LSU received some bad news when Ian Symonette committed to Miami. To make matters worse, it appears Chris Mitchell may be headed that way too. This will not help LSU to climb in the recruiting ranks.
Getting Symonette would have been a nice addition no doubt about it...but you have to applaud the coaching staff for being able to bring in a solid group of O-linemen. Sure, more depth would have been optimal, but I think it's safe to say that we have met our linemen needs--even if by the slightest of margins. Matt Allen, Phil Loadholt, Singleton, Zhamal Thomas, Snyder.... those guys there at least gives us some depth for next year and Allen, Thomas and Loadholt offer some pretty solid options as starters/backups for '08 and '09.
I agree. I am more concerned about Chris Mitchell who, after visiting Miami, indicated LSU was no longer at the top of his list. He is expected to make his decision soon, perhaps tomorrow.
I suppose with the recent committment by Jared Mitchell, what Chris does loses some importance, but I hate to lose recruits that we should get, just out of principle. It is extremely desirable to have a top five recruiting class. But in the end, I think the bottom line is are we successful in filling the gaps that need to be filled with quality athletes, and I believe we are doing that. But if we lose too many more 4-star recruits we can probably not finish with a top five class. Sure hope Deas decides to come to LSU.
So am I. Visit the thread I started about Mitchell. But getting back to Symonette and our O-line situation, I just thought I would add that I've read some articles on Symonette that sort of high light that since he's only played 2 years of organized football that he's still somewhat of "a project". Again, I'm not downplaying him just because he's not coming here because I think I made it pretty clear that I would still have loved to have him, but the fact of the matter is even if he would have signed here, it's my opinion that players like Matt Allen, Loadholt and Thomas would stand to have a better chance of playing before Symonette. Loadholt, at 6-foot-9 and 345 lbs. has the size of Symonette, but having played in JUCO, he has even more experience than Symonette. Allen, while still a high school Sr. like Symonette, just appears to be a more polished lineman and after having watched some of his highlight reals, looks to possess a bit of a "mean streak" (without being considered "dirty"). and Zhamal Thomas is a more highly touted lineman than Symonette and though he's listed as the #12 offensive guard this year, at 6-foot-4 and 335 lbs., he has the size to move to tackle if needed.
I think we get Deas... I hope we get Jones, but I think he is Georgia Bound... Also, I think C Mitchell decides goes to LSU...
I figured that Symonette was going to be Miami bound, with him being from the Bahama's I think that was an atmosphere he would be much more used to. I have a relatively good feeling about getting Reshad Jones. He wanted to go out of state at the beginning. Dandydon reported he had heard that his mom was living in Lafayette. And Miles had an in home visit recently that went very well. If we get him, whoaaaa. Three 5 star players - and all 3 of them would get a good amount of playing time next year.
