for the 6-6, 305-pounder as of late, LSU is still heavily in the mix for him,” wrote Embody.

The 247Sports writer added, “If visits occur, LSU could certainly make a push to land Pounds in the offensive line class. I like where LSU stands enough to include him in my predictions”.

Pounds told Rivals earlier this summer that he could announce his commitment in late August or September. If that happens, it seems unlikely he’ll commit to LSU (visits are still a no-go and there’s no word on when they’ll be allowed to resume). Of course, even if Pounds commits elsewhere, the Tigers could still flip him if/when visits resume.

Why landing Pounds is important for LSU football

Pounds isn’t exactly considered an “elite” recruit.

The Raleigh, NC native is rated as the No. 26 player in the state of North Carolina and the No. 36 offensive tackle in the nation. He’s also rated as the No. 428 overall player in the nation.

But there’s a reason that big-time programs are high on the massive offensive lineman (recruiting services don’t always get it right). You can’t teach size. And Pounds has the size/technique to be a future NFL player.

In fact, Pounds said this spring that Florida offensive line coach John Hevesy told him he’s a future first-round draft pick.

“He (Hevesy) told me I’m going to be a tackle, first-round pick. He likes the way I move and stuff,” said Pounds to Rivals.

There’s still a lot of work to be done here by LSU, but it’s encouraging that Embody sees the Tigers landing a commitment from talented offensive tackle.