While LSU has been historically known for the talent its developed on the defensive line and at defensive backs as of late the Tigers have grown a reputation for developing elite wide receivers. The position LSU doesn't get enough credit for is offensive linemen especially at offensive tackle. On a yearly basis, LSU boasts one of the best offensive lines in the SEC as well as Nationally and since the game has become pass heavy the Tigers offfensive line has been crucial.
Part of developing an elite offensive line is landing the top recruits on a yearly basis to keep depth and talent constantly flowing into the room. In the wake of Will Campbell being drafted, we're looking back at LSU's highest ranked offensive tackle recruits of All Time and where they stack up using 24/7 Sports Composite rankings.
In the 2017 Recruiting Class, LSU dipped into Texas' talent pool nabbing offensive tackle Austin Deculus the 91st ranked player in the class and the 13th ranked offensive tackle. Deculus was an instant plug and play player for the Tigers starting 46 games at right tackle while appearing in 61 games which is more than any other player in school history winning a National Championship along the way.
The only offensive tackle in LSU history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft actually checks in as LSU's 4th highest ranked offensive tackle recruit of All-Time. Will Campbell was a top recruit in his class ranked as the 66th best player, the 9th ranked offensive tackle, and the 3rd ranked player out of Louisiana. Campbell would go on to become an iconic LSU Tiger starting all three seasons at left tackle while wearing the number 7 for two seasons at LSU which speaks to how important he was to LSU's offense.
The LSU Tigers landed one of the best players in the Country during the 2015 recruiting cycle landing Texas 4-star Maea Teuhema the 34th ranked player in the Country and the 2nd ranked offensive tackle in the class. As a true freshman Teuhema made an instant impact starting 11 games at left guard helping pave the way for Leonard Fournette. During his Sophomore season, Teuhema played both guard positions before becoming the Tigers starting right tackle down the stretch. Unfortunately, Teuhema wasn't able to finish his career with LSU as the Tigers suspended him for academic reasons before his Junior season causing him to transfer to Southeastern Louisiana.
In the 2023 recruiting class, LSU had one of the Nation's top recruits In-State and Brad Davis was able to get Monroe, Louisiana's Lance Heard to sign with the Tigers. The move kept the 16th ranked player and the 3rd ranked offensive tackle at home giving LSU a massive addition. Heard would start one game as a Freshman while appearing in 12 games for the Tigers but, was stuck behind two elite tackles in Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. After the season, Heard entered the transfer portal signing with Tennessee where he was impressive this past season.
La'el Collins was a truly special recruit as one of three LSU signees ever to earn a 100 grade or higher from 24/7 Sports' Composite behind Leonard Fournette who garnered a 101 grade and tied with Derek Stingley Jr. Shockingly, with a 100 grade Collins was still the 3rd ranked player in his class behind Jadeveon Clowney and Cyrus Kouandjio. Collins spent four seasons at LSU starting the 2012 season at guard and the 2 following seasons at Left Tackle. During his LSU tenure, Collins racked up countless awards and would have been a first round pick if not for a Pre-Draft investigation where Collins wasn't a suspect.