Mizzou commit Andy Bauer gets LSU offer 
July, 11, 2012
7/11/12
6:57
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Highly coveted offensive lineman Andy Bauer (St. Louis/De Smet) still has two more varsity seasons to play, but he already has a big decision to make.
After verbally committing to Missouri in April, Bauer has picked up offers from college football’s heavyweights of last season, Alabama and LSU. The 2014 lineman was offered by LSU coach Les Miles early Wednesday afternoon.
The offer, No. 19 overall for Bauer, is making some of his followers ask whether his commitment with Missouri is still intact. Bauer said nothing has changed, but the offers are intriguing.
After verbally committing to Missouri in April, Bauer has picked up offers from college football’s heavyweights of last season, Alabama and LSU. The 2014 lineman was offered by LSU coach Les Miles early Wednesday afternoon.
The offer, No. 19 overall for Bauer, is making some of his followers ask whether his commitment with Missouri is still intact. Bauer said nothing has changed, but the offers are intriguing.
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LSU defense: Our top five
July, 11, 2012
7/11/12
2:24
PM ET
By
David Helman and
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
We all know LSU's defense is loaded.
The Tigers have made it a habit to replace NFL talent with NFL talent. So loaded are the Tigers that two of the top five players in next year's NFL draft rankings come from the defensive line alone (and you can name five who might be first-round picks).
So who's best?
The Tigers have made it a habit to replace NFL talent with NFL talent. So loaded are the Tigers that two of the top five players in next year's NFL draft rankings come from the defensive line alone (and you can name five who might be first-round picks).
So who's best?
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Countdown to camp: Catch it like Beckham?
July, 11, 2012
7/11/12
7:00
AM ET
By
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
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:
Before he moved to a pro career with the New York Giants, Rueben Randle emerged as a go-to receiver for LSU.
A big target who was fast enough to haul in the tough pass, he caught 53 passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, good enough production in an otherwise sub-par passing game to motivate him to leave LSU a year early and eventually get selected at the end of the second round of the NFL draft by the Giants.
Before he moved to a pro career with the New York Giants, Rueben Randle emerged as a go-to receiver for LSU.
A big target who was fast enough to haul in the tough pass, he caught 53 passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, good enough production in an otherwise sub-par passing game to motivate him to leave LSU a year early and eventually get selected at the end of the second round of the NFL draft by the Giants.
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Devon Allen (Phoenix/Brophy Prep) knows it’s time to start narrowing things down.
The three-star receiver has trimmed his list of favorite schools down to 15, and he plans to take five unofficial visits later this month.
Allen told HornsNation his top 15 are, in no particular order: Arkansas, Arizona State, California, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, UCLA, USC and Washington.
The three-star receiver has trimmed his list of favorite schools down to 15, and he plans to take five unofficial visits later this month.
Allen told HornsNation his top 15 are, in no particular order: Arkansas, Arizona State, California, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, UCLA, USC and Washington.
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Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza) planned to release a list of his top 15 schools shortly after the opening, but settled on a final 16 when it became too difficult to cut an additional program.
The schools that made the cut for Willis are Arizona, Arizona State, California, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
The schools that made the cut for Willis are Arizona, Arizona State, California, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
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SEC players on Mackey, Rimington lists
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
3:10
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
The SEC has seven players on the 2012 preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding tight end.
Here are the seven SEC players who made the Mackey watch list:
For the full Mackey watch list, go here.
The SEC leads the nation with 10 players on the 2012 preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding center.
Here are the 10 SEC players:
For the full Rimington watch list, go here.
Here are the seven SEC players who made the Mackey watch list:
- Chase Clement, Sr., LSU
- Chris Gragg, Sr., Arkansas
- Malcolm Johnson, So., Mississippi State
- Philip Lutzenkirchen, Sr., Auburn
- Mychal Rivera, Sr., Tennessee
- Jordan Reed, Jr., Florida
- Michael Williams, Sr., Alabama
For the full Mackey watch list, go here.
The SEC leads the nation with 10 players on the 2012 preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding center.
Here are the 10 SEC players:
- Dillon Day, RSo., Mississippi State
- Reese Dismukes, So., Auburn
- Jonotthan Harrison, RJr., Florida
- T.J. Johnson, Sr., South Carolina
- Barrett Jones, Sr., Alabama
- Patrick Lewis, Sr., Texas A&M
- P.J. Lonergan, Sr., LSU
- Matt Smith, Sr., Kentucky
- Travis Swanson, Jr., Arkansas
- Evan Swindall, Jr., Ole Miss
For the full Rimington watch list, go here.
Ranking the SEC running backs
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
3:05
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Earlier, we ranked all 14 SEC running back groups, so it's time to look at the league's top 10 rushers heading into the 2012 season. As usual, there are some pretty talented backs in the league, so narrowing it down to just 10 backs wasn't easy to say the least. But someone had to do it!
Past rankings:
Like all the other positions, we're looking at overall talent, game-changing ability and experience. We also looked at past performances and projections for 2012.
Here are our top 10 SEC running backs:
1. Marcus Lattimore, Jr., South Carolina: He might be the nation's best all-around running back, and all indications are that he's ahead of schedule with his rehab after tearing his ACL halfway through last season. Before his injury, he led the SEC in rushing and has a tremendous combination of size, speed and strength that make him one of the toughest players to stop.
2. Knile Davis, Jr., Arkansas: Like Lattimore, Davis is coming off of a devastating injury from last year. He had yet another ankle injury that cost him all of his 2011 season, but it sounds like he's more than ready to return to the playing field. He's one of the most dynamic rushers in the country, and when he was healthy in 2010 he averaged 146.9 yards in the last seven games of the season.
3. Christine Michael, Sr., Texas A&M: He's another back coming off a season-ending injury. Before he tore his ACL last fall, Michael rushed for 899 yards and is a true workhorse. His punch-you-in-the-mouth, explosive, downhill running style will fit right in in the SEC. He should be good to go this fall, and if he's 100 percent he'll certainly challenge for the rushing title.
4. Zac Stacy, Sr., Vanderbilt: He was a real surprise in the SEC last season and returns as the league's top statistical rusher, with 1,193 yards from a year ago. He isn't the fastest back, but he's strong, works hard and has excellent vision. Last season, Stacy tied for the SEC lead with runs of 40 or more yards, and averaged 5.7 yards per carry against SEC defenses.
5. Eddie Lacy, Jr., Alabama: Lacy takes over for the very talented Trent Richardson, but he's no slouch. Lacy has shown pretty good explosion and strength when he's had the ball, averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season. Nagging injuries have slowed him in the past, but if he's healthy he'll make plenty of defenders miserable -- and sore -- this fall.
6. Spencer Ware, Jr., LSU: Ware was one of the top backs in the league during the first part of last season, but was never the same after his midseason suspension. Word is that he's very determined to redeem himself this fall. He's a true bruiser who can soften defenses, and has a knack for pushing through for an extra yard or three.
7. Michael Ford, Jr., LSU: He's considered the fastest of LSU's five-headed rushing monster and ended up leading the Tigers in rushing last season (756), after starting just three games. Ford might be LSU's best big-play threat at running back, but he's also not afraid to put his head down and knock someone over.
8. Onterio McCalebb, Sr., Auburn: McCalebb might not be the every-down back the Tigers need in replacing Michael Dyer, but he's one of the best home run threats in the league. He's at his best when he takes runs to the outside, and can be deadly in the passing game, too.
9. Dennis Johnson, Sr., Arkansas: After taking over for Davis last season, Johnson led the Hogs with 670 yards on just 106 carries. He might be known more for his kick return ability, but Johnson could probably start at running back for a few teams in the SEC. He has a solid blend of power and speed, but has to get over his fumbling issues.
10. Nick Griffin, So, Mississippi State: LaDarius Perkins might be the starter to open the season and has big-time speed, but Griffin is the complete package and is probably the closest thing the Bulldogs have on their roster to the departed Vick Ballard. The coaches are especially excited about his potential, and it would be no surprise if Griffin eventually takes the bulk of the carries for the Bulldogs this fall.
Past rankings:
Like all the other positions, we're looking at overall talent, game-changing ability and experience. We also looked at past performances and projections for 2012.
Here are our top 10 SEC running backs:
[+] Enlarge
Daniel Shirey/US PresswireMarcus Lattimore is apparently ahead of schedule with his rehab after tearing his ACL last season.
Daniel Shirey/US PresswireMarcus Lattimore is apparently ahead of schedule with his rehab after tearing his ACL last season.2. Knile Davis, Jr., Arkansas: Like Lattimore, Davis is coming off of a devastating injury from last year. He had yet another ankle injury that cost him all of his 2011 season, but it sounds like he's more than ready to return to the playing field. He's one of the most dynamic rushers in the country, and when he was healthy in 2010 he averaged 146.9 yards in the last seven games of the season.
3. Christine Michael, Sr., Texas A&M: He's another back coming off a season-ending injury. Before he tore his ACL last fall, Michael rushed for 899 yards and is a true workhorse. His punch-you-in-the-mouth, explosive, downhill running style will fit right in in the SEC. He should be good to go this fall, and if he's 100 percent he'll certainly challenge for the rushing title.
4. Zac Stacy, Sr., Vanderbilt: He was a real surprise in the SEC last season and returns as the league's top statistical rusher, with 1,193 yards from a year ago. He isn't the fastest back, but he's strong, works hard and has excellent vision. Last season, Stacy tied for the SEC lead with runs of 40 or more yards, and averaged 5.7 yards per carry against SEC defenses.
5. Eddie Lacy, Jr., Alabama: Lacy takes over for the very talented Trent Richardson, but he's no slouch. Lacy has shown pretty good explosion and strength when he's had the ball, averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season. Nagging injuries have slowed him in the past, but if he's healthy he'll make plenty of defenders miserable -- and sore -- this fall.
6. Spencer Ware, Jr., LSU: Ware was one of the top backs in the league during the first part of last season, but was never the same after his midseason suspension. Word is that he's very determined to redeem himself this fall. He's a true bruiser who can soften defenses, and has a knack for pushing through for an extra yard or three.
7. Michael Ford, Jr., LSU: He's considered the fastest of LSU's five-headed rushing monster and ended up leading the Tigers in rushing last season (756), after starting just three games. Ford might be LSU's best big-play threat at running back, but he's also not afraid to put his head down and knock someone over.
8. Onterio McCalebb, Sr., Auburn: McCalebb might not be the every-down back the Tigers need in replacing Michael Dyer, but he's one of the best home run threats in the league. He's at his best when he takes runs to the outside, and can be deadly in the passing game, too.
9. Dennis Johnson, Sr., Arkansas: After taking over for Davis last season, Johnson led the Hogs with 670 yards on just 106 carries. He might be known more for his kick return ability, but Johnson could probably start at running back for a few teams in the SEC. He has a solid blend of power and speed, but has to get over his fumbling issues.
10. Nick Griffin, So, Mississippi State: LaDarius Perkins might be the starter to open the season and has big-time speed, but Griffin is the complete package and is probably the closest thing the Bulldogs have on their roster to the departed Vick Ballard. The coaches are especially excited about his potential, and it would be no surprise if Griffin eventually takes the bulk of the carries for the Bulldogs this fall.
GTN writers Gary Laney and David Helman discuss issues around LSU football.
Question: What LSU commits would you deem to be "loose" commits? Who's the most likely to decommit?
Gary Laney: This is probably a bit of a cop-out answer, but I think they are all pretty solid.
Question: What LSU commits would you deem to be "loose" commits? Who's the most likely to decommit?
Gary Laney: This is probably a bit of a cop-out answer, but I think they are all pretty solid.
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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 nightmare scenario for most LSU fans this fall involves quarterback Zach Mettenberger not living up to his much-hyped expectations.
What if he's just ordinary? What if Mettenberger, despite his looks-the-part 6-foot-5 frame and rifle arm, isn't the trigger man that will turn the Tigers' offense from something that just tries to stay out of the way of the defense and special teams into an explosive force?
The nightmare scenario for most LSU fans this fall involves quarterback Zach Mettenberger not living up to his much-hyped expectations.
What if he's just ordinary? What if Mettenberger, despite his looks-the-part 6-foot-5 frame and rifle arm, isn't the trigger man that will turn the Tigers' offense from something that just tries to stay out of the way of the defense and special teams into an explosive force?
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You have questions, we have answers. Gary Laney will handle your questions today, as David Helman recharges his batteries before the LSU football camps (July 14-21) and, of course, the start of August camp. Send questions for future mailbags to glaneyespn@gmail.com or helmanespn@gmail.com.
Question (actually a comment from Dan in New Orleans): Frank Wilson talked the other day about LSU getting the best players from around the country. I hope he doesn't forget how good the players are in Louisiana.
Gary Laney: I think it's safe to say that's not the case. LSU has already picked up 11 Louisiana commitments out of 19 total and ESPN 150 players like Tim Williams, the defensive end from Baton Rouge, La./University and Kendell Beckwith of Jackson, La./East Feliciana are still out there.
Question (actually a comment from Dan in New Orleans): Frank Wilson talked the other day about LSU getting the best players from around the country. I hope he doesn't forget how good the players are in Louisiana.
Gary Laney: I think it's safe to say that's not the case. LSU has already picked up 11 Louisiana commitments out of 19 total and ESPN 150 players like Tim Williams, the defensive end from Baton Rouge, La./University and Kendell Beckwith of Jackson, La./East Feliciana are still out there.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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 Tiger Stadium crowd at LSU's spring game seemed to hang with Zach Mettenberger's every move.
When he launched perfect bombs of 49 and 53 yards to Odell Beckham, Jr. the 33,000 fans howled not just with delight, but relief that the Tigers have a guy who can make those throws.
The Tiger Stadium crowd at LSU's spring game seemed to hang with Zach Mettenberger's every move.
When he launched perfect bombs of 49 and 53 yards to Odell Beckham, Jr. the 33,000 fans howled not just with delight, but relief that the Tigers have a guy who can make those throws.
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Foster, Hargreaves injured at The Opening
July, 6, 2012
7/06/12
3:08
PM ET
By
Mitch Sherman and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Competition at The Opening began Friday on an ominous note as five-star prospects inside linebacker Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton), the top two players at the four-day event, limped off the field with injuries.
Foster, committed to Alabama and ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 150 as the top inside linebacker, suffered a hamstring injury during the 40-yard dash, his first drill in the morning round of preliminary SPARQ test on the artificial surface at Nike World Headquarters.
“I’ll be OK,” Foster said after a trainer tended to him on the sideline bleachers. “They said to keep it warm.
Foster, committed to Alabama and ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 150 as the top inside linebacker, suffered a hamstring injury during the 40-yard dash, his first drill in the morning round of preliminary SPARQ test on the artificial surface at Nike World Headquarters.
“I’ll be OK,” Foster said after a trainer tended to him on the sideline bleachers. “They said to keep it warm.
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Want to watch the nation's best prospects at The Opening in Oregon this weekend? Here's you're one-stop shopping ...
Day One: Friday, July 6 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Day Two: Saturday, July 7 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Day Three: Sunday, July 8 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Day One: Friday, July 6 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Day Two: Saturday, July 7 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Day Three: Sunday, July 8 starting at 7 p.m. CT
Chris Low analyzes the potential impact of LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
Watch: Are girls a factor in recruiting?
July, 6, 2012
7/06/12
11:56
AM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
As the top recruits across the county assemble in Beaverton, Oregon for Nike’s The Opening, RecruitingNation asked them how much of a factor are the girls when it comes to picking a school.
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