LSU Football: Tigers now in the mix for elite inside linebacker

LSU football wasn’t among 2022 four-star linebacker Shawn Murphy’s initial top eight schools.

But the Tigers are now in the mix for the elite inside linebacker.

Murphy, 6-foot-2/215 lbs from Manassas, VA (Unity Reed), recently added LSU to his top schools, which also includes Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Penn State.

The Virginia native told 247Sports that the Tigers are a factor for his commitment because of “increased contact”.

“They [have a] new (defensive) coaching staff, they are really nice people,” said Murphy. “I like the coaching staff at LSU more now.”

Alabama, Florida, and Penn State appear to be the leaders for the talented linebacker, though there’s still a lot of time left for Murphy’s other top programs to make an impression. Murphy is expected to take some visits this summer, before making a decision later this year.

Shawn Murphy would be a great get for LSU football

Murphy is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 6 player in Virginia. He’s also rated as the No. 61 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn says Murphy has “excellent explosion and body control”.

Dohn also notes that Murphy “plays downhill and physical”, is a “good blitzer”, and “chases down plays from behind”. Dohn says Murphy has day one NFL draft potential.

LSU currently has 13 players committed to its 2022 recruiting class (which is ranked No. 2 in the country). The Tigers, however, don’t have a commitment yet from a linebacker. Murphy would certainly be a nice addition for Ed Orgeron and LSU.