I think several of us probably predicted that if Leo Lewis came on his scheduled visit, this would occur. And I will go the 2nd step...I think he signs with LSU. When you have Kevin Steele who he knows from when he was committed to Alabama as LBer coach, he sees LSU pretty thin at current LBer spots, potentially playing some 3-4 which of course adds an extra ILB, and he sees LSU with a grand total of 0 LBers committed, can't be a shocker. I have no idea whether Steele will be an upgrade to Chavis as DC, but as far as recruiting and a position coach, not even remotely close IMO! Geaux Tigers! Next up....CeCe Jefferson and Arden Key I truly believe... along with a flip of Dillon, who canceled his Florida trip just like Key canceled his Auburn one. For the record, if LSU gets Lewis, Key, and Jefferson as I hope/expect, LSU jumps to #2 in the 24/7 standings with 290.41 points. Adding Derrick Dillon to 293.79. Of course, obviously other teams could add also but most of them are already in the mid 20's in commits.
Dillion Key Lewis (Not ready to write off MSU or OM just yet but after we hear news from visit we will know we are in driver's seat) Are in and there have been good vibes on three for a good while. CeCe will be close. Plus I think someone we haven't heard from in a while will be in play on NSD. Reid and Moreau could be in this class as well, numers game. Gibson and Tega in play. Think we have a better shot at Gibson of the two. Don't see Mike Arnold in this class.
I don't see Arnold as part of this class (even if he is interested which I don't know). My final few predicted: Dillon, Key, CeCe Jefferson, Lewis, Josh Growden (Aussie punter), and the 6th is hard for me to say....Weathersby, Reid, B Martin. I don't see Gibson myself. I don't list Tega because he apparently is going wait weeks before signing with anyone. Guess is Reid goes Stanford and Martin of course may have academic issues not helped by Prime Prep about to be chartered by state of Texas. Love to get Weathersby since LSU is thin along the OL and CVO has to get his Nigerian credits accepted here and take the standardized test.
Arnold had visits from our staff because of Grimes connection to him and VT. With Chidi in and the late approach I don't see it materializing. Reid could be our next public commit if we offer this weekend. With Peters and Hill out of the picture that offer could come. Weathersby is looking like Arkansas. Martin is likely Juco. Tega only waiting a week or so after signing day. OVC already too standardized test and should have his results soon. May have to take a couple of times more depending on his grades. Not sure if what kind of offer Growden gets...Hopefully preferred Walk-on.
Brandon Martin is one of the most interesting cases around IMO. During the all star game practices he tore it up. Looked fantastic during the game and I would rather have a qualified Martin that D Lodge who is rated much higher. Martin is bigger, faster, better hands, and gets better separation running routes. But anybody who goes to Prime Prep is not making a wise decision. Signed Jordan Mickey As far as Growden's situation, I think he should get exactly the same deal that Wing and Keehn got....they got scholarships on NSD for the next season.
LSU definitely finding itself in a very different position than in years past. We have 5 or 6 guys we can close on in the last day or two leading up to NSD (as well as the day of itself). We usually have 1 or 2 spots left and have our class firmly in hand. This obviously makes for more excitement on NSD to see what unfolds.
I've given my own predictions and to be fair, I won't change them (these are like 2 weeks old) Arden Key - LSU Leo Lewis - LSU Derrick Dillon or Daylon Charlot - one of them to LSU but not both (updated prediction...looks like Dillon) Toby Weathersby or Robertson or OVC - OVC already committed and I think we get a bonus...Weathersby to LSU also CeCe Jef {mumble, mumble} - Jamal Peters - LSU (ONLY if he visited), so actually I'm OK on that one since he didn't visit. Growden the Aussie punter - had not heard of him but my prediction is LSU will take him Reid - Stanford Gibson - not LSU B Martin - sticks with Mizzou but really JUCO Prince Tega W. - LSU Moreau - Tulane