The week has been kind to Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor). In a 36-hour span, Hardeman picked up three offers and upped his total to 11 overall.
On Tuesday, the 2014 cornerback picked up a Nebraska offer, his third Big Ten offer. Wednesday morning, Hardeman picked up his third SEC offer, after Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff extended a scholarship.
It was Hardeman’s Wednesday-afternoon offer, however, that made him smile brightest. He was offered by BCS national runner-up LSU – SEC offer No. 4 for the 5-foot-9, 180-pound defensive back.
On Tuesday, the 2014 cornerback picked up a Nebraska offer, his third Big Ten offer. Wednesday morning, Hardeman picked up his third SEC offer, after Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff extended a scholarship.
It was Hardeman’s Wednesday-afternoon offer, however, that made him smile brightest. He was offered by BCS national runner-up LSU – SEC offer No. 4 for the 5-foot-9, 180-pound defensive back.
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LSU picked up its 11th commitment of 2013 on Wednesday when Hinds (Miss.) Community College wide receiver Quantavius Leslie pledged to the Tigers.
Leslie has been one of the Tigers' primary junior college targets since the 2013 cycle started in February. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver might be an immediate contributor considering LSU will lose Russell Shepard after next season.
"I woke up yesterday and wanted to make the call, and I woke up with it on my mind again today. So I went ahead with it. That's where I wanted to be," Leslie said.
Leslie has been one of the Tigers' primary junior college targets since the 2013 cycle started in February. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver might be an immediate contributor considering LSU will lose Russell Shepard after next season.
"I woke up yesterday and wanted to make the call, and I woke up with it on my mind again today. So I went ahead with it. That's where I wanted to be," Leslie said.
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When it came to dishing out punishment from the running back position, Charles Alexander was one of the best of his time.
On Tuesday, Alexander, who played at LSU from 1975-78, was honored for his grueling play by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his famed LSU career, the bruising Alexander was selected as a two-time, first-team All-American (1977 and 1978) and finished his LSU career with nine SEC records, tied for another and held 27 school records. He still owns the LSU records for most rushes in a game (43), most yards in a season (1,686) and yards per game in a single season (153.3).
On Tuesday, Alexander, who played at LSU from 1975-78, was honored for his grueling play by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his famed LSU career, the bruising Alexander was selected as a two-time, first-team All-American (1977 and 1978) and finished his LSU career with nine SEC records, tied for another and held 27 school records. He still owns the LSU records for most rushes in a game (43), most yards in a season (1,686) and yards per game in a single season (153.3).
2011 overall record: 13-1
2011 SEC record: 8-0 (first, beat Georgia in SEC championship game)
Starters returning
Offense: 8; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
CB Tyrann Mathieu, S Eric Reid, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan, DE Barkevious Mingo, RB Michael Ford, RB Spencer Ware, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., WR Russell Shepard, OT Alex Hurst, OT Chris Faulk, C P.J. Lonergan, P Brad Wing, K Drew Alleman
Key losses
CB Morris Claiborne, S Brandon Taylor, LB Ryan Baker, DT Michael Brockers, OG Will Blackwell, QB Jordan Jefferson, QB Jarrett Lee, WR Rueben Randle, TE DeAngelo Peterson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Ford* (756 yards)
Passing: Jarrett Lee (1,306 yards)
Receiving: Rueben Randle (917 yards)
Tackles: Eric Reid* (76), Tyrann Mathieu* (76)
Sacks: Sam Montgomery* (9)
Interceptions: Morris Claiborne (6)
Spring answers
1. More aggressive passing game: LSU looked to throw more, and with less-conservative passes, with new quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Head coach Les Miles commented all spring that the passing game would be more efficient with Mettenberger, a junior college transfer, than it was with Jefferson and Lee, the starters for the last four seasons.
2. A deep, experienced O-line: When offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in the spring after missing all of 2011 because of injury, an already experienced LSU offensive line got that much older and wiser. Dworaczyk, a two-year starter, gives LSU the potential of starting players with significant starting experience at all five offensive line positions ... that is, if they can hold off up-and-comers like sophomore La'el Collins, who was the nation's top-rated offensive lineman coming out of high school in 2011.
3. A stable of backs: Miles loves a power running game featuring several running backs and LSU had it on display in the spring. Even with Ford out with injuries, Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill all took turns gobbling up yards in the spring against the rugged LSU defense. With the experienced offensive line, there's no reason to think that the arrival of Mettenberger will bring a halt to Miles' beloved power running game.
Fall questions
1. Replacing the defensive play makers: While the LSU secondary returns two potential first-round draft picks in Mathieu, the Heisman Trophy finalist, and Reid, it also must replace Claiborne, the first defensive back selected in the NFL draft, and third-round pick Brandon Taylor at safety. On the defensive line, the Tigers lose the production of first-round pick Michael Brockers at defensive tackle. While there are good candidates, replacing such lost quality is a tall order.
2. Mettenberger's experience: As exciting as his big arm may be, Mettenberger has still not taken a meaningful snap in a Division I college game. LSU has not been this inexperienced under center since 2007, when Lee and Jefferson were getting most of the snaps as freshmen. It doesn't help that LSU's best receiver, Randle, was a second-round NFL draft pick.
3. Linebacker quality: LSU was loaded with defensive playmakers in 2011, but its linebacker play was ho-hum. The Tigers will be looking to upgrade the position despite losing three seniors. Kevin Minter, who overcame senior Karnell Hatcher after the season's first three games to take over the starting middle linebacker spot as a sophomore last season, appears to be a solid centerpiece. Junior Tahj Jones was productive in limited snaps. True freshmen Ronnie Feist and Lamar Louis had good springs. Louis returned an interception for a touchdown in the spring game.
2011 SEC record: 8-0 (first, beat Georgia in SEC championship game)
Starters returning
Offense: 8; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
CB Tyrann Mathieu, S Eric Reid, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan, DE Barkevious Mingo, RB Michael Ford, RB Spencer Ware, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., WR Russell Shepard, OT Alex Hurst, OT Chris Faulk, C P.J. Lonergan, P Brad Wing, K Drew Alleman
Key losses
CB Morris Claiborne, S Brandon Taylor, LB Ryan Baker, DT Michael Brockers, OG Will Blackwell, QB Jordan Jefferson, QB Jarrett Lee, WR Rueben Randle, TE DeAngelo Peterson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Ford* (756 yards)
Passing: Jarrett Lee (1,306 yards)
Receiving: Rueben Randle (917 yards)
Tackles: Eric Reid* (76), Tyrann Mathieu* (76)
Sacks: Sam Montgomery* (9)
Interceptions: Morris Claiborne (6)
Spring answers
1. More aggressive passing game: LSU looked to throw more, and with less-conservative passes, with new quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Head coach Les Miles commented all spring that the passing game would be more efficient with Mettenberger, a junior college transfer, than it was with Jefferson and Lee, the starters for the last four seasons.
2. A deep, experienced O-line: When offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in the spring after missing all of 2011 because of injury, an already experienced LSU offensive line got that much older and wiser. Dworaczyk, a two-year starter, gives LSU the potential of starting players with significant starting experience at all five offensive line positions ... that is, if they can hold off up-and-comers like sophomore La'el Collins, who was the nation's top-rated offensive lineman coming out of high school in 2011.
3. A stable of backs: Miles loves a power running game featuring several running backs and LSU had it on display in the spring. Even with Ford out with injuries, Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill all took turns gobbling up yards in the spring against the rugged LSU defense. With the experienced offensive line, there's no reason to think that the arrival of Mettenberger will bring a halt to Miles' beloved power running game.
Fall questions
1. Replacing the defensive play makers: While the LSU secondary returns two potential first-round draft picks in Mathieu, the Heisman Trophy finalist, and Reid, it also must replace Claiborne, the first defensive back selected in the NFL draft, and third-round pick Brandon Taylor at safety. On the defensive line, the Tigers lose the production of first-round pick Michael Brockers at defensive tackle. While there are good candidates, replacing such lost quality is a tall order.
2. Mettenberger's experience: As exciting as his big arm may be, Mettenberger has still not taken a meaningful snap in a Division I college game. LSU has not been this inexperienced under center since 2007, when Lee and Jefferson were getting most of the snaps as freshmen. It doesn't help that LSU's best receiver, Randle, was a second-round NFL draft pick.
3. Linebacker quality: LSU was loaded with defensive playmakers in 2011, but its linebacker play was ho-hum. The Tigers will be looking to upgrade the position despite losing three seniors. Kevin Minter, who overcame senior Karnell Hatcher after the season's first three games to take over the starting middle linebacker spot as a sophomore last season, appears to be a solid centerpiece. Junior Tahj Jones was productive in limited snaps. True freshmen Ronnie Feist and Lamar Louis had good springs. Louis returned an interception for a touchdown in the spring game.
BATON ROUGE -- No. 4 LSU (39-13, 17-10) lost its first SEC series since April 22 on Sunday, dropping a 10-inning decision to Vanderbilt (26-25, 13-14), 5-4.
Overview: Despite moving into the last slot of the rotation for an extra day off, LSU starter Ryan Eades continued his recent struggles from the mound against Vanderbilt. The Commodores jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Eades opened the frame by allowing a double and hitting a batter with no outs. Vandy took advantage with a sacrifice fly and a RBI single to open the lead.
Eades only managed 4.2 innings while allowing seven hits and three earned runs, but the Tigers' offense kept him out of position to take the loss. LSU rallied in the third inning to tie the score in a similar fashion, with Mason Katz knocking a RBI single followed by a sacrifice fly from Tyler Moore.
Overview: Despite moving into the last slot of the rotation for an extra day off, LSU starter Ryan Eades continued his recent struggles from the mound against Vanderbilt. The Commodores jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Eades opened the frame by allowing a double and hitting a batter with no outs. Vandy took advantage with a sacrifice fly and a RBI single to open the lead.
Eades only managed 4.2 innings while allowing seven hits and three earned runs, but the Tigers' offense kept him out of position to take the loss. LSU rallied in the third inning to tie the score in a similar fashion, with Mason Katz knocking a RBI single followed by a sacrifice fly from Tyler Moore.
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When Connor Mitch committed to South Carolina last week he became the second high-profile quarterback prospect with an LSU offer in the 2013 class to commit to another school after J.T. Barrett of Wichita Falls, Texas, committed to Ohio State April 18.
If this sounds like a familiar theme for LSU, perhaps it is.
While LSU has been among the elite programs in football recruiting in recent years, it has gone through a roller coaster ride trying to find quarterback prospects.
If this sounds like a familiar theme for LSU, perhaps it is.
While LSU has been among the elite programs in football recruiting in recent years, it has gone through a roller coaster ride trying to find quarterback prospects.
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All of a sudden, LSU looks a bit vulnerable. Raph Rhymes is slumping, Ty Ross is out and the Tigers dropped a 6-3 game to Vanderbilt in the second game of an SEC series Saturday. No. 4 LSU (39-12, 17-9) dropped to second place in the SEC after Kentucky swept Alabama in Saturday doubleheader, moving a half-game ahead. The Tigers are tied with South Carolina, which also dropped out of first place, losing in extra innings to Georgia.
Overview: LSU hit into four double plays and left nine runners on base as four Vanderbilt pitchers, led by starter Sam Selman (8-3), combined to slow down the Tigers bats just enough.
Offensively, Vandy (25-25, 12-14) knocked LSU starter Aaron Nola (6-3) for nine hits and three runs, two earned, in 5 1/3 innings. Commodores three-hole hitter Anthony Gomez went 4-for-5, scoring twice and driving in two runs to spearhead a 12-hit Vanderbilt attack.
Overview: LSU hit into four double plays and left nine runners on base as four Vanderbilt pitchers, led by starter Sam Selman (8-3), combined to slow down the Tigers bats just enough.
Offensively, Vandy (25-25, 12-14) knocked LSU starter Aaron Nola (6-3) for nine hits and three runs, two earned, in 5 1/3 innings. Commodores three-hole hitter Anthony Gomez went 4-for-5, scoring twice and driving in two runs to spearhead a 12-hit Vanderbilt attack.
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No. 4 LSU stayed in first place in the SEC Friday thanks to the arm of ace pitcher Kevin Gausman. The big right-hander pitched a five-hitter, out-pitching Vanderbilt's T.J. Pecoraro 2-1 in the first game of the three-game SEC series. LSU (39-11, 17-8) stayed in first place in the SEC with five games to go and clinched at least a share of the SEC West.
Overview: Gausman (8-1) was the story, showing the form that has made him ESPN scout Keith Law's top college prospect in the June draft while throwing his first complete game of the season. Gausman struck out 11, walked just one and would have thrown a shutout if not for one bad play. He failed to touch first base taking the flip on Mike Yastrzemski's ground ball to first base in the third inning. That allowed the Commodores (24-25, 11-14) to score their only run of the night.
LSU also managed just five hits against Pecoraro (0-4), but the Tigers got two runs in the second inning and that was enough to move the Tigers within a win of a 40-win season.
Overview: Gausman (8-1) was the story, showing the form that has made him ESPN scout Keith Law's top college prospect in the June draft while throwing his first complete game of the season. Gausman struck out 11, walked just one and would have thrown a shutout if not for one bad play. He failed to touch first base taking the flip on Mike Yastrzemski's ground ball to first base in the third inning. That allowed the Commodores (24-25, 11-14) to score their only run of the night.
LSU also managed just five hits against Pecoraro (0-4), but the Tigers got two runs in the second inning and that was enough to move the Tigers within a win of a 40-win season.
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Heading into the summer, here are five things to know about LSU linebackers
1. 2012 was a down year: It wasn't just your imagination. Surrounded by projected first-round draft picks on the defensive line and secondary, the 2012 linebackers were the LSU defense's weak link.
The Tigers had three senior linebackers last season -- Karnell Hatcher, Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois -- who tested poorly at either the NFL combine or LSU's pro day, verifying what you thought you saw on the field. Ultimately, none of the three were drafted although Baker did ink a free-agent deal with Tampa Bay.
Considering that they were lined up behind a first-round draft pick (tackle Michael Brockers) and in front of another (cornerback Morris Claiborne) and were surrounded by a multitude of younger players who project to be future first-round picks (safety Eric Reid, cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo), the lack of high-end talent at the position stood out.
1. 2012 was a down year: It wasn't just your imagination. Surrounded by projected first-round draft picks on the defensive line and secondary, the 2012 linebackers were the LSU defense's weak link.
The Tigers had three senior linebackers last season -- Karnell Hatcher, Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois -- who tested poorly at either the NFL combine or LSU's pro day, verifying what you thought you saw on the field. Ultimately, none of the three were drafted although Baker did ink a free-agent deal with Tampa Bay.
Considering that they were lined up behind a first-round draft pick (tackle Michael Brockers) and in front of another (cornerback Morris Claiborne) and were surrounded by a multitude of younger players who project to be future first-round picks (safety Eric Reid, cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo), the lack of high-end talent at the position stood out.
Andy Katz spoke with North Texas athletic director Rick Villarreal and reported that North Texas has not released junior center John Odoh, who signed a letter of intent with Johnny Jones' North Texas staff in the early period.
There has been much speculation that Jones, now LSU's coach, might want to add Odoh to his LSU roster. But Jones denied recruiting Odoh in the Denton (Texas) Record-Chronicle, saying "We are not involved with any UNT players at all."
That could mean two things: 1. Jones can't recruit a player not released from his current letter of intent and is saying what is proper given the circumstance, or 2. Jones really isn't interested.
There has been much speculation that Jones, now LSU's coach, might want to add Odoh to his LSU roster. But Jones denied recruiting Odoh in the Denton (Texas) Record-Chronicle, saying "We are not involved with any UNT players at all."
That could mean two things: 1. Jones can't recruit a player not released from his current letter of intent and is saying what is proper given the circumstance, or 2. Jones really isn't interested.
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Bridgewater has a chance with two sports 
May, 10, 2012
5/10/12
10:30
AM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE -- Brian Bridgewater is dealing with the best kind of problem these days.
The 6-foot-6, 230-pound junior is just getting underway with his spring football season at Episcopal High School. Although he's only been playing tight end for about a year, Bridgewater is quite a natural. His brief stint on the gridiron has picked up the attention of LSU, which offered the hometown prospect a scholarship earlier this year. Bridgewater has also received an offer from Ole Miss, and he has been in contact with football royalty like Alabama and Oregon in recent weeks.
"Really I wasn't even looking at it from (a recruiting standpoint) at that point in time," Bridgewater said. "I was just doing it for my friends, and I actually ended up being pretty good so it just kind of happened."
The 6-foot-6, 230-pound junior is just getting underway with his spring football season at Episcopal High School. Although he's only been playing tight end for about a year, Bridgewater is quite a natural. His brief stint on the gridiron has picked up the attention of LSU, which offered the hometown prospect a scholarship earlier this year. Bridgewater has also received an offer from Ole Miss, and he has been in contact with football royalty like Alabama and Oregon in recent weeks.
"Really I wasn't even looking at it from (a recruiting standpoint) at that point in time," Bridgewater said. "I was just doing it for my friends, and I actually ended up being pretty good so it just kind of happened."
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BATON ROUGE -- In the world of college baseball, gaudy statistics are common.
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireLSU head coach Paul Mainieri has seen a lot through the years, but never a .500 hitter in a regular season.With so much talent spread across such a wide talent pool, it's not unusual to see jaw-dropping stats. For instance, there are 15 batters in the country hitting above .400 and 50 hitting .379 or better. A whopping 41 college pitchers have an ERA of 1.99 or lower, and the nation's best ERA is an astounding 0.63.
None of that knowledge, however, can diminish the absurd tear that LSU left fielder Raph Rhymes finds himself on going into the last week of the season.
With seven regular season games to play, Rhymes is leading not just the Tigers, but the SEC and the entire country with an unbelievable .500 batting average -- 54 points higher than his nearest competitor.
"Somebody asked me the other day, 'What does he have to do to hit .500?' and I said , 'How should I know? I've never seen anybody hit .500' " said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "If I were to tell you what it takes to hit .500, I'd be fooling you. Because I don't know -- I've never seen anybody do it."
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireLSU head coach Paul Mainieri has seen a lot through the years, but never a .500 hitter in a regular season.None of that knowledge, however, can diminish the absurd tear that LSU left fielder Raph Rhymes finds himself on going into the last week of the season.
With seven regular season games to play, Rhymes is leading not just the Tigers, but the SEC and the entire country with an unbelievable .500 batting average -- 54 points higher than his nearest competitor.
"Somebody asked me the other day, 'What does he have to do to hit .500?' and I said , 'How should I know? I've never seen anybody hit .500' " said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "If I were to tell you what it takes to hit .500, I'd be fooling you. Because I don't know -- I've never seen anybody do it."
Where are the elite recruits for 2013 and 2014 leaning? Who are the most intriguing under-the-radar prospects? And which team is coming out of nowhere to land some big names? Go ahead and ask away.
Starting at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, RecruitingNation's writers will hold a three-hour chat and will hit on a variety of topics. Click here to ask your question.
Check out the schedule ...
11:00 -- 11:30 a.m. ET: Corey Long on Florida recruiting.
11:30 -- Noon ET: Jamie Newberg on Southeast recruiting.
Noon -- 12:30 p.m. ET: Dave Hooker on East recruiting.
12:30 -- 1:00 p.m. ET: Jared Shanker on Midwest recruiting.
1:00 -- 1:30 p.m. ET: Damon Sayles on Midlands recruiting.
1:30 -- 2:00 p.m. ET: Erik McKinney on West recruiting.
Starting at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, RecruitingNation's writers will hold a three-hour chat and will hit on a variety of topics. Click here to ask your question.
Check out the schedule ...
11:00 -- 11:30 a.m. ET: Corey Long on Florida recruiting.
11:30 -- Noon ET: Jamie Newberg on Southeast recruiting.
Noon -- 12:30 p.m. ET: Dave Hooker on East recruiting.
12:30 -- 1:00 p.m. ET: Jared Shanker on Midwest recruiting.
1:00 -- 1:30 p.m. ET: Damon Sayles on Midlands recruiting.
1:30 -- 2:00 p.m. ET: Erik McKinney on West recruiting.
Connor Mitch has committed to South Carolina, the four-star quarterback from Raleigh (N.C.) Wakefield told ESPN on Tuesday via text message.
Mitch said on Sunday that he was close to a decision and was primarily considering the Gamecocks and LSU while Auburn was trying to make a late push.
The Gamecocks now have nine commitments for the 2013 class.
Mitch said on Sunday that he was close to a decision and was primarily considering the Gamecocks and LSU while Auburn was trying to make a late push.
The Gamecocks now have nine commitments for the 2013 class.
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Georgia Tech was the first program to offer Brandon Kublanow (Alpharetta, Ga./Walton) back in September, and another offer has arrived for the 6-3, 290-pound offensive lineman seemingly every two weeks since.
“The process has been pretty crazy for me,” Kublanow said. “It was kind of slow at first, and then right after our season ended things took off and now I am still getting offers by the day.”
Kublanow said this spring that his head coach had informed some prospective schools that they need not bother offering, as the dominating blocker was satisfied with the 16 options he already had.
“The process has been pretty crazy for me,” Kublanow said. “It was kind of slow at first, and then right after our season ended things took off and now I am still getting offers by the day.”
Kublanow said this spring that his head coach had informed some prospective schools that they need not bother offering, as the dominating blocker was satisfied with the 16 options he already had.
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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