by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
WELCOME TO OUR FINAL PREDICTIONS PIECE FOR THE 2022 CLASS...
WE MAY THROW YOU SOME CURVE BALLS FROM HERE ON OUT, ALWAYS COMING STRONG WITH THE INFO AND INTERVIEWS, BUT AS FAR AS THE MAKEUP OF LSU'S CLASS, THE NAMES INCLUDED HEREIN ARE THE PLAYERS WHO WILL MAKE UP LSU'S HISTORIC, POTENTIALLY #1 NATIONALLY RATED 2022 CLASS.
PAY KEEN INTEREST TO THE OPTIONS SECTION, AS ONLY FROM THERE CAN LSU ODYSSEY ALTER OUR PICKS FROM HERE ON OUT....
WE ARE NOW LOCKED IN.....
2022 CLASS AS IT STANDS:
-WALKER HOWARD
(QB ST THOMAS MORE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and threw last weekend, should be here for this next weekend
-JACOBY MATHEWS
(S/QB PONCHATOULA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited last weekend
-WILL CAMPBELL
(OT NEVILLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-AARON ANDERSON
(WR EDNA KARR)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-LATERRANCE WELCH
(CB ACADIANA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-JAKE JOHNSON
(TE/WR OCONEE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-BO BORDELON
(OT NEWMAN)
⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-DECOLDEST CRAWFORD
(WR GREEN OAKS)
⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-A.J JOHNSON
(WR NEWMAN)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-JADARIAN RHYM
(CB VALDOSTA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-TYGEE HILL
(DT EDNA KARR)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Visited and camped last weekend
-DEMARIO TOLAN
(LB DR. PHILLIPS)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-FITZGERALD WEST
(C/DL LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY)
⭐⭐⭐
NOW....OUR PREDICTIONS:
-SHAZZ PRESTON
(WR ST. JAMES)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coached by the legendary champion Robert Valdez, teammates with current Tiger Saivion Jones and an entrenched Louisiana juggernaut, "soon-to-be 5 star" Shazz Preston was a key member of St James' undefeated 2019 squad, pulling off 1,018 receiving yards on their way to a huge title game victory in the Superdome.
Shazz is a big play machine, registering a play of 37 yards or more in every game throughout 2019....and he didn't stop there:
Last year's semifinal run was led by Preston's 9 scores for 865 yards, while producing five 100+ yard receiving performances, six games of 5+ catches, and averaging over 12.2 yards per catch on eight occasions (averaging over 19 yards in five more appearances).
Possessing an elite wide receiving body, exacting hands and the kind of speed Mickey Joseph appreciates, look for Preston to hook up with the Tigers on his "YAC Tour".
Many were claiming Preston would be leaving the state of Louisiana for another program, all due to the Tigers signing three other wide outs before Shazz....but this isn't a young man who has his feelings hurt by a little competition.
Instead, he thrives in that setting....on that big stage.
Visiting USC this past weekend, I was told by our USC source that Shazz had a good time out in Southern California alongside his family, but "felt a few concerns". I expect former LSU megastaffer and recruiting genius "Hollywood" Jeff Martin to be working on Shazz's signature hard out on the West Coast.
Pete Golding and Alabama will use the performance of Louisiana WR and Heisman-winner Devonta Smith to sway Shazz away from his home, Texas' Steve Sarkisian will laud his playbook and how his setup jettisoned Bama's 2020 offense, UGA will sell their souls for a fistful of gold...or their first Louisiana WR of note in a loooong time....Ohio State are nipping at his heels....everyone wants Shazz Preston to line up outside for 'em....but LSU remain firmly in the lead here.
Could he wear the #7 in the future at LSU???
-KENDRICK LAW
(WR/S/RET CAPTAIN SHREVE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unofficial Visit: 6/8
The special two-way player out of Shreveport, Louisiana is destined to wear LSU's #7 jersey....such is the boundless nature of his playmaking potential.....however, another hallmark of the #7 jersey has always been versatility.
Capable of lining up out wide at receiver, tucked in the slot, taking carries at running back, returning kickoffs or punts, before playing both secondary positions on defense, this young man is a law unto himself....
Arriving yesterday for a visit on the LSU campus, this past Tuesday was the first time Louisiana State staffers have witnessed Law in the flesh. And while he didn't work out at any camps just yet, our staff will be chomping at the bit to get him in pads.
I've heard Jake Peetz is drooling just thinking of the ways he can utilize Kendrick Law within his offensive structure....then, on the other side of the coin, Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones is wondering if Law would be interested in playing safety.
This tug of war will come down to 2 things:
1) Where he helps out the team most &
2) Where does Kendrick want to play.
While Geaux 247 and Rivals shift crystal ball predictions over to teams just because a player is visiting (which they're never held accountable for...and which they did all throughout the weekend and.....again today for Kendrick), we still have to agree....but it's funny how it took Law visiting to make the obvious finally apparent.
Kendrick Law is without a doubt one of, if not my favorite player of this class...not only is he the most entertaining offensive threat or one of the more underrated defensive players, LSU's Shreveport-native is a high character young man off the field.
EARLY VERDICT: Law to LSU is a reality
-EMERY JONES
(OT CATHOLIC)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unofficially Visited: 6/4-5th
In last month's exclusive interview with LSU Odyssey, I asked Emery Jones "what's the first word that comes to your mind when you think of LSU?"
His answer?
"Home."
Jones is a total lock and would be another major boost for new OL Coach Brad Davis, who's hitting the recruiting trail hard and heavy with what's left of the contact period.
As a Baton Rouge native himself, a master technician and O-Line king, I expect Davis to continue where James Cregg left off but with the gas pedal firmly rammed to the floorboards.
Emery is coming home....bank on that.
-TREVONTE CITIZEN
(RB LAKE CHARLES COLLEGE PREP)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A stud back who has been gravitating toward LSU the entire time, but now more than ever as Kevin Faulk made sure to pull out all the stops for the Lake Charles family.
Suffering the most through the ravages of Hurricane Laura last year, the people of Lake Charles have an undying will to survive through intense struggle... The Citizens are no different from Lake Charles-native Jamie Chavanne and her family, cut from the same cloth.
LSU have always pursued Citizen, and I hear he will commit before August.
-QUENCY WIGGINS
(DE MADISON PREP)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Camp visit: 6/5
Quency Wiggins was already lauded by many outlets as a potential 5 star, mostly due to his measurables....but when he went out there and took over LSU's OL/DL camp on Saturday morning, the national recruiting world finally took notice.
Wiggins battled against 5 star LT Will Campbell in what became the reps of the weekend: an all-out, rip-roaring battle between both potential Tigers, forcing 247's Sonny Shipp to exclaim "those 7 reps were the best I've ever seen at a camp" on the Jordy Culotta Show.
Is Quency that good?
Size, speed, thickness, quickness, fast hands, blinding feet, spin moves, swim jukes, ghostly dips, Quency Wiggins is the complete pass rushing synthesis....a messenger of quarterback peril.
Damn straight...and LSU Odyssey has been trying to tell you all that for some time.
In the aftermath of his brilliant camp, which sent Coach Ed Orgeron into near convulsions, Andre Carter and Coach O understood one thing:
"We have to get this kid...."
-J'MOND TAPP
(DE ASCENSION)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The three-sport athlete is a 6'3 245 wonderforce wreaking intense havoc with his considerable length, girthy midsection and dominant physical tools.
There's no one way he can reach the QB....he can get through to the backfield anyway, from anywhere and seemingly against anyone, winning some impressive one on one camp reps vs Makaylan Pounders during a Rivals camp this author was able to witness.
Grabbing 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, scoring a safety, during his junior season; Illustrating his rapid rise and ability to adapt, J'Mond erupted for 11 tackles (all solo stops), 3 TFL, 1 sack and 1 hurry as a freshman vs St. John....
LSU launched an early offer to Ascension High's DE freakazoid J'Mond Tapp, beating out Florida, Alabama and Louisville, although UGA and USC were able to dip in front of the Tigers by some considerable time (UGA offering Tapp last fall).
As LSU tries to set up an unofficial / official visit with Tapp on campus, many other schools, especially Alabama, are firmly in the hunt.
I really dig the Tigers' chances to grab Tapp, although if the Tigers receive commitments from Shemar Stewart and Quency Wiggins, we could see J'Mond opt for one of our SEC rivals if he isn't feeling prioritized....which is why it is so imperative for LSU's recruiting staff to get this right and keep Tapp home.
-DEMARIO TOLAN
(LB DR. PHILLIPS)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Official visit: 6/18
An under the radar Florida-based linebacker who's grown close to LBs Coach Blake Baker, and demonstrates high octane promise as a potential SEC defender.
Posting 80 solo tackles from 89 total stops over his three seasons at Dr. Phillips, Tolan has shown time and time again "the buck stops with him", also throwing in 4 sacks, 2 TFL, 1 QB hurry (we can see about 6 or 7 more from just one highlight tape), 1 forced fumble, another recovery, as well as 4 passes defended.
On offense, DeMario lined up at running back and receiver, scoring 4 rushing touchdowns and hauling in a TD through the air....demonstrating his true multi-faceted skills.
His full game is promising, but not there just yet.
Tolan is a raw talent, however one who could win a Bednarik Award if developed correctly.
DeMario can sense this....and he seems to be feeling the purple & gold all the way due to Blake Baker's developmental vision.
-SHAWN MURPHY
(LB UNITY REED)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unofficially Visited: June 4-6th
Sharing the same mentor as current LSU LB Antoine Sampah, Unity Reed LB Shawn Murphy was counseled on his visit to LSU by Sampah and Coach Gary Wortham Jr, checking out what LSU had to offer this last weekend.
During his unofficial visit, Murphy watched the OL/DL camp on Saturday before showing off his strong coverage skills at the linebacker position during Sunday's skills camp workout. Shawn also received a lengthy one on one discussion and on-field practice session with Blake Baker, giving the LBs Coach the necessary insight into how Murphy reacts to hard coaching.
"The new defensive coaching staff are really nice people, I like LSU's staff more now," he told 247, paying homage to the Tigers' smart recruiting strategy thus far: Get our best coaches in a room with our best players, hopefully on a practice field....and let 'em geaux to work.
Murphy is a versatile linebacker, able to stuff the run or cover the pass equally, possesses fantastic side to side pursuit, smart technique and is able to make plays on the ball at the linebacker position.
Shawn's 6'2, 215 lb frame offers the young LB a perfect establishment before he heads through Tommy Moffitt's body moulding process, though he will need to bulk up his upper body for the SEC.
Still, I love LSU's chances here...everything seems to be falling into place: Murphy already has a really good friend on the team, a strong mentor who's connected to the program, a desire to play SEC ball....all helped by a strong recruiting push from Coach Blake Baker.
-JULIAN ARMELLA
(OL ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Officially Visited: 6/4
An Inside video on where Armella's commitment stands immediately after his June 4th official visit to LSU's campus below:
-HAROLD PERKINS
(OLB CY PARK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Officially Visited: 6/9
Amassing over 93 tackles across his past two seasons, 5 Star LB Harold Perkins is a consistent presence on both sides of the ball, however he exploded to prominence during 2020:
Posting 47 tackles in 10 games, adding 14.5 TFLs, showing his coverage skills with 6 PDs (13 in the last 2 seasons alongside an INT TD return), while forcing 3 fumbles & recovering another for a touchdown, Harold also attacked the line of scrimmage by way of 3 sacks, 2 hurries before adding a blocked field goal...and don't forget, this is a young man who rushed for 983 yards & 14 touchdowns (receiving 371 yards for 3 TDs) at the same time, proving himself more than capable in most offensive schemes.
Perkins attacks the football with bruising viciousness, he displays an innate ability to shed blocks in order to make the biggest of plays, moreover, he's a composite of great linebacker profiles: Harold has a little bit of Patrick Queen's side to side mobility, a dose of Devin White's swaggering devastation, a thick layer of Patrick Willis' battle-hardened "sauce", Dat Nguyen's heart and relentlessness, and a "whote lotta" new breed linebacking skills which stand alone.
Remember....Coach Blake Baker also has dual Texas/Louisiana ties, just like Harold.
There's many suitors, but after his trip to Baton Rouge for LSU's last Spring Game, I believe Harold has his heart set on returning to Louisiana, undoubtedly dreaming of playing a National Championship / Sugar Bowl semifinal at his hometown New Orleans Superdome.
UPDATE: Perkins arrived for his official visit on 6/9 and was greeted by an ultra-red carpet entry: everyone in LSU's entire athletic department, coaches, recruiting staff, everyone was standing along the staircases at LSUHQ's entrance to form an honor guard as he entered...Coach Ed Orgeron at the front door there to greet him and shake his parents' hands.
This is obviously another level of respect and one that will have a major effect on his recruitment....WHO ELSE CAN TOP THAT WITHOUT LOOKING FAKE?!
-DAMARI ALSTON
(RB WOODWARD ACADEMY)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is he the top running back on Kevin Faulk's list for 2022?
Damari Alston doesn't seem to be generating too much high profile buzz for his versatile play out of the backfield, although LSU are already making their push.
With Moss gone to Alabama, Tre'vonte Citizen, Trevor Etienne, and Damari Alston all receiving LSU offers, which 2 backs will the Tigers take?
Or is Orgeron prepared to grab a 3rd, alongside another potential signed athlete, Kendrick Law, who has some major buzz building for a future at running back...
3 backs seems a bit too many, and while I prefer the local boys, Alston is an absorbing talent who should only see his stalk rise this fall.
Will Alston be joining other Woodward Academy products, Zavier Carter & Arden Key, in wearing the purple & gold????
I think Alston is becoming a lock more and more by the day.
GEAUX DEEPER 👇💜💛
-FITZGERALD WEST
(C/DL LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY)
⭐⭐⭐
UPDATE: COMMITTED TO LSU
OUR PRE COMMITMENT PREDICTION FOR WEST
-KAMARI WILSON
(S IMG)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wilson is still one of the top 5 priorities left for the 2022 class, a swaggering, high football IQ "leader machine" among the secondary at IMG.....and he could be following in Eli Ricks' footsteps (as yet another IMG DB going to LSU) soon enough.
Despite all the UGA talk from Steve Wiltfong of Geaux247, Wilson has become too tight with DBU Miyagi Corey Raymond and Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones, just as we detailed back a month ago.
Still, Kamari has a decision to make....although I feel Kamari is a Tiger, the young man has gone silent for the past little bit. 2022 CB commit LT Welch has taken it upon himself to recruit the IMG safety, as the two are good friends from the process.
Grabbing 20 solo stops from 21 overall tackles, Wilson is another fundamentally strong Tiger on the outside, but his playmaking is beginning to reach another level.
With 2 interceptions and 4 passes defended from such a small amount of targets his way at safety, Wilson impacted the game in a variety of ways, returning one interception for a touchdown.
UPDATE: Kamari said this to Steve "Palpateen" Wiltfong about LSU:
-AZEREYEH THOMAS
(CB NICEVILLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Corey Raymond absolutely loves Azareyeh Thomas' length, versatility (he also plays safety) and ball skills to the point he hid the Niceville, Florida prospect's brilliance as his DBU ace in the hole, seeking to keep Azareyeh's majesty on the down low at all costs....even if it meant Jordan Allen's offer.
With a brother at Georgia Tech, Thomas has been around the block, though under the radar, he has what it takes to be a true stud and should commit to LSU sooner rather than later.
I'm told the staff are warmly received by the Thomas family....we shall see but i am being told by sources next to LSU and Thomas that this is getting closer.
TOP OPTIONS FOR THE TIGERS:
-MASON TAYLOR
(TE ST THOMAS AQUINAS)
⭐⭐⭐
Officially Worked Out 6/22
-EVAN STEWART
(WR FRISCO)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(COMING SOON)
-DENVER HARRIS
(CB NORTH SHORE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Official Visit: 6/18
LBs Coach Blake Baker has reportedly assisted Corey Raymond in his pursuit for the Houston-area corner, hoping to reel in one of the true DB stars of 2022's class.
North Shore's ball hawking extraordinaire will be in Baton Rouge for a visit this coming weekend: while on campus, Corey Raymond, Daronte Jones & Blake Baker will all be hoping to successfully fend off Alabama's Jay Valai, Texas's Terry Joseph (Mickey's brother), among a host of other suitors (Texas A&M are in the hunt, too).
Let's hope LSU's visit makes a big impact on signing Harris in December, because the pursuit for this young man will last long into early signing day, such is the magic of his boundless talents, freakish athleticism and timely playmaking.
He'll no doubt improve remarkably under the guidance of DBU Boss Corey Raymond, however it's the way his prowess will skyrocket next to studs such as Eli Ricks, Dwight McGlothern, and possibly Derek Stingley Jr which has LSU fans chomping at the bit.
Harris will not only be officially visiting on Friday June 18th, Harris will also take part in the Tigers' camp workouts this weekend, according to Julie Boudwin, and Corey Raymond is amped up about watching the Houston man wield his powers out there.
UPDATE: Though his visit went very well, the lack of traction has made me move Harris off my board.
-CHRIS "UNO" GRAVES
(ATH BISHOP VEROT)
⭐⭐⭐
-MIAMI COMMIT
-KELVIN BANKS JR
(OT SUMMER CREEK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Officially Visited: 6/4
-OREGON COMMIT
-MANI POWELL
(LB MCKINLEY HIGH)
⭐⭐⭐
One of the most under the radar linebackers of the 2022 class, Mani Powell hails from Canton, Ohio's McKinley High and has become glued to Blake Baker's radar.
Powell explodes from the screen: pure raw evidence of his hard hitting, acrobatic athleticism at inside linebacker.
Mani possesses the right kind of stuffing abilities needed in the SEC....in fact, he hits like a mack truck, plowing down anything in his path with bulletproof intensity.
Thanks to his Division Champion wrestling skills, Mani sheds blocks really well with a perfect swipe or a nice swat from his active hands, yet it's his tracking ability through traffic which made his tape stand out.
Powell has the powers to bury any back of any size from most angles, such is his finishing power as a MIC linebacker.
Standing 6'3 and 225 pounds, Mani is a predominantly thick LB already stacked and packed for SEC battle, but somehow he's still twitchy off the line, frenetic through contact, his pre-snap diagnosis is frequently correct, and his ability to create turnovers shouldn't go unrecognized.
Not only is Powell gifted as one of the strongest tacklers of any linebacker this class, Mani's speed isn't for show:
Capable of playing out of the backfield on offense as well (grabbing at least one verified 100+ yard rushing game this year), Mani runs a 4.4 40 & a verified sub 11 second time at the 100....the young bruiser's speed is outrageous and he's only getting quicker as he polishes his technique ahead of a colossal senior season.
Sadly, Mani has barely received any love or offers (Arkansas are the only current SEC team to offer Powell, alongside other offers for Syracuse, Kentucky and Indiana) & even fewer articles or profiles.... yet another Grade A athlete falls from Geaux 247 or Rivals' view.
Well, we know for a fact he hasn't disappeared from Blake Baker's view and we're aware discussions are ongoing about getting Powell on campus for workouts....Baker wants to see that speed in person.....and so do I.
LSU has a better history of turning 3 star talents into NFL Draft picks than any other program, from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Joe Burrow, Lloyd Cushenberry, Damian Lewis, Rookie G.O.A.T Justin Jefferson, Tory Carter and Racey McMath just in the last two seasons...
-BRYCE ANDERSON
(S WEST BROOK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another highly sought after safety is West Brook's Bryce Anderson, a player Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones has keyed on as a major target for his 2022 safeties room.
The #3 ranked safety in America (according to the Geaux 247 composite) visited LSU's campus, and the staff made a big impression on the Texas native, enjoying the idea of playing amongst such a distinguished group of defensive backs, let alone a reverence for DBU's history.
Bryce is playing it close to the vest leading up to his July 4th commitment date, but LSU is firmly in play as one of his favorite schools.
Anderson spent a lot of time talking to Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones about coverages, defensive schemes, his place in the safeties room alongside such a deep, talented safety corps (Sage Ryan, Matthew Langlois, Jacoby Mathews etc); Bryce was highly pleased with how Daronte handled the questions, told him his honest feelings and kept things straightforward with the West Brook safety.
He's a very hard player to predict here....I want to say he loves what he felt & experienced (talking to coaches and taking in the atmosphere at LSU), but we'll have to wait and see....he's just that in-demand, I feel hesitant to position him as a Tigers lock.
-SHEMAR STEWART
(DE MONSIGNOR PACE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
While recent Crystal Balls from 247 are giving Stewart's hometown Hurricanes the edge, there's no way anyone should be counting out the Tigers in his pursuit.
Stewart is increasingly impressed by freshman DT Maason Smith's skyrocketing rise or B.J Ojulari's destruction off the edge last year....he can tell there's a pathway to the field.
Getting love from NFL Legend and should-be HOF Andre Carter, while Blake Baker plays assist-man, and Coach Orgeron dictates the push, there's a full throttle pursuit for Stewart from all angles.
Incredibly, I was told by a strong source that Stewart's chase is "already surpassing the work LSU put in" for last year's 5 star DE prize (and #1 overall player) Korey Foreman....and that work continues.
After spending the weekend with LSU and posting his positive experience about the visit, we could see Shemar continue his tour around the country......all while his first bite at Death Valley swims around inside his head.
It was a major operation over the weekend: LSU's longtime defensive end veteran Andre Anthony took on the role as Shemar Stewart's player host, DL Coach Andre Carter spent as much time as he possibly could hanging out with Stewart, and Blake Baker (among others) took the lead at other times, too.
Stewart is a premier talent for LSU....so I have to ask: is he the #1 DL priority for Coach Orgeron's Tigers?
I'm not so sure after the camp we just witnessed from Quency Wiggins, though Shemar is at least in the top 2.
Posting 48 tackles off the edge and an outrageous 15 sacks during a pandemic-shortened junior campaign, Stewart continues to elevate his game and geaux from strength to strength, displaying tyrannical 6'5 height alongside beefy agility at 260......just wait until Tommy Moffit hangs out with Shemar!
UPDATE:
-KELVIN BANKS JR
(OT SUMMER CREEK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Officially Visited: 6/4
247 project Banks to be a 2nd Round pick and based upon Kelvin's hellish aggression, lack of false steps, or propensity to stay over his opponents' hands, we have to agree:
Banks Jr enjoyed his visit 100%, saying "LSU is a place I can see myself at in the future", while his family had the time of their lives, loving the atmosphere around Baton Rouge.
Just wait until they meet Coach Brad Davis, which they sadly were unable to, due to collegiate recruiting protocol.
The high school All-American grinder has the versatility to kick inside to guard (which is where LSU would most likely need him to move, considering we just lost Lucas Taylor to Miss St, our only guard from 2022 thus far) plus, his family are really intrigued by the prospects of joining the Tiger Family Nation.
Banks sports a domineering 6'5, 300 pound presence at the line of scrimmage, a presence which he showed off brilliantly at the OL/DL camp on the 4th.
There's other options on the offensive line, Devon Campbell, Banks' teammate Kam Dewberry, Washington state's Malik Agbo, all are still being actively recruited by LSU and will camp in Baton Rouge through June.....still, Banks is the guy to watch.
LSU understand why Texas is such an offensive line factory...and it has just as much to do with the coaching as it does the fried chicken or divine Tex-Mex.
Kelvin Banks Jr is without a doubt the second best offensive lineman in the class behind only Will Campbell, that's just my opinion, but when you watch him perform out there, you'll recognize his all-encompassing steel-wall abilities.
-WALTER NOLEN
(DT ST BENEDICT OF AUBURNDALE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Despite the big tackle's measurables, Nolen can fly around and smack the crap outta ya, blasting a number of ball carriers / QBs into the backfield, fighting off double or triple teams with the stuffing ability of 2019 Tyler Shelvin;
Additionally, Nolen's interior pass-rushing is elite, chasing quarterbacks' pants wet for 21 hurries, 2 sacks and creating 3 turnovers (2 forced fumbles, 1 recovery).
Yup, Nolen can get after the quarterback for a big fella, but it's the quickness of his medieval hand to hand combat which caught the full, undivided attention of many top coaches.
Expect Coach O to be all over Nolen's signature, not wanting to see the Tennessee-native DT head to Alabama, who Nolen unofficially visited on April 17th this year.
Although the Tigers have DT Tygee Hill's commitment, LSU need some further inside help...and there's no one better in the nation than Nolen.
Especially a massive DT who can force a fumble, scoop it up and return it 21 yards through traffic....that's the type of athletic expertise Nolen has on tap.
-DOMINICK JAMES
(DT IMG)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coach O is a big fan and James just seems to be a perfect match. He takes Abor's place in our predictions as we felt Abor was just too on the fence and too close to Alabama for us to realistically include him....although you can tell we're a fan of Omari's game.
Dominick fits the bill...think a little bit of Dorsey's quick hands, a small dose of Shelvin's beastly aggression up the gut and also some morsels of Drake Nevis, a bit of Kyle Williams' hustle....then you have "Dominator" James.....
-JORDAN ALLEN
(CB Lafayette Christian Academy)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sadly, but understandably, Sage Ryan's Lafayette Christian Academy teammate Jordan Allen is currently visiting Miami this weekend and didn't include LSU in his top 6....still, he really wants to be a Tiger, evidenced by his dawning of the purple & gold as part of a visit during the week.
However, there are still no offers on tap for Jordan Allen from Corey Raymond...
Why?
Surely a reason was given during Allen's visit to campus.
This has to be more strategic than anything against Allen's talents or ability to play for LSU: Raymond's reluctance to offer the corner has to be out of a caution for messing with their overall 25 scholarship number.
Allen won't want to be a backup plan and it looks like he's enjoying the University of Miami already, with the Hurricane's DBs Coach Travaris Robinson prioritizing the Louisiana-bred corner.
If LSU really want Jordan Allen, they may have to offer him this weekend or they may just lose him for good.
UPDATE: The call he was promised Never came. I don't know how he can find a path to LSU, now.
-MALIK AGBO
(OT TODD BEAMER)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-OMARI ABOR
(DE DUNCANVILLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-KEON SABB
(S IMG)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another big time 5 star DB out of IMG and a teammate of both Wilson & Campbell's, Sabb has been in major demand, picking up offers from nearly every Power 5 powerhouse you can think of....with more (those who are sadly late to the party) arriving by the day.
Over two years at Glassboro High (before moving to IMG), Sabb elevated to the 5 star rating after picking off 11 passes, smashing 77 tackles, defending 7 more passes, as well as adding savage physicality (a QB hurry & forced fumble).
While those numbers made Sabb a star, his playmaking is the real reason IMG came calling and why LSU is all over the IMG star:
As a freshman at Glassboro, Sabb took 19 kickoffs for 534 kickoff return yards, recording 2 return touchdowns; as a sophomore, Sabb took it to another level on the offensive side of the ball, producing 6 receiving touchdowns at wide receiver and finishing with just under 1,500 all purpose yards.
Sabb is a player you haven't heard many talk about, and for such a highly ranked "Devastation Station" possessing overwhelming pace and boundless athleticism, these analysts better start putting some respect on this young man's name.
Also attracting the DBU team of Corey Raymond & Daronte Jones?
Sabb is learning from the best DB coaches you can find at the high school level, excelling under defensive coordinator Jeff Pond.
-ENAI WHITE
(DE IMHOTEP INSTITUTE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-KAM DEWBERRY
(OT ASTACOCITA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-DARYL SEARCY JR
(RB/LB JOE T. ROBINSON)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-TRAVIOUS LATHAN
(LB GULLIVER PREP)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-DEVON CAMPBELL
(OT BOWIE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
He's come on to the scene thick and fast for LSU. Brad Davis is working overtime. He understands the OL riches within LSU's 2022 class, especially out of Texas where Dewberry, Banks Jr and Campbell all hail.
My info tells me Campbell has been liking what he's hearing, though wants a few visits before deciding.
However, the ice has been broken.
2022 CLASS FINAL PROJECTION:
-WALKER HOWARD
(QB ST THOMAS MORE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-JACOBY MATHEWS
(S/QB PONCHATOULA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-WILL CAMPBELL
(OT NEVILLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-AARON ANDERSON
(WR EDNA KARR)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-LATERRANCE WELCH
(CB ACADIANA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-JAKE JOHNSON
(TE/WR OCONEE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-BO BORDELON
(OT NEWMAN)
⭐⭐⭐
-DECOLDEST CRAWFORD
(WR GREEN OAKS)
⭐⭐⭐
-A.J JOHNSON
(WR NEWMAN)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-TYGEE HILL
(DT EDNA KARR)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-AZEREYEH THOMAS
(CB NICEVILLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-KAMARI WILSON
(S IMG)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-DAMARI ALSTON
(RB WOODWARD ACADEMY)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-HAROLD PERKINS
(OLB CY PARK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-SHAWN MURPHY
(LB UNITY REED)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-DEMARIO TOLAN
(LB DR. PHILLIPS)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-J'MOND TAPP
(DE ASCENSION)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-QUENCY WIGGINS
(DE MADISON PREP)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-FITZGERALD WEST
(C LCA)
⭐⭐⭐
-TRE'VONTE CITIZEN
(RB LAKE CHARLES COLLEGE PREP)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-EMERY JONES
(OT CATHOLIC)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-JULIAN ARMELLA
(OL ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-KENDRICK LAW
(WR/S/RET CAPTAIN SHREVE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-SHAZZ PRESTON
(WR ST. JAMES)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
-JADARIAN RHYM
(CB VALDOSTA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Copyright 2021 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
SHOUTOUTS: BOOGFUNK IS THE MAN. WHAT A DOOD TO HAVE IN YOUR FOXHOLE!
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