You can tell how starved everyone is for football by the amount of preseason rankings. It continues today with an intriguing defensive list -- this time the top-10 defensive lines in college football.
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DB Rashard Robinson: "LSU felt like home" 
August, 1, 2012
8/01/12
10:46
AM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
When three-star defensive back Rashard Robinson (Pompano Beach, Fla./Blanche Ely) took his latest unofficial visit to LSU he wanted to see if the program was truly the best fit for him.
And after a long day with coaches and players from the program, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound senior will head back on plane Wednesday as the 22nd commitment in the class of 2013 for LSU.
"LSU felt like home to me and it was that comfort level that allowed me to make the commitment," Robinson said. "The situation there is very good because god forbid I get injured it's a place that I can spend the next 4-5 years and know that they have an academic plan for all of their student athletes."
And after a long day with coaches and players from the program, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound senior will head back on plane Wednesday as the 22nd commitment in the class of 2013 for LSU.
"LSU felt like home to me and it was that comfort level that allowed me to make the commitment," Robinson said. "The situation there is very good because god forbid I get injured it's a place that I can spend the next 4-5 years and know that they have an academic plan for all of their student athletes."
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LSU football camp: At a glance
August, 1, 2012
8/01/12
9:06
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By GeauxTigerNation staff | ESPN.com
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Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesSam Montgomery and his teammates report for August camp on Wednesday.
Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesSam Montgomery and his teammates report for August camp on Wednesday.Aug. 1 -- Players report
Aug. 2 -- First practice
Aug. 7 -- Media day
Aug. 11, 16, 21 -- Scrimmages
Aug. 11 -- Fan day (3 p.m.-6 p.m. at Carl Maddox Field House and Pete Maravich Assembly Center)
Aug. 21 -- Last day of camp
Sept. 1 -- Season opener vs. North Texas at Tiger Stadium
Team facts
2011 Record -- 13-1
Starters returning -- 15 (6 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams)
Lettermen returning -- 41
Key returning players -- CB Tyrann Mathieu (Heisman Trophy finalist), S Eric Reid, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan, DE Barkevious Mingo, LB Kevin Minter, C P.J. Longergan, OT Chris Faulk, OT Alex Hurd, TB Michael Ford, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., P Brad Wing, K Drew Alleman.
This was supposed to be the LSU August camp where the quarterback spot was finally going to be a settled issue.
There is no more Jordan Jefferson vs. Jarrett Lee controversy. It's Zach Mettenberger's team and that was supposed to be the extent of the story.
It has not worked out that way.
There is no more Jordan Jefferson vs. Jarrett Lee controversy. It's Zach Mettenberger's team and that was supposed to be the extent of the story.
It has not worked out that way.
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Countdown to kickoff: Saturday nights
August, 1, 2012
8/01/12
7:00
AM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
GeauxTigerNation writers Gary Laney and David Helman get you ready for the season with a daily breakdown through August of what LSU is facing in the fall, from its opponents, to its road trips to who it's recruiting. In today's opening installment, Gary Laney looks at the return of something LSU fans cherish: Saturday nights in Death Valley:
It's right there on page 26 of LSU's football media guide.
Per tradition, as the afternoon light fades in Tiger Stadium and LSU emerges from the locker room to take the field before the start of a home football game, public address announcer Dan Borne tells the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's Saturday night in Death Valley, and here come your Fighting Tigers of LSU!"
It's right there on page 26 of LSU's football media guide.
Per tradition, as the afternoon light fades in Tiger Stadium and LSU emerges from the locker room to take the field before the start of a home football game, public address announcer Dan Borne tells the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's Saturday night in Death Valley, and here come your Fighting Tigers of LSU!"
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Ed Paris doesn’t hesitate when asked what the highlight was of his Tuesday unofficial visit to Texas.
The 2014 safety recruit from Mansfield (Texas) Timberview was admittedly surprised when he stepped into Texas’ weight room during his facilities tour.
“We got to meet Earl Campbell,” Paris said. “That was pretty cool.”
The 2014 safety recruit from Mansfield (Texas) Timberview was admittedly surprised when he stepped into Texas’ weight room during his facilities tour.
“We got to meet Earl Campbell,” Paris said. “That was pretty cool.”
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LSU added its 22nd commitment of the 2013 recruiting class Tuesday when Rashard Robinson (Pompano Beach, Fla./Ely), a three-star cornerback from committed.
Robinson gave LSU its third cornerback and fifth defensive back of the class. He also continues a line of Ely players to LSU that includes 2011 first-round NFL draft pick Patrick Peterson, also a cornerback, and his younger brother, incoming freshman Avery Johnson.
Robinson, a tall (6-foot-2) and slender (160-pound) corner, was high on LSU's wish list throughout the recruiting process. He impressed with a 4.33 40-yard dash (hand-timed) at the LSU camp in July and many thought he would commit there. He did not, but returned to Baton Rouge Tuesday with his parents, where he committed.
Robinson also had offers from Arkansas, Florida State and Miami, among others.
Robinson gave LSU its third cornerback and fifth defensive back of the class. He also continues a line of Ely players to LSU that includes 2011 first-round NFL draft pick Patrick Peterson, also a cornerback, and his younger brother, incoming freshman Avery Johnson.
Robinson, a tall (6-foot-2) and slender (160-pound) corner, was high on LSU's wish list throughout the recruiting process. He impressed with a 4.33 40-yard dash (hand-timed) at the LSU camp in July and many thought he would commit there. He did not, but returned to Baton Rouge Tuesday with his parents, where he committed.
Robinson also had offers from Arkansas, Florida State and Miami, among others.
Jeremy Liggins won't be with LSU this fall
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
7:18
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
After a summer's worth of speculation, it is confirmed that 2012 LSU signee Jeremy Liggins (Oxford, Miss./Lafayette) won't be with the Tigers when players report for fall camp Wednesday.
Bill Snyder, the sports information director for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, confirmed on Tuesday that Liggins is enrolled there for the fall semester and won't be attending LSU.
The confirmation comes after speculation this summer that Liggins, ranked No. 112 in the ESPN 150 for the 2012 class, would not meet academic requirements at LSU. Anthony Hart, the athletic director at Lafayette High School and Liggins' high school coach, said in June that his star quarterback was enrolled in community college classes but still hoped to attend LSU in 2012.
With Liggins no longer a viable option as a fourth quarterback for the Tigers, the speculation surrounding the possible transfer of former Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden to LSU makes much more sense. Bolden was on campus for a visit this past weekend, but no official announcement of a transfer has been made.
Bill Snyder, the sports information director for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, confirmed on Tuesday that Liggins is enrolled there for the fall semester and won't be attending LSU.
The confirmation comes after speculation this summer that Liggins, ranked No. 112 in the ESPN 150 for the 2012 class, would not meet academic requirements at LSU. Anthony Hart, the athletic director at Lafayette High School and Liggins' high school coach, said in June that his star quarterback was enrolled in community college classes but still hoped to attend LSU in 2012.
With Liggins no longer a viable option as a fourth quarterback for the Tigers, the speculation surrounding the possible transfer of former Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden to LSU makes much more sense. Bolden was on campus for a visit this past weekend, but no official announcement of a transfer has been made.
Just a week after hosting hundreds of prospects for football camp, Florida State had a top-flight offensive line recruit come in for his own unofficial visit.
The Seminoles' defensive ends coach D.J. Eliot scouted Garrett Brumfield (Baton Rouge, La./University Laboratory) during the spring and liked what he saw. Fast-forward a couple of months and Brumfield picked up the phone and planned a trip to Tallahassee.
"I contacted Coach Eliot and I was able to set up an unofficial visit last Friday," explained the 6-foot-3, 254-pound guard. "So we took a trip down to Florida -- it was about seven hours, actually. When I got there, I was able to meet with all the staff, take a tour of all the facilities, we ended up touring the locker room. Got a chance to watch the highlight tape. It was pretty good. Ended up meeting with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher in the end and he offered me in his office."
The Seminoles' defensive ends coach D.J. Eliot scouted Garrett Brumfield (Baton Rouge, La./University Laboratory) during the spring and liked what he saw. Fast-forward a couple of months and Brumfield picked up the phone and planned a trip to Tallahassee.
"I contacted Coach Eliot and I was able to set up an unofficial visit last Friday," explained the 6-foot-3, 254-pound guard. "So we took a trip down to Florida -- it was about seven hours, actually. When I got there, I was able to meet with all the staff, take a tour of all the facilities, we ended up touring the locker room. Got a chance to watch the highlight tape. It was pretty good. Ended up meeting with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher in the end and he offered me in his office."
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LSU caps off torrid summer of recruiting
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
7:35
AM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
The recruiting process is beginning earlier and earlier. That shouldn't be a surprise at this point. If it is, just consult any of LSU's three commitments for the class of 2014 -- all of whom pledged to the Tigers within the last month. Better yet, read up on Dylan Moses (Baton Rouge, La./LSU Laboratory), the eighth grader who holds a scholarship offer from LSU.
And yet, as quickly as schools are filling recruiting classes these days, that doesn't account for the pace at which the Tigers are filling this 2013 class. On the last day of July, LSU has secured 21 commitments for 2013 -- just a mere six months before national signing day in February. After a relatively slow start to the year, LSU has accrued a dozen pledges since May. And with summer recruiting camps serving as an impetus for early commitments, the Tigers have added four names to their class in both June and July this year. If you include the early birds for 2014, LSU has picked up seven commitments in the last 31 days.
This kind of production certainly isn't unheard of. Up in Big Ten country, Michigan has secured commitments from 23 of its 25 possible additions for 2013. But it's certainly a new situation for LSU during Les Miles' tenure. Commitment announcements are still expected from LSU targets like Greg Gilmore (Hope Mills, N.C./South View) before the season starts, so the Tigers could have as few as two or three spots remaining by September.
And yet, as quickly as schools are filling recruiting classes these days, that doesn't account for the pace at which the Tigers are filling this 2013 class. On the last day of July, LSU has secured 21 commitments for 2013 -- just a mere six months before national signing day in February. After a relatively slow start to the year, LSU has accrued a dozen pledges since May. And with summer recruiting camps serving as an impetus for early commitments, the Tigers have added four names to their class in both June and July this year. If you include the early birds for 2014, LSU has picked up seven commitments in the last 31 days.
This kind of production certainly isn't unheard of. Up in Big Ten country, Michigan has secured commitments from 23 of its 25 possible additions for 2013. But it's certainly a new situation for LSU during Les Miles' tenure. Commitment announcements are still expected from LSU targets like Greg Gilmore (Hope Mills, N.C./South View) before the season starts, so the Tigers could have as few as two or three spots remaining by September.
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GeauxTigerNation writers David Helman and Gary Laney break down the competitions, issues and talking points of LSU's August camp. Players report to campus Aug. 1 and we'll have a preview segment every weekday in July leading up to the day the players report:
Every artist needs a muse and if LSU's masterful 2011 regular season was indeed, a work of art, then Oregon filled the role of muse perfectly.
The Ducks were the Tigers' 2011 opening opponent, the preseason No. 3 team in the country and an opponent that could catapult LSU smack into national championship contention.
Every artist needs a muse and if LSU's masterful 2011 regular season was indeed, a work of art, then Oregon filled the role of muse perfectly.
The Ducks were the Tigers' 2011 opening opponent, the preseason No. 3 team in the country and an opponent that could catapult LSU smack into national championship contention.
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Tigers given fifth-best ground game
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
1:09
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
LSU's running game comes in at No. 5 in today's ESPN Insider piece.
LSU averaged more than 200 yards per game last year, and the Tigers return every member of the running back corps that battered opponents into submission. The team also returns four experienced starters and blue-chip talent to add to its offensive front. But all of that couldn't push the Tigers into the top of the list, which leads off with USC, Alabama, Oregon and Texas.
LSU averaged more than 200 yards per game last year, and the Tigers return every member of the running back corps that battered opponents into submission. The team also returns four experienced starters and blue-chip talent to add to its offensive front. But all of that couldn't push the Tigers into the top of the list, which leads off with USC, Alabama, Oregon and Texas.
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Jeb Blazevich eats way into the spotlight
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
1:03
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
You see college football stories every year about the crazy meal plans and workouts that players undergo to lose weight. I don't think I've ever seen this one, though.
Check out the story of 2014 tight end Jeb Blazevich (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian), who bulked himself into the tight end weight class this spring and summer by simply eating. Eating a lot, apparently.
Blezevich was a middle-of-the-road wide receiver without many offers when spring football got under way. Today, after pigging out on chicken tenders and sandwiches, the rising junior is 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and holds offers from more than a dozen schools -- including powerhouses like LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan and Virginia Tech.
So apparently that second (or third) helping isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Check out the story of 2014 tight end Jeb Blazevich (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian), who bulked himself into the tight end weight class this spring and summer by simply eating. Eating a lot, apparently.
Blezevich was a middle-of-the-road wide receiver without many offers when spring football got under way. Today, after pigging out on chicken tenders and sandwiches, the rising junior is 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and holds offers from more than a dozen schools -- including powerhouses like LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan and Virginia Tech.
So apparently that second (or third) helping isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
It looked for a while like LSU had added a new running back for 2013 in Adam Taylor (Katy, Texas/Katy). Reports of Taylor's commitment to LSU turned out to be premature, but the Tigers' interest in the 200-pounder hasn't dwindled.
Taylor was at LSU's July camp working out for the coaches. The soon-to-be senior at Katy suffered a season-ending knee injury early in his 2011 campaign and, like many other LSU targets, the main question is how well Taylor is recovering.
Of course, one look at LSU's roster raises an important question: how badly do the Tigers even need running backs at this juncture?
Taylor was at LSU's July camp working out for the coaches. The soon-to-be senior at Katy suffered a season-ending knee injury early in his 2011 campaign and, like many other LSU targets, the main question is how well Taylor is recovering.
Of course, one look at LSU's roster raises an important question: how badly do the Tigers even need running backs at this juncture?
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GeauxTigerNation writers David Helman and Gary Laney break down the competitions, issues and talking points of LSU's August camp. Players report to campus Aug. 1 and we'll have a preview segment every weekday in July leading up to the day the players report:
Even with all the glowing reports about LSU, a favorite to contend for the BCS national championship again, nobody is going to declare the Tigers national champion at the start of August.
While the Tigers indeed appear loaded and ready to make another title run, they aren't without their own set of question marks. Here are the top five that have to be answered.
Even with all the glowing reports about LSU, a favorite to contend for the BCS national championship again, nobody is going to declare the Tigers national champion at the start of August.
While the Tigers indeed appear loaded and ready to make another title run, they aren't without their own set of question marks. Here are the top five that have to be answered.
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ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com