Assuming we get Thomas, I just don't see it. What would we do with 8 solid RBs (not space eaters) on the roster (counting Ridley)? The staff loves the ability of the young guys we have, it's not like we're trying to find replacements for them. We have better use for those scholies, regardless of the numbers next year. I think 2 RBs will be plenty for '09, unless one is not expected to qualify. And one would honestly be enough, but I think there will be another one out there we just can't turn away.
Parso, I just don't see us getting only Ridley in 07, possibly nobody in 08 and then settle on just 2 in 09. Three RBs in 3 recruiting seasons. I just don't see that happening. That's my take.
Again, I'm assuming Thomas in this class as I feel very good about him. That would mean 5 RB's in the past 4 years - with currently no attrition/major injuries/lack of development. And if we take 2 next year, that gives us 7 total over 5 years, which is plenty when every one of them is capable of being a solid contributor.
Now that signing day has come and gone, what prospects are a must for next year to fill our needs? What prospects are early LSU locks?I was very pleased with this years class for the simple reason that we got the players we desperately wanted as in PJ and Chancey A. and a few others. This class is very solid to say the least. It more or less was to solidify depth. This is why I am asking what are our desperate needs for next year.
I guess just as important is how many slots will LSU realistically have for next 2009? I've seen anywhere from 13 (which is way low) to 23 or 24.
CParso and I won't agree on this, but LSU needs to nab 3 RBs now that Thomas didn't pan out. Also, we need an impact LB and possibly 2 of them. The QB position will be critical as well. Jefferson is far from a sure bet (although I think he will do quite well), so we need to get a stud QB in this year's crop.
LSU could use 3 RBs just for numbers but it's going to be a smaller class. LSU will be signing 2 high quality RBs (Ford and Lacy/York/someother RB not on the radar) so I'd agree LSU could get away with 2. How many they sign is way too early to speculate. Depth at DT and another QB are going to be important for next year.
You are WAY too set on RBs. LB is a far bigger need. We have both Williams and Scott for two more seasons and Murphy for three years. No need to get all worked up over RBs. I know we need some for back up but still, not a serious need by any means. I definitely want to keep all the top in state players here but some may be moved. On the other hand Cutrera and Sheppard havent shown anything to show they are capable starters. Cutrera did OK but Im not sold on him. Riley looks to be a player. This year Baker has everything needed to be a start. Im not sold on Prater being a starter, hopefully Im wrong. Its a whole new position if Theriot is moved so he is a project but I think he could be a sleeper in this class. Beckwith leaves after next year, so yeah LB is a HUGE need. We may need to look to move players. I dont know why, but LSU has never recruited LBs well. The last really big time LBs we have gotten are James and Faulk. That was one amazing year for talent in Louisiana.
Even without Thomas, I still only see the need for 2 qualifying RBs. As excited as we are about '09, the best sophomore (class of '10) in the country is a RB from Arkansas that favors LSU. At least two. Depending on Lee & Jefferson's development, we need at least one QB. We may take 2. DT looks to be a big need next year, depending on how many guys that were considered DE convert to DT. WR depends on who qualifies this year, but at least one as one of the best in the country is in our backyard. Possibly as many as 3.
