BATON ROUGE, La. – After spending the weekend at Alabama's camp, Louisiana's top 2013 player, athlete Kendell Beckwith, worked out Tuesday at the third day of the LSU's football camp.
Beckwith is listed as an athlete, but projects to play linebacker, the position he played during seven-on-seven drills Tuesday.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder showed nice cover skills and the impressive physique that has him ranked as the nation's No. 16 prospect.
Beckwith is listed as an athlete, but projects to play linebacker, the position he played during seven-on-seven drills Tuesday.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder showed nice cover skills and the impressive physique that has him ranked as the nation's No. 16 prospect.
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At the rate LSU is going, its 2013 recruiting class could be filled by July 4.
The Tigers grabbed commitment No. 16 from Lakeland, Fla., athlete Kennard Swason on Tuesday afternoon -- the second commitment of the week. Swanson pledged his services just one week after he received his scholarship offer. He gives the Tigers their third athlete commitment of the this class, but it doesn't seem like there will be much doubt about the two-way player's future in Baton Rouge.
Although he also lines up as a defensive end for Lake Gibson High School, Swason's future with the Tigers is at fullback -- a crucial position during the Les Miles era of powerful running offenses.
The Tigers grabbed commitment No. 16 from Lakeland, Fla., athlete Kennard Swason on Tuesday afternoon -- the second commitment of the week. Swanson pledged his services just one week after he received his scholarship offer. He gives the Tigers their third athlete commitment of the this class, but it doesn't seem like there will be much doubt about the two-way player's future in Baton Rouge.
Although he also lines up as a defensive end for Lake Gibson High School, Swason's future with the Tigers is at fullback -- a crucial position during the Les Miles era of powerful running offenses.
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Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson athlete Kennard Swanson has spent much of his football playing career at defensive line, but the 6-foot, 242-pound athlete will switch to fullback when he starts his collegiate career at LSU.
Swanson gave his verbal commitment to the Tigers a week after they extended an offer. He is the 16th commitment in the Class of 2013 for LSU.
Although Swanson was being recruited as a defensive tackle for the most part several schools had asked him if he was open to switching positions. Swanson said LSU offers a lot at the fullback position.
Swanson gave his verbal commitment to the Tigers a week after they extended an offer. He is the 16th commitment in the Class of 2013 for LSU.
Although Swanson was being recruited as a defensive tackle for the most part several schools had asked him if he was open to switching positions. Swanson said LSU offers a lot at the fullback position.
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Kyrion Parker finally had the chance to show off his skill set Monday at LSU's June football camp.
The opportunity is obviously one the Manvel, Texas, product made the most of, as he zigged and zagged his way through routes, snagging balls in a standout performance among the camp's dozens of wide receivers. The day wound up being a memorable one, with Parker joining the Tigers' recruiting class as commitment No. 15 for 2013.
"I got a lot of feedback, just saying that I did good in all of the drills," Parker said. "They were just giving me a lot of credit about how I did."
The opportunity is obviously one the Manvel, Texas, product made the most of, as he zigged and zagged his way through routes, snagging balls in a standout performance among the camp's dozens of wide receivers. The day wound up being a memorable one, with Parker joining the Tigers' recruiting class as commitment No. 15 for 2013.
"I got a lot of feedback, just saying that I did good in all of the drills," Parker said. "They were just giving me a lot of credit about how I did."
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The hits keep coming for LSU, as the Tigers picked up their sixth commitment in the last four weeks Monday afternoon. Fresh off a visit to the Tigers' June football camp, wide receiver Kyrion Parker (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) gave LSU its 16th commitment for 2013 when he pledged his services to LSU coach Les Miles.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Parker showed off some good route-running capabilities and an impressive pair of hands during seven-on-seven drills Monday morning at LSU's football operations facility.
"I did commit tonight. I just gradually thought about it, and I waited," Parker said. "It was great. I felt like I made the right choice."
Listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Parker showed off some good route-running capabilities and an impressive pair of hands during seven-on-seven drills Monday morning at LSU's football operations facility.
"I did commit tonight. I just gradually thought about it, and I waited," Parker said. "It was great. I felt like I made the right choice."
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Gausman 'honored' to be first pitcher taken
June, 4, 2012
6/04/12
9:19
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Moments after he was selected fourth overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Kevin Gausman ducked out of LSU's team meeting room to field a phone call.
It wasn't a chat with a coach, or an agent or a general manager, as has become customary in the modern era of professional sports drafts. It was something far simpler.
"That was my mom," said the Centennial, Colo., native with a sheepish smile. "(The Orioles) never called me."
It wasn't a chat with a coach, or an agent or a general manager, as has become customary in the modern era of professional sports drafts. It was something far simpler.
"That was my mom," said the Centennial, Colo., native with a sheepish smile. "(The Orioles) never called me."
Monday was the second day of summer camp at LSU, and it brought some new batches of talented players to the LSU football facility.
Some of the same faces that dotted the landscape Sunday were in attendance once again, including LSU commitment K.J. Malone. LSU's newest addition to the class of 2013, Memphis, Tenn., defensive end Frank Herron, showed up to support the cause on Monday, although he didn't work out.
But the stars of the show on the field came once again from the offensive side of the ball, as can often be the case in seven-on-seven drills. Most notably, a trio of wide receivers visiting the Tigers made the biggest mark during morning workouts.
Some of the same faces that dotted the landscape Sunday were in attendance once again, including LSU commitment K.J. Malone. LSU's newest addition to the class of 2013, Memphis, Tenn., defensive end Frank Herron, showed up to support the cause on Monday, although he didn't work out.
But the stars of the show on the field came once again from the offensive side of the ball, as can often be the case in seven-on-seven drills. Most notably, a trio of wide receivers visiting the Tigers made the biggest mark during morning workouts.
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Recently hired LSU assistant men's basketball coach Shawn Forrest resigned for personal reasons, head coach Johnny Jones announced Monday in an LSU news release.
Forrest was on Jones' staff at North Texas and joined Jones at LSU in April.
"I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Coach Jones and LSU," Forrest said in the news release. "There are personal matters that have taken priority that I need to give immediate attention."
Forrest was on Jones' staff at North Texas and joined Jones at LSU in April.
"I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Coach Jones and LSU," Forrest said in the news release. "There are personal matters that have taken priority that I need to give immediate attention."
Rashard Robinson will have his chance with LSU, but it won't come this week.
There's been plenty of speculation this spring about Robinson (Pompano Beach, Fla./Blanche Ely), who many suspect could become LSU's most recent commitment out of its pipeline to south Florida. But while some thought that news would come sooner rather than later, Robinson said he's got a busy summer ahead of him before he makes any decisions.
While the first of LSU's on-campus football camps is happening this week, it'll be next month's camp when Robinson has a chance to visit Baton Rouge and showcase himself to the coaches.
There's been plenty of speculation this spring about Robinson (Pompano Beach, Fla./Blanche Ely), who many suspect could become LSU's most recent commitment out of its pipeline to south Florida. But while some thought that news would come sooner rather than later, Robinson said he's got a busy summer ahead of him before he makes any decisions.
While the first of LSU's on-campus football camps is happening this week, it'll be next month's camp when Robinson has a chance to visit Baton Rouge and showcase himself to the coaches.
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By the time the LSU roster mobbed Nick Goody following his regional-clinching save Sunday night against Oregon State, the Tigers' full arsenal of pitching options had been showcased.
The moment that will stick out most is Alex Edward's one-out, RBI double to tie the game and force extra innings. And it was no surprise to see Austin Nola, the regional's eventual Most Outstanding Player, jog out the winning run on a wild pitch in the 10th inning.
But as was the case the previous two nights of this weekend, and for most of this charmed season for LSU, it was the Tigers' dominant pitching in all phases that eventually cowed the stubborn Beavers in the 6-5 win.
"They all have their niche and what they know they can do well, and we just let them do that," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri of his pitchers. "They've all done a tremendous job. You can't win consistently with just one or two pitchers -- you have to have a deep staff."
The moment that will stick out most is Alex Edward's one-out, RBI double to tie the game and force extra innings. And it was no surprise to see Austin Nola, the regional's eventual Most Outstanding Player, jog out the winning run on a wild pitch in the 10th inning.
But as was the case the previous two nights of this weekend, and for most of this charmed season for LSU, it was the Tigers' dominant pitching in all phases that eventually cowed the stubborn Beavers in the 6-5 win.
"They all have their niche and what they know they can do well, and we just let them do that," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri of his pitchers. "They've all done a tremendous job. You can't win consistently with just one or two pitchers -- you have to have a deep staff."
BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU closer Nick Goody slumped before the Baton Rouge regional, but in two shutout innings in two days, the right-hander had fantastic stuff.
He struck out the side in the 10th inning in Sunday's 6-5, 10-inning win over Oregon State for his 11th save of the season, setting up the Beavers hitters with hard fastballs, then finishing them off with nasty sliders on all three third strikes.
"He was electric," said Oregon State closer Scott Schultz, who was pretty good in his own right in 8 2/3 innings of splendid relief work for OSU in the loss. "He spotted his fast ball and his slider was pretty good. But he spotted his fastball, just like a major leaguer."
He struck out the side in the 10th inning in Sunday's 6-5, 10-inning win over Oregon State for his 11th save of the season, setting up the Beavers hitters with hard fastballs, then finishing them off with nasty sliders on all three third strikes.
"He was electric," said Oregon State closer Scott Schultz, who was pretty good in his own right in 8 2/3 innings of splendid relief work for OSU in the loss. "He spotted his fast ball and his slider was pretty good. But he spotted his fastball, just like a major leaguer."
A quick recap of LSU's 6-5 regional final win against Oregon State. The Tigers (46-16) battled back from a 5-3 deficit to defeat the Beavers (40-20) in 10 innings and advance to a Super Regional.
Overview: It looked like LSU would cruise into the Super Regionals after a disastrous start for Oregon State pitcher Taylor Starr. Starr lasted just one third of an inning against LSU's lineup -- he surrendered three hits to the four batters he faced, including a two-run homer to Raph Rhymes.
Starr's relief, Scott Schultz, completely dominated, however. Shultz breezed through 8.2 for the Beavers, racking up nine strikeouts and limiting the Tigers to just one run during his time on the mound.
Overview: It looked like LSU would cruise into the Super Regionals after a disastrous start for Oregon State pitcher Taylor Starr. Starr lasted just one third of an inning against LSU's lineup -- he surrendered three hits to the four batters he faced, including a two-run homer to Raph Rhymes.
Starr's relief, Scott Schultz, completely dominated, however. Shultz breezed through 8.2 for the Beavers, racking up nine strikeouts and limiting the Tigers to just one run during his time on the mound.
The first of LSU's two summer football camps started Sunday, and if you were looking for a who's who of prospects on the Tigers' radar, Sunday wasn't the best day.
That's not to say it was void of talent.
All it took was for the talented players from LSU's on-campus high school, University Lab, to show up. ESPN 150 senior defensive end Tim Williams led the contingent, bur he was far from the only Cub at the camp who might have a major college future.
That's not to say it was void of talent.
All it took was for the talented players from LSU's on-campus high school, University Lab, to show up. ESPN 150 senior defensive end Tim Williams led the contingent, bur he was far from the only Cub at the camp who might have a major college future.
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It's not much of a story that Oregon State eliminated Louisiana-Monroe on Sunday afternoon to advance to the championship round against No. 7 LSU.
The Beavers (40-19) cruised to an 11-2 win against the Warhawks (32-30), and they held a 7-1 advantage as early as the fourth inning -- the upcoming rematch with LSU was a foregone conclusion soon after the first pitch was thrown.
What stands out a little bit more isn't the win itself, but the boost that Oregon State starting pitcher Ben Wetzler delivered to his ball club. Much like LSU ace Kevin Gausman on Saturday night, Wetzler labored through an intensive, 128-pitch start, allowing eight hits but only two runs. More impressive than that, Wetzler nearly pulled off a complete game in the 90-degree heat of a June afternoon in Baton Rouge. He lasted 8.2 innings and struck out eight ULM batters, allowing the Beavers to shelve their bullpen for the Tigers.
The Beavers (40-19) cruised to an 11-2 win against the Warhawks (32-30), and they held a 7-1 advantage as early as the fourth inning -- the upcoming rematch with LSU was a foregone conclusion soon after the first pitch was thrown.
What stands out a little bit more isn't the win itself, but the boost that Oregon State starting pitcher Ben Wetzler delivered to his ball club. Much like LSU ace Kevin Gausman on Saturday night, Wetzler labored through an intensive, 128-pitch start, allowing eight hits but only two runs. More impressive than that, Wetzler nearly pulled off a complete game in the 90-degree heat of a June afternoon in Baton Rouge. He lasted 8.2 innings and struck out eight ULM batters, allowing the Beavers to shelve their bullpen for the Tigers.
BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU coach Paul Mainieri summed up the stakes in LSU's 7-1 win over Oregon State Saturday quite nicely.
"These kids didn't need any more pressure on them than they already have, so I didn't tell them until after the game was over that the difference of winning this game was the difference of having to win one more game or three more games," Manieri said. "It's pretty significant."
By winning, the Tigers (45-16) are in great shape heading into the championship round, getting two chances to win one game that will wrap up the the Baton Roug regional.
They'll sit back and watch Oregon State and Louisiana-Monroe play the 1:30 p.m. elimination game. After the Beavers and Warhawks go through nine innings of pitching staff depletion, LSU will be there waiting with weekend starter Ryan Eades (5-2, 3.36) ready to go against whatever the winner of the ULM-OSU game has left.
"These kids didn't need any more pressure on them than they already have, so I didn't tell them until after the game was over that the difference of winning this game was the difference of having to win one more game or three more games," Manieri said. "It's pretty significant."
By winning, the Tigers (45-16) are in great shape heading into the championship round, getting two chances to win one game that will wrap up the the Baton Roug regional.
They'll sit back and watch Oregon State and Louisiana-Monroe play the 1:30 p.m. elimination game. After the Beavers and Warhawks go through nine innings of pitching staff depletion, LSU will be there waiting with weekend starter Ryan Eades (5-2, 3.36) ready to go against whatever the winner of the ULM-OSU game has left.
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