GTN writers Gary Laney and David Helman discuss issues around LSU football.
Question: ESPNU has been showing both LSU-Alabama games from last season. Looking back at them, what strikes you the most in retrospect?
Gary Laney: Just how badly the LSU offensive line was handled by the Alabama front. The Crimson Tide defense didn't just beat the LSU offensive line, they embarrassed the Tigers' front.
Question: ESPNU has been showing both LSU-Alabama games from last season. Looking back at them, what strikes you the most in retrospect?
Gary Laney: Just how badly the LSU offensive line was handled by the Alabama front. The Crimson Tide defense didn't just beat the LSU offensive line, they embarrassed the Tigers' front.
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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:
The consensus about LSU coach Les Miles for a long time was that he'd always favor experience over youth. For years the argument about the Tigers' head man was that he wouldn't give newcomers a fair shake against established players.
That doesn't hold much water these days -- not after the past two seasons. LSU is 24-3 in the past two seasons, and green players have played a role of their own in setting that mark. In 2010 it was defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu, Tharold Simon and Eric Reid reaching the field early to make an impact.
The consensus about LSU coach Les Miles for a long time was that he'd always favor experience over youth. For years the argument about the Tigers' head man was that he wouldn't give newcomers a fair shake against established players.
That doesn't hold much water these days -- not after the past two seasons. LSU is 24-3 in the past two seasons, and green players have played a role of their own in setting that mark. In 2010 it was defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu, Tharold Simon and Eric Reid reaching the field early to make an impact.
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It's a bit hard to believe, but things are finishing up for LSU's 2013 recruiting class as August approaches.
A team like the Tigers has the pick of the litter, for the most part, when it comes to recruiting. But with 21 current commitments and a dwindling pool of high profile targets, there likely won't be too much more activity in the coming months. The commitment of defensive tackle Scott Pagano (Honolulu, Hawaii/Moanalua) to Clemson on Tuesday night gives the Tigers one fewer prospect to chase, increasing the intrigue around fellow defensive tackle Greg Gilmore (Hope Mills, N.C./South View) and his approaching decision.
In the meantime there are only a few more chances to scout out talent this summer before the 2012 season begins. This weekend's 2012 Champion Gridiron Kings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., promises to be such an occasion.
A team like the Tigers has the pick of the litter, for the most part, when it comes to recruiting. But with 21 current commitments and a dwindling pool of high profile targets, there likely won't be too much more activity in the coming months. The commitment of defensive tackle Scott Pagano (Honolulu, Hawaii/Moanalua) to Clemson on Tuesday night gives the Tigers one fewer prospect to chase, increasing the intrigue around fellow defensive tackle Greg Gilmore (Hope Mills, N.C./South View) and his approaching decision.
In the meantime there are only a few more chances to scout out talent this summer before the 2012 season begins. This weekend's 2012 Champion Gridiron Kings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., promises to be such an occasion.
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Three-star offensive tackle Clay Rhodes (Stilwell, Kan./Blue Valley), the No. 2-ranked player in Kansas, got the offer thousands of high school athletes dream of getting.
And he turned it down.
Rhodes, a Missouri commitment, respectfully declined an offer from LSU on Tuesday. While he said the scholarship was beyond intriguing, his loyalties are to his original commitment as Missouri prepares for its first season in the SEC with LSU.
And he turned it down.
Rhodes, a Missouri commitment, respectfully declined an offer from LSU on Tuesday. While he said the scholarship was beyond intriguing, his loyalties are to his original commitment as Missouri prepares for its first season in the SEC with LSU.
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Cali CB Adoree' Jackson on the rise 
July, 25, 2012
7/25/12
9:49
PM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Gardena (Calif.) Serra High is well known for putting out wide receivers, but one of the top players in Southern California is on the other side of the field for the Cavaliers.
Junior Adoree' Jackson emerged this spring as he was among the top defensive backs at the Los Angeles NFTC that included elite defensive backs like Max Redfield, Chris Hawkins, Tahaan Goodman, Tyler Foreman and Priest Willis. Onlookers and coaches alike agreed that Jackson was as good as any of them.
"Adoree is ferocious. He is real athletic, has good hips and is more physical than you would think. He has a bright future ahead of him. He will be at the top of his class and can go anywhere he wants," said Michael Fletcher, head defensive backs coach for the NFTC.
Junior Adoree' Jackson emerged this spring as he was among the top defensive backs at the Los Angeles NFTC that included elite defensive backs like Max Redfield, Chris Hawkins, Tahaan Goodman, Tyler Foreman and Priest Willis. Onlookers and coaches alike agreed that Jackson was as good as any of them.
"Adoree is ferocious. He is real athletic, has good hips and is more physical than you would think. He has a bright future ahead of him. He will be at the top of his class and can go anywhere he wants," said Michael Fletcher, head defensive backs coach for the NFTC.
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Malachi Dupre (New Orleans, La./John Curtis) put himself on the map last week dazzling at LSU's football camp for all to see.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound wide receiver excelled first in passing drills before testing off the charts, proving that he was more than just a big body. Shortly afterwards, a tender from the reigning SEC champions put Dupre firmly on the map as a big-time prospect.
"I went to the camp knowing what I can do," Dupre said. "I don't think too many people knew my talent, but I knew what I could do. I think a lot of people were sleeping on me, and I went out there and was basically beating real, real good defensive backs and when then happened, the coaches liked me. Then my vertical, I jumped a 40 1/2 and once I did that, that was it. I was extremely excited to get that offer."
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound wide receiver excelled first in passing drills before testing off the charts, proving that he was more than just a big body. Shortly afterwards, a tender from the reigning SEC champions put Dupre firmly on the map as a big-time prospect.
"I went to the camp knowing what I can do," Dupre said. "I don't think too many people knew my talent, but I knew what I could do. I think a lot of people were sleeping on me, and I went out there and was basically beating real, real good defensive backs and when then happened, the coaches liked me. Then my vertical, I jumped a 40 1/2 and once I did that, that was it. I was extremely excited to get that offer."
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With two offers, Trent Gow taking his time
July, 25, 2012
7/25/12
12:46
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Tight end Trent Gow (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) has two offers, but he still isn’t giving up on two potential home-run opportunities.
Gow has been in contact with Texas and LSU for months now, and while neither school has pulled the trigger in offering, he said he still keeps them within distance in his recruiting process. Currently, Gow has offers from Air Force and Georgia State, and he’s received interest from Iowa State, Georgia, San Jose State, Tulsa, Lehigh and Temple.
“Lehigh and Temple both are in Pennsylvania, and I have family in Philadelphia,” Gow said. “Temple told me they would offer if I came to one of their camps. Georgia has suggested putting me on as a preferred walk-on. I’ve talked to San Jose State, and they said they want me to come on campus. They’re looking at me as a possible H-back.
Gow has been in contact with Texas and LSU for months now, and while neither school has pulled the trigger in offering, he said he still keeps them within distance in his recruiting process. Currently, Gow has offers from Air Force and Georgia State, and he’s received interest from Iowa State, Georgia, San Jose State, Tulsa, Lehigh and Temple.
“Lehigh and Temple both are in Pennsylvania, and I have family in Philadelphia,” Gow said. “Temple told me they would offer if I came to one of their camps. Georgia has suggested putting me on as a preferred walk-on. I’ve talked to San Jose State, and they said they want me to come on campus. They’re looking at me as a possible H-back.
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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:
It was just under a year ago, just at the start of August camp, that the bombshell dropped.
Steve Kragthorpe, LSU's new offensive coordinator, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, forcing him to relinquish his coordinator duties (while staying quarterbacks coach) to offensive line coach Greg Studrawa. It was part of a tumultuous August for the Tigers, who later lost quarterback Jordan Jefferson to a suspension after he was arrested following a bar fight.
It was just under a year ago, just at the start of August camp, that the bombshell dropped.
Steve Kragthorpe, LSU's new offensive coordinator, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, forcing him to relinquish his coordinator duties (while staying quarterbacks coach) to offensive line coach Greg Studrawa. It was part of a tumultuous August for the Tigers, who later lost quarterback Jordan Jefferson to a suspension after he was arrested following a bar fight.
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LSU tops 2014 ATH Nick Harvey's top five
July, 24, 2012
7/24/12
10:30
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
While it’s still somewhat early in his recruiting process, 2014 athlete Nick Harvey (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) has a top five.
Harvey announced via Twitter his early front-runners -- in order -- on Tuesday. LSU leads the way, followed by Texas A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
“I like all five of them,” Harvey said. “All the coaches make me feel comfortable around them. I just like all the schools.”
Harvey announced via Twitter his early front-runners -- in order -- on Tuesday. LSU leads the way, followed by Texas A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
“I like all five of them,” Harvey said. “All the coaches make me feel comfortable around them. I just like all the schools.”
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Running back Jacques Patrick (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) is used to being a marked man. It started last year when he was a freshman on the East River High School football team in Orlando, Fla., where he rushed for more than 1,200 yard on 150 carries. Former teammate Ryne Rankin welcomed Patrick to the varsity squad in the traditional way.
“I remember giving Jacques his first true varsity hit at practice,” said Rankin, a four-star ILB who committed to Georgia this spring. “They faked a dive with him and ran the option. And though he didn’t have the ball, I showed him how a fake dive ends up for the running back when they play against me. He took the hit and I just stood over him and said, ‘Welcome to varsity football, baby.’ I helped him up and he just smiled. He knew from then on he would have to keep his head on a swivel and go 100 miles an hour on every play.”
Patrick didn’t hold a grudge.
“I remember giving Jacques his first true varsity hit at practice,” said Rankin, a four-star ILB who committed to Georgia this spring. “They faked a dive with him and ran the option. And though he didn’t have the ball, I showed him how a fake dive ends up for the running back when they play against me. He took the hit and I just stood over him and said, ‘Welcome to varsity football, baby.’ I helped him up and he just smiled. He knew from then on he would have to keep his head on a swivel and go 100 miles an hour on every play.”
Patrick didn’t hold a grudge.
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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:
If the Honey Badger took what he wanted on defense last year, he was absolutely greedy when he touched the ball on a punt return.
In 27 returns, Tyrann Mathieu took two back for touchdowns, including one of 92 yards. He averaged 15.6 yards a return and earned first-team all-American honors as a return specialist. It was the main reason why he went from being just a great defensive back -- the Thorpe Award winner -- to a Heisman Trophy finalist.
If the Honey Badger took what he wanted on defense last year, he was absolutely greedy when he touched the ball on a punt return.
In 27 returns, Tyrann Mathieu took two back for touchdowns, including one of 92 yards. He averaged 15.6 yards a return and earned first-team all-American honors as a return specialist. It was the main reason why he went from being just a great defensive back -- the Thorpe Award winner -- to a Heisman Trophy finalist.
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Last Wednesday, Zach Mettenberger was one cool, confident quarterback facing the pressure.
With a blitz of reporters -- a "microphone graveyard," he called it -- in his face as one of the headline players at SEC media days, he fired well-thought out, calm answers like a quarterback delivering strikes against a constant pass-rush.
Asked about the pressure put on him this season to perform as LSU's new starting quarterback, Mettenberger calmly shrugged, "I just have to take care of my one-eleventh of the offense. I have to minimize turnovers and get the ball to the playmakers on our team."
With a blitz of reporters -- a "microphone graveyard," he called it -- in his face as one of the headline players at SEC media days, he fired well-thought out, calm answers like a quarterback delivering strikes against a constant pass-rush.
Asked about the pressure put on him this season to perform as LSU's new starting quarterback, Mettenberger calmly shrugged, "I just have to take care of my one-eleventh of the offense. I have to minimize turnovers and get the ball to the playmakers on our team."
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Video: 2014 DB Tony Brown on the summer
July, 23, 2012
7/23/12
6:03
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
SoonerNation's Bob Przybylo talks with 2014 cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) about his summer and where he stands on the recruiting trail.
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