LSU Tigers: lsu recruiting
BATON ROUGE, La. -- When ESPN 150 defensive end Tashawn Bower gave LSU its only signing day drama Wednesday by picking the Tigers over Florida and Auburn, he filled the last spot in the signing class.
That’s true literally -- after Bower’s letter of intent arrived, LSU coach Les Miles said the Tigers are done signing players for the 2013 class -- but also in a geographical sense.
Bower, from just outside of New York in Somerville, N.J., gave the Tigers’ class a northeast presence, filling the one region of the country that was previously missing from what Miles described as the “most geographically diverse class in school history.”
That’s true literally -- after Bower’s letter of intent arrived, LSU coach Les Miles said the Tigers are done signing players for the 2013 class -- but also in a geographical sense.
Bower, from just outside of New York in Somerville, N.J., gave the Tigers’ class a northeast presence, filling the one region of the country that was previously missing from what Miles described as the “most geographically diverse class in school history.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU’s 26-player recruiting class is signed, sealed and delivered.
Well, maybe.
We’ve yet to see where Priest Willis will go or whether Tevin Lawson will accept LSU’s grayshirt offer instead of choosing a conventional scholarship offer elsewhere. And, for that matter, there still might be a scholarship awaiting defensive back Jeremy Cutrer, who did not sign Wednesday because it was unclear whether he will qualify academically.
Well, maybe.
We’ve yet to see where Priest Willis will go or whether Tevin Lawson will accept LSU’s grayshirt offer instead of choosing a conventional scholarship offer elsewhere. And, for that matter, there still might be a scholarship awaiting defensive back Jeremy Cutrer, who did not sign Wednesday because it was unclear whether he will qualify academically.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LSU landed the No. 7 class in the nation on signing day. Here's a look at each signing as the LOIs rolled into Baton Rouge.
11:50 a.m. CT -- DE Tashawn Bower 
Somerville, N.J./Immaculata
Visit recap
A highly regarded defensive end who could fit right in with LSU. Made a signing-day decision after considering Auburn, Florida and Florida State, among others.
10:42 a.m. CT -- DT Maquedius Bain
Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University New School of Nova South
Profile
Part of a deep defensive tackle class, Bain has raw athleticism and size. During his prep career, he also showed a willingness as a team player, taking on the offensive line to fill a team need as a senior.
11:50 a.m. CT -- DE Tashawn Bower
Somerville, N.J./Immaculata
Visit recap
A highly regarded defensive end who could fit right in with LSU. Made a signing-day decision after considering Auburn, Florida and Florida State, among others.
10:42 a.m. CT -- DT Maquedius Bain
Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University New School of Nova South
Profile
Part of a deep defensive tackle class, Bain has raw athleticism and size. During his prep career, he also showed a willingness as a team player, taking on the offensive line to fill a team need as a senior.
SEC shows more interest in Todd Kelly Jr. 
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
11:38
AM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Despite being one of the top programs in the nation, LSU still has some work to do to land one of the top junior prospects in the south.
Coaches from LSU visited Todd Kelly Jr. this week. However, the Watch List prospect from Knoxville (Tenn.) Webb said he's primarily focusing on his top ten finalists.
Coaches from LSU visited Todd Kelly Jr. this week. However, the Watch List prospect from Knoxville (Tenn.) Webb said he's primarily focusing on his top ten finalists.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Bama leads for No. 5 DE after visit
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
11:55
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama was the first school to start showing interest in ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./University Lab) back when he was a freshman. Now, three years later, the Crimson Tide hosted Williams on his first official visit over the weekend.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) promised there would be no drama with his announcement, and he stayed true to his word when he put on an LSU hat and committed to the Tigers during the first quarter of tonight's Under Armour All-America Game.
UNDER ARMOUR GAME 2013
Keep up with live blog posts, video, breaking news and more all week from the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. Blog
• Top 2 recruits Nkemdiche, Lawson 
• Fact or Fiction: Liner, Foster, more
• Spread offenses reduce RBs' spotlight
• Who has impressed the most?
The top-rated player in Louisiana, Beckwith said that the battle between SEC West powers LSU and Alabama was tough, but in the end the idea of playing for his home-state school was too much to go against.
While Beckwith’s commitment to the Tigers is solid, there is plenty of speculation about where he will play. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he was closer to 240 pounds this week and looks like he could have a future at linebacker or defensive end.
“I’m probably the most comfortable at linebacker in college, especially because they use big linebackers in the SEC,” Beckwith said earlier this week. “In some situations I might need to put my hand in the ground and that could work too.”
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- 2014 defensive end Keyon Brown (Wauchula, Fla./Hardee) had a blistering pace to his process going when four offers flew in from Louisiana-Lafayette, Miami, Pittsburgh and UCF.
Things now have been a little more manageable. Brown says he's still talking to teams the same, but it is at a slower rate.
"Right now, I am not really decided or anything like that," he said. "I probably won't decide until next year where I am going. The recruiting process started off crazy. It has kind of slowed down, it is steady, but it isn't as crazy as it was."
Things now have been a little more manageable. Brown says he's still talking to teams the same, but it is at a slower rate.
"Right now, I am not really decided or anything like that," he said. "I probably won't decide until next year where I am going. The recruiting process started off crazy. It has kind of slowed down, it is steady, but it isn't as crazy as it was."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –- On Day 3 of practice for the Under Armour All-America Game at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports, No. 1 prospect Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) finally confirmed what has been speculated around the recruiting world for months.
“It would be hard to see myself not going to Ole Miss because it is a family thing,” Nkemdiche said. “My whole family wants me to go there. They are on the rise and doing a lot of good things.
"Ole Miss is the team to beat, but LSU is still in the mix, too."
“It would be hard to see myself not going to Ole Miss because it is a family thing,” Nkemdiche said. “My whole family wants me to go there. They are on the rise and doing a lot of good things.
"Ole Miss is the team to beat, but LSU is still in the mix, too."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The scenario seems strangely familiar. A top-ranked Louisiana prospect will make a decision between Alabama and LSU at the Under Armour All-America Game, which will be televised live at 5 p.m. ET Friday on ESPN from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Although it’s doubtful LSU coach Les Miles and his staff wanted a list of players who were missing team workouts made public, it doesn’t appear it will have a negative effect with any of the Tigers’ targets.
Earlier in the week a picture of a sign placed in the window of LSU’s strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit’s office went viral and has been the topic plenty of discussion on the Internet and radio stations.
Several players participating this week in the Under Armour All-America Game here heard about the photo and were surprised when they saw it.
Earlier in the week a picture of a sign placed in the window of LSU’s strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit’s office went viral and has been the topic plenty of discussion on the Internet and radio stations.
Several players participating this week in the Under Armour All-America Game here heard about the photo and were surprised when they saw it.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
DL Williams leans on officials for decision
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
7:39
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./ University Lab) nears national signing day, all that remains between him and choosing a school is a few official visits.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
TE McNeil ready to let Tide roll away
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
7:30
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– ESPN 150 prospect Josh McNeil (Durham, N.C./Milford Academy) admits it was a difficult situation when the tight end parted ways with Alabama. However it looks like another SEC program will be there to pick up the pieces.
McNeil took an official to LSU two weeks ago and says it’s the place he wants to be.
“I really feel like LSU is the type of place that is going to be there for me,” McNeil said. “I was pretty stunned with what happened with Alabama. They thought I might not qualify and just left me hanging. But I’ve turned things around and I’m on track to qualify.
McNeil took an official to LSU two weeks ago and says it’s the place he wants to be.
“I really feel like LSU is the type of place that is going to be there for me,” McNeil said. “I was pretty stunned with what happened with Alabama. They thought I might not qualify and just left me hanging. But I’ve turned things around and I’m on track to qualify.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Four-star Conner plans decision, visits
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
6:32
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN 150 safety Antonio Conner (Batesville, Miss./South Panola) is set to make his decision at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete will choose between Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia.
Despite making a decision, Conner plans to take all five official visits.
"I'm going to be taking some after this game," Conner said Sunday during Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "I've got a lot of them to take, but I am going to take them to Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia. I'm going to start on the 11th with Alabama, then take the rest."
Despite making a decision, Conner plans to take all five official visits.
"I'm going to be taking some after this game," Conner said Sunday during Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "I've got a lot of them to take, but I am going to take them to Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia. I'm going to start on the 11th with Alabama, then take the rest."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LSU commit Brazil seeks UA spotlight
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
5:56
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– Defensive back Jeryl Brazil (Loranger, La./Loranger) isn’t one to call his shots, but the LSU commitment promised anyone listening that he would be participating at the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game.
With today’s arrival in Florida, the 5-foot-10, 184-pound senior proved he was a man of his word. Brazil earned his invite with a strong performance at The Opening that moved him into the ESPN 150.
“I knew I was on the outside looking in before The Opening so I looked at that event like my final chance to make an impression,” Brazil said. “I was hoping it would work out.”
With today’s arrival in Florida, the 5-foot-10, 184-pound senior proved he was a man of his word. Brazil earned his invite with a strong performance at The Opening that moved him into the ESPN 150.
“I knew I was on the outside looking in before The Opening so I looked at that event like my final chance to make an impression,” Brazil said. “I was hoping it would work out.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Four-star S Willis eyes final official
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
3:04
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With four officials already done, Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza) is trying to figure out his fifth and final trip in the next couple of weeks.
Three schools, all from the Pac-12 Conference, are in the mix.
"I have one more left, but I still have to decide which one I am going to take," he said today while at Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "It is going to be either ASU, UCLA or Washington."
Three schools, all from the Pac-12 Conference, are in the mix.
"I have one more left, but I still have to decide which one I am going to take," he said today while at Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "It is going to be either ASU, UCLA or Washington."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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