SUNDAY SOAPBOX: Recruiting

Terrelle Pryor

Lots of buzz tonight on the message boards about 5-star QB Terrelle Pryor from Jeannette, PA. ESPN has him as the #4 HS player in the nation. Rivals has him #1.

The buzz surrounds recent quotes by Pryor hinting that he'd be interested in visiting LSU. Like every school in the nation, LSU spoke with the 6'6", 225 lb QB but determined he had no interest in playing for the Tigers. However, after the Army AA Bowl, Pryor hinted that the National Champions might be in consideration. So, apparently LSU has contacted Pryor, possibly even flying up for a visit, and has set up a visit in Baton Rouge before the Feb 7th deadline. [Edit: Crowton flew in for a visit on Thurs. Looks like Pryor will visit Oregon then LSU. Link ]

Some of the rumors flying around include the influence of Tiger commit Patrick Johnson on Pryor. The two met at the AAA Bowl, and the rumor is that Johnson may be pulling Pryor towards LSU a bit. Another rumor making circles is that Pryor's relationship with new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez (while he was at West Virginia) may be confusing matters. The logic of the rumor is that Ohio State was a front runner, but now that Rich Rod is at Michigan, Pryor doesn't want to piss off either school by choosing the other. So he's opened up his options by looking at Oregon and LSU. Completely unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unresearched rumors. But interesting nonetheless.

One thing is certain - Pryor seems to be open to the idea of becoming a Tiger, at least a little.

On the off-chance Pryor becomes a Tiger, LSU's stable of QBs becomes an embarrassment of riches once again - Perrilloux, Jarret Lee, Jordan Jefferson and Terrelle Pryor. Um. Wow.

DeAndre Brown

The 6'6" Five Star WR from Ocean Springs has supposedly taken Ole Miss off his list, which has raised many eyebrows and opened the possibility that LSU may be in the hunt to land Rivals' #22 overall player and #4 WR. It can't hurt that Richard Dickson, LSU's promising young TE with two TDs in the BCS championship game, is from the same Ocean Springs high school.





Darrell Scott

Rival's number 1 running back has LSU listed and will visit the campus prior to the signing date. Conventional wisdom seems to point to Colorado, but LSU hasn't recruited a high quality RB last year or this year, so landing Scott would be a big deal. The crystal football should give him something to think about during his visit. Check out his films on Rivals - pretty impressive.





Verbal Commits

So far, LSU has verbal commitments from the following HS seniors. (Ref: Dandy Don and ESPN)

Patrick Johnson, CB, 6-1 193, FL
Tyler Edwards, TE, 6-3, 240, Monroe
DeAngelo Benton, WR, 6-3, 190, Bastrop
Chris Tolliver, WR, 6-3, 195, Rayville
Chase Clement, TE, 6-5, 240, Thibodaux
Jordan Jefferson, QB, 6-4, 215, Destrehan
Karnall Hatcher, DB, 6-2, 185, FL
Chancey Aghayere, DE, 6-4, 244, TX
Alex Hurst, OT, 6-6, 310, TN
Derrick Bryant, DB, 6-0, 183, GA
Kyle Prater, LB, 6-2, 215, TX
Ryan Baker, LB, 6-0, 212, FL
Tim Molton, WR, 6-3, 185, Destrehan
Cordian Hagans, DT, 6-5, 290, GA
DeAngelo Peterson, WR, 6-3, 190, Baton Rouge
Ryan St Julian, CB, 6-1, 175, New Iberia
Thomas Parsons, OL 6-7, 275, TX
Matt Branch, TE, 6-7, 240, Sterlington
Rocky Duplessis, S, 6-2, 185, Belle Chase
Jhyryn Taylor, WR, 6-0, 200, Franklinton
Brandon Taylor, ATH, 6-0, 175, Franklinton
Kellen Theriot, ILB, 6-2, 230, TX
Clay Spencer, OL, 6-6, 290, Baton Rouge
PJ Lonergan, OL, 6-4, 290, New Orleans

Notice anything? Everything is covered except RB and maybe one more QB.

Summary

LSU appears to be on track for another Top 10 recruiting class. Last minute suprises like Pryor or Scott or Brown could catapult LSU to a Top 5 finish. This in a year that has been universally described as a down year for LA talent. Conversely, 2009 looks to be a bumper crop, again according to those who claim to know.

Short of recruiting violations or some significant team turmoil, LSU stands to be a dominant SEC and BCS force for the foreseeable future. Of course, Notre Dame always has a fantastic recruiting class. They sort of stunk up their state last year. One never knows.

The LSU football drama continues, with the chase for Terrelle Pryor! Thanks goodness, cause - shocker - Vandy crushed the basketball team. Yawn.