At 6-2 220 lbs, I think he will be the perfect replacement for LaRon Landry and will start as a freshman. We have absolutely no experience of anyone else playing the FS spot since LaRon played all 4 years and pretty much without injury. I think this is the most likely of the 5 star recruits that LSU will nab. Florida State has too many problems and can't be seen as the dominant program any longer. Bowden can try all he wants.
I think Jones and Toliver are the two most likely 5 stars. I agree that Jones could be very special here at LSU. He could certainly step in and start along side Steltz. With McCray who is damn good as well, playing the 3rd safety like Steltz has. I think Jones would be like Mays is for USC. He is much bigger than Landry.
I don't disagree with you on those points, but doesn't Curtis Taylor back up LaRon? I can see Jones coming in and playing as a true freshman, yes. But realistically, I believe Taylor will be the "starter" early in the season, with Chad getting some early playing time (couple of series) until he's ready to assume the role all to himself. But I don't see a true freshman starting right away over a guy like Taylor, who will have had years learning the system. Besides, does anyone REALLY know what we've got in Taylor anyways? I mean, when you play behind an All-American every year to start your career, you really don't get to show how good you may actually be. My guess is that Taylor is the starter--but gives way to Chad Jones 2-4 defensive series per game until they end up splitting time or if one becomes the clear-cut starter.
In todays game safeties are pretty interchangable for the most part as far as position is concerned. I think if Taylor was a player the coaches thought that highly of he would be in there some kind of a way. More than just special teams and the few plays he gets in. Steltz backs up both Landry and Daniels as well as play the 5th DB. McCray is a true freshman who received a lot of playing time. So Im sure the starting jobs next year would go to Steltz and McCray, not Taylor. I really think Jones would have a good shot at getting in the starting line up, if not take over Stelts position as the safety back up and 5th DB.
I think SS is typically a bigger player with slightly less speed (covers TE's and supports the run). FS requires more speed generally (covering the deep pass, being able to roam everywhere around the field). Given his size and speed (registered as 4.55) he may be more suitable to SS.
That is very true, but now a days the position is a little less defined. Or at least so it seems with most teams. For LSU, Landry and Daniels really play both positions. I know Landry is lasted at FS. Either way, I see the starters being Steltz along with Jones or McCray. At his size I agree, Jones would technically be a SS.
no one knows specifically until he gets on the field, but I know the coaches are high on Curtis Taylor, and he looks real good in practice.
The reason LSU will sign Jones is because he'll drop in the MLB draft as teams worry that he will chose to play football, which means he won't get the money he wants.
