As for the whole Mingo-as-a-DE thing: ESPN/Scouts, Inc. writes: "At this time we project he will start his career off at outside linebacker but quickly grow into a defensive end with continued physical development....Better attacking forward than laterally which could precipitate the move to DE." ESPN - Barkevious Mingo Rankings, Grade, News, Stats - College Football Recruiting 2009 They also pointed out he'd be most ideal as an OLB in a 3-4 defense, which is the same thing I felt when watching his film. Dandy Don noted that "Mingo could grow into a defensive end in college." Dandy Don's LSU Football & Sporting News - Top LA Prospects - Class of 2008 But yes, the highlight clip of Mingo on Rivals was very fun to watch: Barkevious Mingo - Football Recruiting I agree with ESPN/Scout, Inc. that: Overall, it is hard not to love this Mingo's raw abilities on film. Potential size and speed combination at the next level is exciting.
Well the fact is that year in and year out, the state of Florida is loaded beyond belief with talent. It says a lot if we don't offer a kid from La but less for a Florida kid. There are just so many scholarships. And while he may not have been rated high enough to warrant a scholarship offer from the top Florida schools.........yet(senior year yet to be played), that doesn't mean he won't be a rockstar for us. I'm confident that as selective as the coaching staff has been in our own state, they are not just scraping the barrel elsewhere in order to round out our class. I think we are certainly taking quality first and foremost. He's going to be a good one.
do you know how early it is in the 2009 recruiting season and how much these rankings will change by Nov-Dec?? I dont believe either service has even rated 80% of the kids out there yet. this must be your 1st year following recruiting closely, no??
Not trying to discredit your opinions but just going over the same films you watched I didn't see the same things as you and was pointing out what the Scout and Rivals guys are saying about him. Also, there is a major reason why he has not be offered by FSU and UF and may not be at all this recruiting season. They have taken a bunch of LBs the last 2 classes and do not have room to take any or many more. They will focus on one or two 5*/ high 4* they are after this class at the most. In the past 2 classes (07-08): FSU took 6 LBs and 1 is projected to switch to LB (also have a 4* who committed early in 09) UF took 6 LBs and 1 is projected to switch or already has moved to LB from another position Compare that to LSU who took no LBs in '07 and in 2 LBs in '08 (Ryan Baker and Kyle Prater). Hence, LSU will probably taking 4 or 5 LBs to catch up with the rest and provide the depth needed.
I hope Mingo stays at linebacker. A 6' 4" 240lb OLB with speed would be great! We seem to have the speed but never the size.
No question, the linebacker position is one Coach Miles is concerned about and is focusing on in his recruiting efforts.
After the 2 commits it is starting to look like Mingo and Chris Williams as of now. Heard from one source that Tajh Jones has a long way to go to qualify and may end up a grey shirt or JUCO. My guess is that Bostic is ahead of Williams on LSU's board but expect Bostic to get a lot more attention as time goes by. So we could end up with Bostic, Mingo, and Williams if Jones doesn't get the grades up in time.
