It was a long trip to Baton Rouge, La., for 2014 cornerback Damon Webb (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech), but it certainly paid off.
Webb became the latest 2014 prospect to secure an offer from LSU during Day 3 of the Tigers' July camp. Webb finished up his workout for the LSU coaching staff Wednesday afternoon, and he had some time to share his thoughts on what is now his seventh scholarship offer.
"I wasn't expecting it, but I was hoping I would get an offer," Webb said. "I felt good, because LSU is a great school and they offered me -- that felt really good."
Webb became the latest 2014 prospect to secure an offer from LSU during Day 3 of the Tigers' July camp. Webb finished up his workout for the LSU coaching staff Wednesday afternoon, and he had some time to share his thoughts on what is now his seventh scholarship offer.
"I wasn't expecting it, but I was hoping I would get an offer," Webb said. "I felt good, because LSU is a great school and they offered me -- that felt really good."
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Rashard Robinson (Pompano Beach, Fla./Ely Blanche) wasn't a hard guy to identify upon arrival at LSU's July camp Sunday afternoon.
Decked out in gray Under Armour track clothes, the Florida native was the giant blur moving up and down LSU's indoor field during pre-camp workouts. Robinson, who checks in at an unusually large 6-foot-2 for a cornerback, blitzed past onlookers as he ran the 40-yard dash for LSU coaches. Although his runs were hand-timed, he clocked in with times of 4.33 and 4.41 -- pretty quick, right?
Not quick enough for Robinson, apparently.
Decked out in gray Under Armour track clothes, the Florida native was the giant blur moving up and down LSU's indoor field during pre-camp workouts. Robinson, who checks in at an unusually large 6-foot-2 for a cornerback, blitzed past onlookers as he ran the 40-yard dash for LSU coaches. Although his runs were hand-timed, he clocked in with times of 4.33 and 4.41 -- pretty quick, right?
Not quick enough for Robinson, apparently.
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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:
Ron Cooper was steadily preparing LSU defensive backs for NFL futures. Think Patrick Peterson. Think Morris Claiborne.
So it was only fair that Cooper got a chance to go to the NFL too when he left his job as LSU's secondary coach in February to take the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ron Cooper was steadily preparing LSU defensive backs for NFL futures. Think Patrick Peterson. Think Morris Claiborne.
So it was only fair that Cooper got a chance to go to the NFL too when he left his job as LSU's secondary coach in February to take the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The grind of LSU's July high school camp continued into day two Monday -- the third straight day of competition on the Tigers' campus if you include Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament.
The absurd amount of talent on hand in Baton Rouge, La., this week has long been rumored, and given the chance it has definitely lived up to the hype. Players went through their second day of workouts in front of LSU coaches and staff. It's hard to say which collection stood out the most -- LSU's contingent of 2013 commitments who have overrun the camp, the undeclared talents in this 2013 class or the ever-impressive array of 2014 talent.
The two names among names in this instance were a pair of highly talented pass rushers the Tigers are courting. Chief among them was ESPN 150 athlete and Louisiana top prospect Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana).
The absurd amount of talent on hand in Baton Rouge, La., this week has long been rumored, and given the chance it has definitely lived up to the hype. Players went through their second day of workouts in front of LSU coaches and staff. It's hard to say which collection stood out the most -- LSU's contingent of 2013 commitments who have overrun the camp, the undeclared talents in this 2013 class or the ever-impressive array of 2014 talent.
The two names among names in this instance were a pair of highly talented pass rushers the Tigers are courting. Chief among them was ESPN 150 athlete and Louisiana top prospect Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana).
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OSU likes Lewis, now must impress mom 
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
10:15
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Tyquan Lewis (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro) came to Ohio State’s Senior Advanced Camp on June 10 hoping to impress Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer and grab a committable offer from the school.
Now, Meyer and Co. will need to impress Lewis’ mom, Tyronda Whitaker.
The 2013 recruit nabbed the scholarship offer he was looking for five weeks ago and will bring along Whitaker to Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights on July 27.
Now, Meyer and Co. will need to impress Lewis’ mom, Tyronda Whitaker.
The 2013 recruit nabbed the scholarship offer he was looking for five weeks ago and will bring along Whitaker to Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights on July 27.
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Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) had lots of offers and plenty more time to consider a decision. On Monday, he decided the time was right.
The 2014 cornerback recruit has committed to LSU. He pulled the trigger at the Tigers’ weekend camp and announced his decision on his Twitter account.
A 5-foot-9, 180-pound prospect considered among the best of a loaded 2014 Texas defensive back class, Hardeman held more than 18 offers and chose LSU over Ohio State, Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma State, among others.
The 2014 cornerback recruit has committed to LSU. He pulled the trigger at the Tigers’ weekend camp and announced his decision on his Twitter account.
A 5-foot-9, 180-pound prospect considered among the best of a loaded 2014 Texas defensive back class, Hardeman held more than 18 offers and chose LSU over Ohio State, Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma State, among others.
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Ranking the SEC's defensive ends
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
9:28
AM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We ranked the guys in the trenches on Friday, so now it’s time to take a look at the outside guys on the defensive line.
Below is the way we would rank the top 10 defensive ends in the SEC heading into the 2012 season. One thing to note is that Florida’s Ronald Powell, who plays a hybrid end/linebacker role for the Gators, is not on this list because he’s recovering from ACL surgery and could miss the first part of the season.
Here’s what we came up with:
1. Sam Montgomery, Jr., LSU: The SEC’s most complete defensive end, Montgomery is big enough and explosive enough to stuff the run as well as rush the passer. He had nine sacks last season.
2. Jadeveon Clowney, Soph., South Carolina: His freshman season was just a glimpse. Clowney had eight sacks and five forced fumbles and was playing on talent alone. He’ll be an every-down force in 2012.
3. Barkevious Mingo, Jr., LSU: LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis predicted that Mingo would emerge as the best pass-rusher in the SEC. He’s well on his way after racking up 15 tackles for loss last season.
4. Corey Lemonier, Jr. Auburn: He’s the leading returning sack man among SEC defensive ends with 9.5 last season. Lemonier could play his way into the first round of the NFL draft with a big junior season.
5. Damontre Moore, Jr., Texas A&M: He may be new to the SEC, but Moore will quickly introduce himself to opposing quarterbacks in this league. He finished with 17.5 tackles for loss a year ago and forced four fumbles.
Below is the way we would rank the top 10 defensive ends in the SEC heading into the 2012 season. One thing to note is that Florida’s Ronald Powell, who plays a hybrid end/linebacker role for the Gators, is not on this list because he’s recovering from ACL surgery and could miss the first part of the season.
Here’s what we came up with:
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Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesSam Montgomery led the Tigers with nine sacks last season.
Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesSam Montgomery led the Tigers with nine sacks last season.2. Jadeveon Clowney, Soph., South Carolina: His freshman season was just a glimpse. Clowney had eight sacks and five forced fumbles and was playing on talent alone. He’ll be an every-down force in 2012.
3. Barkevious Mingo, Jr., LSU: LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis predicted that Mingo would emerge as the best pass-rusher in the SEC. He’s well on his way after racking up 15 tackles for loss last season.
4. Corey Lemonier, Jr. Auburn: He’s the leading returning sack man among SEC defensive ends with 9.5 last season. Lemonier could play his way into the first round of the NFL draft with a big junior season.
5. Damontre Moore, Jr., Texas A&M: He may be new to the SEC, but Moore will quickly introduce himself to opposing quarterbacks in this league. He finished with 17.5 tackles for loss a year ago and forced four fumbles.
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:
When you have more than half your starters back on a team littered with household names, it would be accurate to portray a team like LSU as an experienced team.
Just don't call it a senior team.
When you have more than half your starters back on a team littered with household names, it would be accurate to portray a team like LSU as an experienced team.
Just don't call it a senior team.
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After a bit of surprising recruiting news Saturday at LSU's 7 on 7 camp, things returned to form Sunday during Day 2 of the Tigers' July camp bonanza.
ESPN 300 member Rickey Jefferson (Destrehan, La./Destrehan), long considered a lean to commit to LSU, finally made it official Sunday evening when he gave his pledge and became the 20th member of LSU's 2013 class.
"I talked to my parents about it and thought about it the last couple of weeks, and I felt that it was the right time," Jefferson said. "It was the right decision for me to make for my future, and I know I love LSU -- it's in my heart, and I want to be a Tiger."
ESPN 300 member Rickey Jefferson (Destrehan, La./Destrehan), long considered a lean to commit to LSU, finally made it official Sunday evening when he gave his pledge and became the 20th member of LSU's 2013 class.
"I talked to my parents about it and thought about it the last couple of weeks, and I felt that it was the right time," Jefferson said. "It was the right decision for me to make for my future, and I know I love LSU -- it's in my heart, and I want to be a Tiger."
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With 19 of 25 spots filled for 2013, LSU's current recruiting class is getting crowded. But that didn't stop the Tigers from stockpiling for the future this weekend.
LSU added its first commitment for 2014 in the form of 6-foot-3, 227-pound linebacker Kain Daub (Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease), who starred with the Louisiana Bootleggers during Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament.
It's early, but Daub is projected by many to be one of the top defenders in the 2014 class. Daub's original intention was to visit LSU and go home Friday, but he said he enjoyed his stay enough to extend it to Saturday.
LSU added its first commitment for 2014 in the form of 6-foot-3, 227-pound linebacker Kain Daub (Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease), who starred with the Louisiana Bootleggers during Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament.
It's early, but Daub is projected by many to be one of the top defenders in the 2014 class. Daub's original intention was to visit LSU and go home Friday, but he said he enjoyed his stay enough to extend it to Saturday.
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LSU's coaching staff got a first-hand look at its newest batch of offensive talent on Saturday, and the results were impressive to say the least.
The Louisiana Bootleggers -- an all-star 7-on-7 team comprised of mostly LSU commitments and targets -- blitzed through Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament in style, capping off a tournament victory with a 24-13 win against Edna Karr.
Gary Laney/ESPN.comLSU tight end commit DeSean Smith had a solid day for the Louisiana Bootleggers.The list of future Tigers featured on the Bootleggers was almost as impressive as the plays they were making. Two-star quarterback Shane McCarley (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) went to the line with the likes of Tigers commit and ESPN 150 member DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe) lined up to his right, and fellow commits Tre'Davious White (Shreveport, La./Green Oaks) and John Diarse (Monroe, La./Neville) lined up to his left.
If there was any doubt as to why the trio is among the most coveted recruits in Louisiana, Saturday's games proved why. Smith was a matchup nightmare all afternoon with repeated catches over the middle of the field, and his leaping touchdown reception on a corner fade against St. Augustine belongs on any highlight tape.
White not only excelled as a receiver, but he got into the mix and proved his worth as a cornerback with stifling jams and several breakups.
There was no MVP award, but Diarse truly proved himself as the star of the day. Many consider the four-star athlete to be the best player in Louisiana, and it's hard to argue after watching Diarse race his way to two touchdowns in the championship game. On top of that he switched from receiver to safety on multiple occasions and made several gorgeous picks.
The Louisiana Bootleggers -- an all-star 7-on-7 team comprised of mostly LSU commitments and targets -- blitzed through Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament in style, capping off a tournament victory with a 24-13 win against Edna Karr.
Gary Laney/ESPN.comLSU tight end commit DeSean Smith had a solid day for the Louisiana Bootleggers.If there was any doubt as to why the trio is among the most coveted recruits in Louisiana, Saturday's games proved why. Smith was a matchup nightmare all afternoon with repeated catches over the middle of the field, and his leaping touchdown reception on a corner fade against St. Augustine belongs on any highlight tape.
White not only excelled as a receiver, but he got into the mix and proved his worth as a cornerback with stifling jams and several breakups.
There was no MVP award, but Diarse truly proved himself as the star of the day. Many consider the four-star athlete to be the best player in Louisiana, and it's hard to argue after watching Diarse race his way to two touchdowns in the championship game. On top of that he switched from receiver to safety on multiple occasions and made several gorgeous picks.
If there was ever any hope that Kevin Gausman would return for a junior season at LSU, Paul Mainieri didn't share it.
LSU's head baseball coach met with reporters moments after Gausman, the fourth overall pick in last month's MLB draft, signed his rookie contract with the Baltimore Orioles just moments before Friday's 4 p.m. deadline to sign draft picks. The deal came down to the wire, and many LSU fans had begun to hope their ace would make a miraculous return to Baton Rouge -- but not Mainieri.
"These things happen this way," Mainieri said. "I thought the only way (a deal) wouldn't happen is if something really bizarre happened. I was holding a spot on the roster for him, just in case -- you never know when things happen. But I felt fairly confident it was going to get worked out."
LSU's head baseball coach met with reporters moments after Gausman, the fourth overall pick in last month's MLB draft, signed his rookie contract with the Baltimore Orioles just moments before Friday's 4 p.m. deadline to sign draft picks. The deal came down to the wire, and many LSU fans had begun to hope their ace would make a miraculous return to Baton Rouge -- but not Mainieri.
"These things happen this way," Mainieri said. "I thought the only way (a deal) wouldn't happen is if something really bizarre happened. I was holding a spot on the roster for him, just in case -- you never know when things happen. But I felt fairly confident it was going to get worked out."
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Ranking the SEC's defensive lines
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
4:31
PM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Wesley Hitt/Getty ImagesLSU's Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery will head up the strongest D-line in the SEC in 2012.Now, it’s on to the side of the ball this league is known for -- defense.
More specifically, we examine the top defensive lines, and there are at least five or six in the SEC that would rank among the best in the country.
In fact, defensive line play is one of the things that has separated the SEC from everybody else over the years.
Here’s how we would rank the defensive lines going into the 2012 season:
ESPN 300 athlete Will Likely III (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Central) started his busy month with 'The Opening' and will finish it as part of the Southeast Team at Gridiron Kings.
In between the 5-foot-7, 172-pound senior will start looking around. Likely admits he has seen much, his only visit was to LSU and the Tigers have always been mentioned as a favorite for him. That might not be far from the truth but Likely wants to make it clear that his recruitment is still open.
"I like LSU a lot and I had a great time on my visit there," Likely said. "But it was my only visit so far so I don't have a lot to compare it to. I need to check out a few more programs in the next few weeks."
In between the 5-foot-7, 172-pound senior will start looking around. Likely admits he has seen much, his only visit was to LSU and the Tigers have always been mentioned as a favorite for him. That might not be far from the truth but Likely wants to make it clear that his recruitment is still open.
"I like LSU a lot and I had a great time on my visit there," Likely said. "But it was my only visit so far so I don't have a lot to compare it to. I need to check out a few more programs in the next few weeks."
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Whoever labeled summer as a dead period for sports clearly didn't follow recruiting.
Only last week we saw many of the top recruits in the nation descend on The Opening in Oregon. The road trip will continue for quite a few this weekend, as LSU's second and final recruiting camp of the summer is set to begin this Sunday and run until July 18. While it won't draw quite as large a talent pool as a national event like The Opening, expect there to be quite an impressive guest list when the Tigers' attendees get to Baton Rouge.
The camp comes at just the right time, too. It's been a whopping 10 days since the Tigers picked up their most recent commitment in defensive end Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) and almost two weeks since tight end DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe) added his name to the class. Considering the break neck speed at which LSU has been picking up commitments since May (11 since May 16), that feels like quite a wait.
Only last week we saw many of the top recruits in the nation descend on The Opening in Oregon. The road trip will continue for quite a few this weekend, as LSU's second and final recruiting camp of the summer is set to begin this Sunday and run until July 18. While it won't draw quite as large a talent pool as a national event like The Opening, expect there to be quite an impressive guest list when the Tigers' attendees get to Baton Rouge.
The camp comes at just the right time, too. It's been a whopping 10 days since the Tigers picked up their most recent commitment in defensive end Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) and almost two weeks since tight end DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe) added his name to the class. Considering the break neck speed at which LSU has been picking up commitments since May (11 since May 16), that feels like quite a wait.
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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