LSU finishes in a virtual tie for 3rd place Composite Rankings

Yeah, and even though LSU finished #5 (24/7 composite...be even better if ESPN wasn't in the 4 sources used ), probably no one would give LSU an A+ or A. I didn't....Helm didn't. the worst problem with the rankings is not the star system. The worst part is that NEEDS of the team don't count for squat. The reason I don't think any LSU fan would give the recruiting an A+ or A was that a grand total of 0 LBers (an area of great need) were signed. We can go back and forth about whether McMillan will be a good college QB. He IS a QB and he WAS signed. There can be no debate about LBers. 0 were signed and only Key could possible play LBer out of this class I think...if he didn't gain a pound. Just like Mingo could have played LBer at LSU because quite frankly the guy stayed very small weight-wise for an SEC DE his entire career at LSU which is why he plays LBer in the NFL.

 

Certainly this class wasn't a home run since we didn't get a linebacker. Still we shouldn't lose sight of what we DID get. We are bringing in lots of offensive talent. Hopefully Harris, McMillan, or Jennings can get the ball to the receivers. Even if they don't, with the offensive lineman and running backs we recruited to go along with what we already have, we should be able to run the ball on anyone.

Hopefully we will make up for this lack of LB with an overstocking of them next year. I know that LSU's already put out offers to a couple of 2016 linebackers just yesterday.

 

To become more positive, I was THRILLED with the OL signings. In 1 year, Grimes did more than Studrawa did his last 2 classes. WRers and secondary a strength...RBs a strength. IF LSU had signed say a Leo Lewis (assuming he doesn't have to go JUCO) or a Roquan Smith who is still unsigned, I would move the grade up to an A.

BTW, there are running games....and there are running games. You can make a standard running game look amazing with some imagination. Remember the A&M game....read option...flanker sweeps...crossbucks. Running the ball 66% of the time per se is not a bad thing. Running the same play (pitch back to run to LT/LG) as 66% of your offense is the problem.

 

its about filling needs first. kinda the part that has me worried. (looks like jr covered it upon review)

 

The only thing about this class is that we got no linebackers and that is gonna come back to bite us in the ass in a couple of years, but 2016 has a lot of defensive players that will be sought after in Louisiana, just hope they can come in and play immediately like the Jamal's, Kwon's, and such.

Other than that, we replenished our RBs that left, got great offensive line talent that will be worked in and if the defensive linemen step up like they should, we will be alright in that front. Harris has to step up and learn the playbook and get the work in and if that happens, it will be interesting or they may get a transfer, but overall I think they did good and to me I only want those that want to put on the P&G and play their hearts out.

 

247 actually has a function (Class Calculator) that allows you to remove/add players and then recalculate so rather than use your gut, give it a shot. I doubt you could overcome 6 5*'s that put Bama at the number 1 spot. Not to mention, this scenario plays out every year. Georgia has 29 this year but only took 21 last year. There is a reason FSU is at 20. It's fun to say "if" but it isn't a reflection of reality.

 

First, the LBer LSU has have to stay healthy. Garrett has to contribute. And I still believe one of the lighter DEs might be moved back to LBer to add depth.

 

Head coaches and recruiters don't evaluate properly either. With limited time and a set budget, it makes sense to put almost all of it toward the trenches and skill positions. Kickers, punters, snappers, can mostly be left to film, which means no formal recruiting, which means blue shirting, gray shirting, walk-ons.

 

i used to think this was such an overlooked area of college football then as time passed i realized parcells was right. you cant trust a kicker/punter/special teams specialist.

maybe because the saints drafted erxleben in the first round.

the dude we got at punter (or kicker?) is an aussie. i think that makes it ok. they are a bit more dependable. and aussies are generally cool on and off the field.

 

No, I'm not talking coaches...I'm talking recruiting services. They are in the business of assigning stars and points to players. Thus, they are coming under increasing fire from people for NOT evaluating kickers or punters or snappers and simply pulling a number out of the hat. People have been asking...has there ever been a 5* kicker? The answer is no BTW. That is nonsense! In fact, I will go further...there is almost never a 4* for a punter or kicker. Does that make sense to you? Doesn't to me. IF they do not want to evaluated kickers, they need to remove the ratings completely and not drag down the ratings per player because they don't want to do their job. Simple as that.