Tinker:
Oh my goodness, do you feel it. I am more than encouraged by Les Miles hiring of Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator. Because I know now that we are looking at a sincere push to go beat Alabama. And to go on to fight hard at becoming a champion again. After all, that is all that we LSU fans can really ask of our LSU football players. To give the LSU college football game their very best shot. And I am also moved to elation. To also see two of the very best QB coming out of this season high school football recruiting class.
| Enrolled | Anthony Jennings | QB | Marietta, Ga. | Marietta HS | 6-2 | 205 |
and
| Enrolled | Hayden Rettig | QB | Los Angeles, Calif. | Cathedral HS | 6-2 | 201 |
And also we are looking at a good overall excellent group of very talented high school football players. One of LSU best ever High school recruiting years... Grade - A
So LSU fans we are getting set to ball again in tiger stadium.
We are saved…glory glory hallelujah... http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Free to make a better fight, blow for blow. Until the last punch.
So put your shoulder pads on Bama - we are coming for you.
Accelerating towards liberalization. Free, dear god, we are free at last.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
----------------
Pro and college Football
Deke Bellavia | |
Deke: Two Coordinators = Great Expectations!by Deke Bellavia , posted Feb 9 2013 9:48AM | |
bigchief@wwl.com - 2.9.13
Regardless
of what Rob Ryan and Cam Cameron have done in the past, two fan bases
composed of mostly the same people are most concerned about performance.
Yes, folks, Rob and Cam can become heroes, if the Tigers of the
Capitol City and the Saints of the Big Easy go on to win championships.
The
Saints and Tigers needed to make changes. They did. Now each team's
success will rely heavily on new coordinators brought in as a key pieces
to a puzzles that hopefully leads to championships.
After
sitting behind the mic for the last several years watching an LSU
offense yearning for precision command and direction, and after watching
an agonizing outing by the Saints defense during what was supposed to
be a special 2012 season, I think we all agree these changes are needed,
and wanted!
The fact that Cam Cameron and Rob Ryan were
dismissed from their last jobs and probably have a bit of a chip on
their shoulders, feeling like they have something to prove something, is
a good thing for Saints and LSU fans.
In Cam’s case he
needs to foster big success to wipe away his last two coaching outings.
Cameron led the Dolphins to their worse season in franchise history
with an unacceptable 1-15 record. Cam was fired then landed on his feet
with what looked like the perfect job as OC of the Baltimore Ravens.
But
after a disappointing loss to Washington late in the season, Cameron
was fired and the rest we know is history as the Ravens won the Super
Bowl. Cameron’s most recent success came back from 2002-2006, when he
was the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers.
"I
think the fans are excited about this," said the Cajun Cannon Bobby
Hebert. "The LSU passing offense has not been that good and Coach
Cameron has been over some good players in the past including Drew
Brees." Drew Brees once told me he learned a lot when Cam was his OC
and that he’s a very good coach. Drew was the NFL “Comeback Player of
the Year” in 2004 under Cam Cameron, as well as being named to the AFC
Pro Bowl Roster.
And on the “double R” side, Ryan also
wants to get back on track after being let go as Defensive Coordinator n
Big D! Coach Ryan comes from a family that has a deep defensive
background and his brash, hard nose style should fit in quite nicely
with a defense that lacked aggression last season.
Saints
Fans should have a pretty good memory of what Coach Ryan is capable of.
Ryan led the Cleveland Browns defense into the Superdome in 2010,
shutting down the Saints in a 30-17 win. Cleveland picked off Drew
Brees four times that day in one of the worst offensive outings in the
Sean Payton era.
Rob Ryan has been a part of Super Bowl
winning teams and Coach Payton is excited about his new defensive
guru,”In regards to Rob, we have experience in preparing and playing
against his defenses and they’ve always been challenging in terms of the
different looks and pressures that they feature. We’ve had the chance
to visit with each other and talk about our visions for our team and I’m
excited about moving forward as we prepare for the 2013 season.”
Coach
Ryan was over the New England linebackers when the Patriots won Super
Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII. Rob Ryan also coached in the NFL at Oakland as
the Raiders defensive coordinator from 2004-2008, then he was the Browns
top defensive coach from 2009-2010 before spending the last two seasons
with the Cowboys.
The Saints also announced that Stan Kwan has been hired as assistant special teams coach.
Do
the recent performances of these two coaches, Rob Ryan and Cam Cameron,
reflect the essence these men as coaches and leaders? Are they not
the sum of their work? And, should we take comfort in who made the
selection--Sean Payton and Les Miles? And, more than that, should we
take comfort knowing decisive action was taken...now...and change leads
to change...for the Saints and LSU.
If these two coaches
are the spark needed; the catalyst necessary to ignite championship
seasons for the Black & Gold and the Purple & Gold…recent
history is irrelevant. It's all about the future.
| |
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-------------------------
http://www.usatoday.com/story/
USA Today sports
Analysis: Miles recruits best coach available again
Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Sports
Story Highlights
- Former NFL coach Cam Cameron close with Miles
- Coaching moves have come after good and bad seasons
- John Chavis hiring an example of Miles making bold move
He did not like how his defense performed as the 2008 season ended, and he let defensive coordinator Doug Mallory and co-defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto go after one season. Other coaches might have given Mallory and Peveto another chance. They did have some bright spots, particularly in their finale – a 38-3 victory against Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
But Miles did not want to settle. He wanted more so he hired John Chavis, one of the best defensive coordinators over the last 15 years in the Southeastern Conference, though not retained by new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. Miles did not know Chavis personally. He knew him mainly from coaching against him and because of the fact he was proven.
Miles hired Oklahoma defensive coordinator Bo Pelini to be part of his first LSU staff in 2005 for the same reason. He hardly knew him at all, but he knew how good he was, and Pelini helped lead the Tigers to the 2007 national title.
Chavis improved LSU's defense drastically in 2009. He made it better again in 2010. By 2011, the Tigers defense was one of the best in the nation and one of the most spectacular in LSU history. It was nearly as good again in the 2012 season despite the loss of one of the greatest single defenders in college football in Tyrann Mathieu, though the defense faded over the last few games. The defense will be one of the best in the SEC in 2013 despite major personnel losses.
LSU has been one of the most consistent programs in terms of recruiting since Miles took over in 2005. Yet one year after winning that national title in 2007, Miles offered fired Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron the position of recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach.
Not only did Miles not know Orgeron well, Orgeron saw LSU as a rival when he was the Rebels' coach. Orgeron considered the job strongly, but he turned it down to join Kiffin as Tennessee's assistant head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach for more money. Miles failed, but he still went for the best coach available in his mind. He looks for staff members the same way he recruits.
Miles did not like how his offense was progressing as the 2010 season came to a close, and he let offensive coordinator Gary Crowton go after his third consecutive below-average season. Other coaches might have kept Crowton. He did direct probably the greatest LSU offense in school history in 2007 when the Tigers won the national championship. Both losses that season happened in overtime, and Crowton's attack put up more than enough points to win both games in regulation. The defense did not play well in those games.
The Tigers were 11-2 in 2010 with the only losses to eventual national champion Auburn by 24-17 and Arkansas by 31-23. In both games, the defense faltered. Some blamed Miles more than Crowton for LSU's offensive problems that season.
Yet Crowton, to be brutally honest, was fired by Miles. Mallory and Peveto likely could have remained as coaches after the disastrous 2008 season as non-coordinators, but they chose to move on. Crowton could not have stayed at LSU. Miles aggressively made moves both times, like now.
Steve Kragthorpe, whom Miles hired to replace Crowton in January of 2011, probably would have been an excellent offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease the next July and switched to quarterbacks coach instead to ease some of the stress that can aggravate the disease. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa took the promotion and did very well over the last two seasons in dual jobs as Kragthorpe significantly improved quarterback Jarrett Lee in the 2011 season and obviously developed quarterback Zach Mettenberger as last season went along.
LSU's passing offense improved as the 2012 season went on, and in reality, two of the Tigers' three losses last season were more because of bad defense than questionable decisions on offense. Considering how well Mettenberger played over the last four regular-season games and how poorly the receivers were throughout most of the season and the youth of the offensive line, few would have batted an eye had Miles made no staff changes after the season.
But he did, because he wants more. Miles wants to be better. Cameron will make LSU's offense better just as Chavis made the defense better. Studrawa will make LSU's offensive line better because he will be able to focus on the offensive line exclusively.
Whenever a coach with years of experience in the NFL is available, a college head coach has to jump at the chance to hire him. Cameron was a consistently winning offensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers and Ravens. In San Diego from 2002 to 2006, he was one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the NFL. Studrawa was an offensive coordinator at Bowling Green only.
Miles also is very close to Cameron, who was a groomsman at Miles' wedding in 1993. He coached with Miles at Michigan in the 1980s and '90s.
Cameron also is the most qualified offensive coordinator Miles has ever hired.
Miles will let Cameron run the show on offense more than any previous coordinator who has ever worked under Miles.
Glenn Guilbeau also writes for Gannett Louisiana
http://www.dandydon.com/
Dandy Don's LSU Sports Report
Good morning, Tiger Fans,
It was nice hearing from many of you yesterday about Cam Cameron. Judging by the emails I’ve received, and the early results of our poll asking, “What do you think of the idea of Cam Cameron as LSU's Offensive Coordinator?”, I'd say a large majority of Tiger Fans are very happy about the news. I'm going to keep the poll up until late tonight and post the results tomorrow.
Last night I decided to email our friend Mike Detillier to get his thoughts on Cameron, and I think you’ll appreciate what he had to say.
“Scott, as long as Les Miles is head coach the philosophy won't change and they will be a run oriented team, but the problem is the fact that they have not fully developed any of the QB's since Matt Flynn. Jordan Jefferson, Jarrett Lee and Zach Mettenberger have the same errors in set-up, delivery and pocket presence ability. Cam is a good QB's coach. He has done an excellent job developing Brees, P. Rivers and Joe Flacco. Joe mentioned during Super Bowl week how much Cam had helped him in his development from a technical standpoint and also how good a listener he is to what a QB likes to do and what doesn't work right. The good coaches understand that you have to adjust your scheme to what a QB does best.
That is the key to this recruiting class. They have a great array of talented young men to take the place of Mingo, Montgomery, Logan, Downs and Edwards, but it will turn out to be how well they fully develop the skills of Hayden Rettig and Anthony Jennings that will be the key. Alabama has pulled away because they developed AJ McCarron. And the Tigers have been stuck in neutral developing QB's. McCarron-back to back BCS titles, Tebow and his success in Florida, Cam Newton in Auburn and what Matt Flynn did at LSU. Great defense against the run, a strong rushing attack and a QB. that can make crucial plays from week to week.
The other feature that needs to be upgraded is getting the tight ends and running backs more involved in the passing game. That has been a poor part of this passing attack. Alabama has done a good job getting TE's and backs more involved in the passing game. DeSean Smith has the physical skills to take that position to another level. He's that good.
Overall I like what Cam brings to the table, but mostly as a quarterback mentor. The philosophy will not change much because Cameron will do what Les wants offensively and that is a be a physical rushing team, but he can upgrade the QB spot through good coaching and putting them in a position that to make plays at crucial times.”
There has still been no official word by LSU regarding Cameron, and I wouldn't expect one before Wednesday since Tuesday is Mardi Gras. Next Saturday, the 16th, LSU will host several top 2014 prospects for Junior Day, so if Cameron is hired I suspect the administration will act fast in finalizing things so that he can take part in the big recruiting event which will feature several of the players on my list of Top LA prospects and others from surrounding states. Isn’t it amazing how recruiting is a non-stop year-round phenomenon?
Speaking of recruiting, safety Priest Willis from Tempe, AZ finally signed with UCLA, as expected. From what I understand, LSU will not be adding any more scholarship players to this year’s class. The Tigers did, however, add another kicker to the team in Alex Kjellsten of St. Louis in Lake Charles. According to reports, Kjellsten will be a preferred walk-on, which is someone who has the same benefits as a scholarship player except that he is not on scholarship and has to pay his own way. A regular walk-on does not enjoy any special benefits such as eating with the players and living in the players' dorm. Kjellsten, who is only 5'8, 140, made first team Class 4A All-State in 2012 as a place-kicker after making 7 of 10 field goals, including a 52-yarder. He also punted 37 times for a 42-yard average and landed nine punts inside the 20-yard line. Read more...http://www.dandydon.
------------------------
http://theadvocate.com/sports/
theadvocate.com
Rabalais: On recruits, Louisiana QBs and Pebble Beach
Notes on a golf scorecard while wearing my Pebble Beach hat and Pebble Beach shirt and wishing I was at, well, you know ...
After losing players rated No. 1 in Louisiana the last two years to Alabama — Dutchtown’s Landon Collins in 2012 and University High’s Tim Williams in 2013 — LSU coach Les Miles has already made it his (under)stated goal to land Fournette. Not only does he need the positive P.R. (though he and LSU really didn’t pursue Williams) but Fournette is a game changing-type talent.
LSU is right in the mix and/or leading for virtually all of Louisiana’s top prospects with the possible exception of U-High offensive guard Garrett Brumfield. Like Williams, Brumfield is looking far and wide at schools like Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida and Florida State. Heck, any BCS-level school would love to land the prospect ranked No. 64 on 24/7 Sports’ very early Top 247.
It’s very early in the recruiting game, too, and don’t expect LSU to let Brumfield slip away without a fight like it did Williams.
Reed, who made a name for himself last year by getting into several PGA Tour events as a Monday qualifier, would earn a two-year exemption and a Masters invitation if he wins. He’s got a chance: He has 17 birdies through the first three rounds, one more than either of the co-leaders, Brandt Snedeker and James Hahn.
- The 2013 recruiting season has come and gone, with the focus now shifting to the Class of 2014, which has the potential to be the best and deepest recruiting year in Louisiana history.
After losing players rated No. 1 in Louisiana the last two years to Alabama — Dutchtown’s Landon Collins in 2012 and University High’s Tim Williams in 2013 — LSU coach Les Miles has already made it his (under)stated goal to land Fournette. Not only does he need the positive P.R. (though he and LSU really didn’t pursue Williams) but Fournette is a game changing-type talent.
LSU is right in the mix and/or leading for virtually all of Louisiana’s top prospects with the possible exception of U-High offensive guard Garrett Brumfield. Like Williams, Brumfield is looking far and wide at schools like Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida and Florida State. Heck, any BCS-level school would love to land the prospect ranked No. 64 on 24/7 Sports’ very early Top 247.
It’s very early in the recruiting game, too, and don’t expect LSU to let Brumfield slip away without a fight like it did Williams.
- If LSU lands its usual nine or 10 players off what will be The Advocate’s 2014 Super Dozen — the Tigers already have two commitments from players who could be on that list in William Clapp and Jacory Washington — and does well out of state, the Tigers could have the nation’s No. 1 class. LSU is reportedly already in great shape with prospects like Edward Paris, a safety from Arlington, Texas (see why LSU wants to play at Cowboys Stadium?), considered the No. 1 prospect in the Lone Star State, and one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in Tony Brown from Beaumont, Texas.
- For all its projected bounty next year, Louisiana once again isn’t expected to produce a great quarterback. It hasn’t really since Ryan Perrilloux in 2005, a strange reality for a state that churns out great players at so many other positions.
- Sunday will be the biggest day of Patrick Reed’s young golfing life.
Reed, who made a name for himself last year by getting into several PGA Tour events as a Monday qualifier, would earn a two-year exemption and a Masters invitation if he wins. He’s got a chance: He has 17 birdies through the first three rounds, one more than either of the co-leaders, Brandt Snedeker and James Hahn.
eadvocate.com
http://theadvocate.com/sports/
theadvocate.com
Recruiting class of 2014 could be ‘best’
RB Fournette leads group of stellar Louisiana prospectsThe Class of 2001 has long been the standard by which other Louisiana recruiting classes are judged. Seven members of The Advocate’s Super Dozen that year went on to play in the NFL, among them Michael Clayton, Marcus Spears and Brandon Jacobs.
The Class of 2011 was mentioned in that same breath with players like Anthony “Freak” Johnson, La’El Collins, Jeremy Hill and Jarvis Landry.
For all the glitter and glory those classes produced, the Class of 2014 could outshine them all.
“There is a lot of elite talent in 2014,” said Shea Dixon, recruiting analyst for 24/7 Sports. “It could be the best class ever.”
The Class of 2013 was above average by Louisiana’s lofty standards, but the 2014 recruiting haul is expected to produce a bumper crop.
Fourteen Louisiana prospects are ranked on 24/7 Sports’ Top 247 for 2014, ESPN’s Watch List, Rivals’ Watch List or some combination of all three.
At the top is St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette (6-foot-1, 232 pounds), who’s ranked as the nation’s No. 1 running back and No. 2 overall prospect by 24/7 Sports and one of just nine five-star recruits on Rivals’ 2014 Watch List.
Fournette is the player LSU coach Les Miles spoke of without naming Wednesday during his National Signing Day news conference when he talked about the need to sign a great running back.
“I’m thinking of him right now,” said Miles, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from discussing potential recruits.
Fournette will be someone virtually every college football coach will be thinking of over the next year. Virtually every college football fan who follows recruiting, too.
“Everywhere I go, people see me and say, ‘Hey, what school are you going to?’ or ‘Man, commit to LSU or commit to Alabama or commit to Notre Dame,’ ” Fournette said Wednesday. “It’s every day, all day. It doesn’t bother me at all. I just tell them, ‘I don’t know yet’ and I thank them for being interested.”
Read more...http://theadvocate.com/
The Advocate’s Ted Lewis
and Gary Estwick
contributed to this report.
-------------------------
http://www.usatodayhss.com/
Some high school players have the potential to be great late
Holy Cross (New Orleans) wide receiver and LSU signee Kevin Spears has the potential to blossom into a top player. / 247Sports
Kevin Spears is fully aware that he sounds wildly typical.
Yes, he knows that the football-sized chip that’s formed on his shoulder as a result of not being considered “elite” by recruiting rankings is cliché since the hard truth is that every player not ranked No. 1 at their position thinks they should be ranked higher.
Spears, a senior wide receiver at Holy Cross (New Orleans), is ranked No. 43 at his position in the Rivals150.
LOVE: Signing Day Ticker MORE: Top 50 Football Recruits
“I know that I should be higher than that,” Spears said. “But I understand that I got on the scene later than most guys, and I wasn’t ranked before, so this is an improvement. But I still feels like, skill-wise, I’m gonna have a major impact. I’m confident in that.”
Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell shares those sentiments.
Farrell said that Spears was “as late of a bloomer as you’re gonna get.”
“I’m telling you this kid could be extremely special,” Farrell said. “He came out of nowhere. We got his film in early January and I was amazed. Everything turned around for him after an amazing senior year.”
MORE: Expect the unexpected PHOTOS: Crazy Signing Day moments
Spears represents a growing number of high school players who point to countless example of players who blossomed after high school in college and the NFL.
“Better late than never,” said Spears, who posted 65 receptions to go along with 1,115 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. “This is high school and we’ve got a lot of football after this. This isn’t the last word, so I don’t worry about it as much when I think about it like that. Things can turn around for the better quick.”
Spears would know.
Over the course of three weeks in January, he went from having just two offers from Louisiana Tech and San Diego State to committing to Louisiana Tech. Then he received a last minute offer from LSU, went to visit the Tigers and flipped his commitment on the spot.
“The last kid that I know of that has a similar situation like this was the ‘Honey Badger,” Farell said of former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. “The only BCS offer Tyrann had in high school was from LSU and the only BCS offer Kevin has is from LSU too.”
Spears said being overlooked by so many colleges only fuels his motivation.
He’s quick to point to the fact that “a lot of stars in the NFL weren’t exactly No. 1 in their class in high school. That’s why I’m not worried about it at all.”
MORE: Signing Day Homepage
Take New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston.
In high school, he turned down a scholarship offer from Missouri to play at Hofstra and ended his career as the Pride’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,834). Colston was drafted by the Saints in 2006 and three years later had seven receptions for 83 yards to help the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17, over the Indianapolis Colts in 2009.
Farrell recalled a similar scenario for Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji.
“He wasn’t this big time guy in high school,” Farrell said of Raji. “He wasn’t that good as a junior then had a really good senior year and now he’s a guy that does State Farm commercials. Late bloomers definitely happen.”
Here are a handful of other players from the class of 2013 that aren’t five-star recruits now, but have the potential to make major noise later in their careers.
Durham Smythe, Belton (Belton, Texas), TE
Signed with: Notre Dame
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He could be one of those guys that end up making a big impact.”
Parker McLeod, Walton (Marietta, Ga.), QB
Signed with: Alabama
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “It wouldn’t shock me if, in a few years, I saw him turn out to be the starting quarterback on a national championship Alabama team.”
Lewis Neal, Hunt (Wilson, N.C.), DE
Signed with: LSU
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He could end up being a poor man’s Sam Montgomery there at LSU and turn into a great player.”
Eddie Jackson, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.), WR
Signed with: Alabama
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He’s a superior athlete; he’s just a little raw. Wouldn’t shock me if, down the line, we’re talking about how we ranked him way too low.”
Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter @JayJayUSATODAY.
-------------------------Yes, he knows that the football-sized chip that’s formed on his shoulder as a result of not being considered “elite” by recruiting rankings is cliché since the hard truth is that every player not ranked No. 1 at their position thinks they should be ranked higher.
Spears, a senior wide receiver at Holy Cross (New Orleans), is ranked No. 43 at his position in the Rivals150.
LOVE: Signing Day Ticker MORE: Top 50 Football Recruits
“I know that I should be higher than that,” Spears said. “But I understand that I got on the scene later than most guys, and I wasn’t ranked before, so this is an improvement. But I still feels like, skill-wise, I’m gonna have a major impact. I’m confident in that.”
Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell shares those sentiments.
Farrell said that Spears was “as late of a bloomer as you’re gonna get.”
“I’m telling you this kid could be extremely special,” Farrell said. “He came out of nowhere. We got his film in early January and I was amazed. Everything turned around for him after an amazing senior year.”
MORE: Expect the unexpected PHOTOS: Crazy Signing Day moments
Spears represents a growing number of high school players who point to countless example of players who blossomed after high school in college and the NFL.
“Better late than never,” said Spears, who posted 65 receptions to go along with 1,115 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. “This is high school and we’ve got a lot of football after this. This isn’t the last word, so I don’t worry about it as much when I think about it like that. Things can turn around for the better quick.”
Spears would know.
Over the course of three weeks in January, he went from having just two offers from Louisiana Tech and San Diego State to committing to Louisiana Tech. Then he received a last minute offer from LSU, went to visit the Tigers and flipped his commitment on the spot.
“The last kid that I know of that has a similar situation like this was the ‘Honey Badger,” Farell said of former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. “The only BCS offer Tyrann had in high school was from LSU and the only BCS offer Kevin has is from LSU too.”
Spears said being overlooked by so many colleges only fuels his motivation.
He’s quick to point to the fact that “a lot of stars in the NFL weren’t exactly No. 1 in their class in high school. That’s why I’m not worried about it at all.”
MORE: Signing Day Homepage
Take New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston.
In high school, he turned down a scholarship offer from Missouri to play at Hofstra and ended his career as the Pride’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,834). Colston was drafted by the Saints in 2006 and three years later had seven receptions for 83 yards to help the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17, over the Indianapolis Colts in 2009.
Farrell recalled a similar scenario for Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji.
“He wasn’t this big time guy in high school,” Farrell said of Raji. “He wasn’t that good as a junior then had a really good senior year and now he’s a guy that does State Farm commercials. Late bloomers definitely happen.”
Here are a handful of other players from the class of 2013 that aren’t five-star recruits now, but have the potential to make major noise later in their careers.
Durham Smythe, Belton (Belton, Texas), TE
Signed with: Notre Dame
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He could be one of those guys that end up making a big impact.”
Parker McLeod, Walton (Marietta, Ga.), QB
Signed with: Alabama
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “It wouldn’t shock me if, in a few years, I saw him turn out to be the starting quarterback on a national championship Alabama team.”
Lewis Neal, Hunt (Wilson, N.C.), DE
Signed with: LSU
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He could end up being a poor man’s Sam Montgomery there at LSU and turn into a great player.”
Eddie Jackson, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.), WR
Signed with: Alabama
Star Rating: ***
Farrell’s Take: “He’s a superior athlete; he’s just a little raw. Wouldn’t shock me if, down the line, we’re talking about how we ranked him way too low.”
Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter @JayJayUSATODAY.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.
Top 2013 recruiting classes by offensive position
By Rivals.com staff, Special to SI.com
Signing Day has come and passed, and now it's time to forecast which
recruiting classes will find the most on-field success. With the faxes
all sent, Rivals.com takes a look at which teams fared best on the
offensive side of the ball.
• 2013 recruits: Anthony Jennings, Hayden Rettig
• The skinny: The Tigers brought in the nation's third-ranked pro-style quarterback in Rettig and the sixth-ranked dual-threat passer in Jennings. Both will need time to mature, but -- coupled with an elite LSU defense -- both could grow into game-changers in Baton Rouge.
2. USC
• 2013 recruit: Max Browne
• The skinny: Browne went wire-to-wire as the nation's top-ranked quarterback in the 2013 class. The Sammamish, Wash., native threw for 12,742 yards and 144 touchdowns over the final three years of his high school career, and he could make an immediate impact after enrolling early at USC.
3. Penn State
• 2013 recruits: Christian Hackenberg, Tyler Ferguson
• The skinny: It's tough to accurately gauge Hackenberg's value to Penn State's 2013 haul. Not only is he the second-ranked quarterback in this year's cycle, but he stuck with the Nittany Lions after they were pummeled by NCAA sanctions. Ferguson comes from the juco ranks, and he could potentially provide Hackenberg with some extra time to develop.
4. Texas A&M
• 2013 recruits: Kenny Hill, Kohl Stewart
• The skinny: Kevin Sumlin's Aggies were the only other school besides LSU to land two four-star quarterbacks. Both Hill and Stewart committed to A&M before Johnny Manziel's Heisman-winning campaign, and both have ambitions to become his eventual successor.
5. Auburn
• 2013 recruits: Jeremy Johnson, Nick Marshall
• The skinny: At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Johnson has drawn comparisons to former Auburn great Cam Newton. Still, the Montgomery, Ala., product is much more of a pocket passer than Newton was. Marshall was the second-rated juco quarterback on the board, and he brings more of a dual-threat package to the Plains.
• 2013 recruits: Derrick Henry, Tyren Jones, Alvin Kamara, Altee Tenpenny
• The skinny: The Crimson Tide have the top incoming running back crop in the nation -- and it's not even close. Four more prized backs are on their way to Tuscaloosa, including Henry, high school football's all-time leading rusher. Look for at least one true freshman to team up with T.J. Yeldon in 'Bama's backfield next season.
Rivals: 'Bama takes home top-ranked 2013 recruiting class
2. USC
• 2013 recruits: Ty Isaac, Justin Davis
• The skinny: Isaac and Davis committed to the Trojans within days of each other, and, at the time, they said they looked forward to the competition. Both are Rivals100 prospects, bring different skill sets to campus and could add another weapon to an attack that already features wideout Marqise Lee.
3. Ole Miss
• 2013 recruits: Eugene Brazley, Mark Dodson Jr., Kalio Moore, Jordan Wilkins
• The skinny: Perhaps overlooked in Ole Miss' star-studded class, a crop of talented running backs will join Hugh Freeze's squad in Oxford. The headliner is Dodson, a 5-10, 193-pounder who is a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield.
4. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Greg Bryant, Tarean Folston
• The skinny: Signing Bryant out of Delray Beach, Fla., was one of Brian Kelly's biggest achievements in his impressive 2013 haul. Bryant rushed for 1,464 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior, while Folston -- a Cocoa, Fla., native -- should add an elusive game-changer to the Irish attack.
5. Michigan
• 2013 recruits: Derrick Green, Deveon Smith
• The skinny: The Wolverines are looking to get back to their power-running roots, and Green and Smith are between-the-tackles backs who should further that cause. Green, a five-star talent out of Richmond, Va., was the top-ranked running back in this year's cycle and should make an instant impact.
• 2013 recruits: Alvin Bailey, Ahmad Fulwood, Marqui Hawkins, Demarcus Robinson, Chris Thompson
• The skinny: The Gators signed five wideouts in their 2013 class, three of whom are four-star prospects. Bailey is a do-it-all playmaker with a nose for the end zone, while the 6-2, 200-pound Robinson is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the country.
2. Ole Miss
• 2013 recruits: Laquon Treadwell, Quincy Adeboyejo, Derrick Jones, Quadarias Mireles
• The skinny: Treadwell, a five-star talent out of Crete, Ill., turned heads when he spurned Midwest programs to sign with Freeze's Rebels. Both he and Adeboyejo should see early action in an offense that racked up 10 passing touchdowns over its final three games last season.
STAPLES: How Ole Miss landed its historic recruiting class
3. Tennessee
• 2013 recruits: Paul Harris, Ryan Jenkins, Marquez North, Josh Smith
• The skinny: Butch Jones' biggest recruiting victory since taking over at Rocky Top was landing North, an explosive target out of Charlotte. Harris is also a four-star prospect with good size (6-4, 186), while Jenkins and Smith give the Volunteers long-term depth at the position.
4. Texas A&M
• 2013 recruits: Sebastian Larue, Kyrion Parker, Jeremy Tabuyo, JaQuay Williams
• The skinny: Williams was a Rivals100 prospect in the class of 2012. Now, with a year of prep school under his belt, he should be primed to contribute immediately in College Station. It's easy to attract wide receivers with a returning Heisman winner under center, and three of A&M's new additions are four-star talents.
5. Auburn
• 2013 recruits: Earnest Robinson, Tony Stevens, Dominic Walker
• The skinny: In Robinson and Stevens, the Tigers have landed one of the most potent receiving tandems in the 2013 class. Factor in the 6-2, 195-pound Walker, and Auburn has a trio of pass-catchers who could thrive in Gus Malzahn's up-tempo attack.
• 2013 recruit: O.J. Howard
• The skinny: Howard has the most potential of any tight end to come out of the high school ranks since Martellus Bennett in 2005, and he enters a great situation at Alabama. Nick Saban's squad just lost senior Michael Williams, and its returning group has a combined eight career receptions. Look for Howard to emerge as a key target for senior quarterback AJ McCarron.
2. Vanderbilt
• 2013 recruits: Nathan Marcus, Mitchell Parsons, Brandon Vanderburg, Mack Weaver
• The skinny: Tight end was certainly a position of emphasis for the Commodores in 2013, as James Franklin brought in four new prospects. Parsons is the lone four-star of the group, and the 6-5, 230-pounder can play both on the line and split out as a receiver.
3. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Mike Heuerman, Jacob Matuska, Durham Smythe
• The skinny: Notre Dame signed three tight ends, though Kelly and staff could move Matuska to defensive end upon his arrival in South Bend. Heuerman and Smythe should both serve as versatile additions to an offense that just lost All-America Tyler Eifert.
4. LSU
• 2013 recruits: DeSean Smith, Logan Stokes
• The skinny: After dazzling scouts at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last month, Smith shot up the charts to become the second-ranked tight end in the 2013 class. He has outstanding hands, and he could pair nicely with Stokes, a more polished prospect from the juco ranks.
5. Michigan
• 2013 recruits: Jake Butt, Khalid Hill
• The skinny: In Michigan's transition from the spread to a pro-style system, the tight end position takes on much greater importance. To that end, Brady Hoke did a nice job signing both Butt and Hill. Butt has potential as a blocker and receiver, while Hill could move into more of an H-back role.
• 2013 recruits: Kyle Bosch, David Dawson, Chris Fox, Patrick Kugler, Dan Samuelson, Scott Sypniewski, Logan Tuley-Tillman
• The skinny: In addition to adding a great quarterback (Shane Morris), top running backs and solid tight ends, Hoke landed key prospects on the offensive line. Kugler is the highest-ranked player in the group, and he's expected to develop into a center. Sypniewski was brought in as a long-snapper.
2. UCLA
• 2013 recruits: Caleb Benenoch, Kenny Lacy, John Lopez, Poasi Moala, Christian Morris, Scott Qussenberry, Alex Redmond
• The skinny: Six of the Bruins' seven offensive line signees are four-star recruits. The 6-6, 293-pound Morris is raw with tremendous upside, while Benenoch -- a Katy, Texas, native -- spurned in-state programs to go to UCLA. This group should bolster an offense that thrived under Jim Mora's tutelage in 2012.
3. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Hunter Bivin, Steve Elmer, Mike McGlinchey, Colin McGovern, John Montelus
• The skinny: Notre Dame finished with the third-ranked recruiting class in the nation, and that was aided in no small part by the Irish's offensive line crop. Elmer and McGlinchey are true offensive tackles, while Bivin appears to possess the versatility to play anywhere on the line. Montelus has the size (6-5, 295) of a future NFL offensive guard.
4. Texas
• 2013 recruits: Rami Hammad, Desmond Harrison, Darius James, Kent Perkins
• The skinny: The Longhorns didn't have many scholarships to work with, but they still needed to address holes on the offensive line. Mack Brown did that by signing four prospects, three of whom maintained four-star ratings. Perkins is the standout of the group -- a powerful drive-blocker with terrific footwork.
5. LSU
• 2013 recruits: Josh Boutte, Andy Dodd, K.J. Malone, Ethan Pocic
• The skinny: The theme of this LSU offensive line group is strength. The 6-7, 285-pound Pocic is one of the most physical offensive tackles in the country, and the 6-5, 305-pound Boutte is equally dominant at the guard position. Malone is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone.
For more coverage and analysis following National Signing Day 2013, visit Rivals' football recruiting hub.
---------------------------By Rivals.com staff, Special to SI.com
Hayden Rettig, a U.S. Army All-American, is one of two four-star quarterback recruits to sign with LSU.
John Albright/Icon SMI
Signing Day 2013
Latest Coverage
- Rivals: Top '13 offensive recruiting classes
- Rivals: Best defensive classes by position
- Rivals: 'Bama leads Top 25 classes of 2013
- STAPLES: Behind the scenes at Ole Miss
- MANDEL: Saban, Meyer rule; NSD awards
- ANDERSON: Honoring Signing Day's best
- WOMMACK: Nkemdiche signs with Ole Miss
- ANDERSON: Tracking NSD through Storify
- Live blog: Running NSD news and analysis
- Rivals100: Top recruits in the class of 2013
- Conference analysis: Which teams did best?
- Team-by-team '13 commitment breakdown
Previous Coverage
- MANDEL: Forecasting future of recruiting
- FENG: What do recruiting rankings predict?
- MANDEL: Texas A&M now a recruiting force
- STAPLES: 'Bama spearheads new RB reality
- ROSENBERG: Guide for following recruiting
- GLICKSMAN: QBs set to make early impact
- MANDEL: Michigan recruiting at elite level
- STAPLES: Liner headlines All-Name Team
- BAUMGAERTNER: Immediate impact DBs
- MANDEL: NCAA changes could spark chaos
SI Multimedia
Quarterback
1. LSU• 2013 recruits: Anthony Jennings, Hayden Rettig
• The skinny: The Tigers brought in the nation's third-ranked pro-style quarterback in Rettig and the sixth-ranked dual-threat passer in Jennings. Both will need time to mature, but -- coupled with an elite LSU defense -- both could grow into game-changers in Baton Rouge.
2. USC
• 2013 recruit: Max Browne
• The skinny: Browne went wire-to-wire as the nation's top-ranked quarterback in the 2013 class. The Sammamish, Wash., native threw for 12,742 yards and 144 touchdowns over the final three years of his high school career, and he could make an immediate impact after enrolling early at USC.
3. Penn State
• 2013 recruits: Christian Hackenberg, Tyler Ferguson
• The skinny: It's tough to accurately gauge Hackenberg's value to Penn State's 2013 haul. Not only is he the second-ranked quarterback in this year's cycle, but he stuck with the Nittany Lions after they were pummeled by NCAA sanctions. Ferguson comes from the juco ranks, and he could potentially provide Hackenberg with some extra time to develop.
4. Texas A&M
• 2013 recruits: Kenny Hill, Kohl Stewart
• The skinny: Kevin Sumlin's Aggies were the only other school besides LSU to land two four-star quarterbacks. Both Hill and Stewart committed to A&M before Johnny Manziel's Heisman-winning campaign, and both have ambitions to become his eventual successor.
5. Auburn
• 2013 recruits: Jeremy Johnson, Nick Marshall
• The skinny: At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Johnson has drawn comparisons to former Auburn great Cam Newton. Still, the Montgomery, Ala., product is much more of a pocket passer than Newton was. Marshall was the second-rated juco quarterback on the board, and he brings more of a dual-threat package to the Plains.
Running back
1. Alabama• 2013 recruits: Derrick Henry, Tyren Jones, Alvin Kamara, Altee Tenpenny
• The skinny: The Crimson Tide have the top incoming running back crop in the nation -- and it's not even close. Four more prized backs are on their way to Tuscaloosa, including Henry, high school football's all-time leading rusher. Look for at least one true freshman to team up with T.J. Yeldon in 'Bama's backfield next season.
Rivals: 'Bama takes home top-ranked 2013 recruiting class
2. USC
• 2013 recruits: Ty Isaac, Justin Davis
• The skinny: Isaac and Davis committed to the Trojans within days of each other, and, at the time, they said they looked forward to the competition. Both are Rivals100 prospects, bring different skill sets to campus and could add another weapon to an attack that already features wideout Marqise Lee.
3. Ole Miss
• 2013 recruits: Eugene Brazley, Mark Dodson Jr., Kalio Moore, Jordan Wilkins
• The skinny: Perhaps overlooked in Ole Miss' star-studded class, a crop of talented running backs will join Hugh Freeze's squad in Oxford. The headliner is Dodson, a 5-10, 193-pounder who is a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield.
4. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Greg Bryant, Tarean Folston
• The skinny: Signing Bryant out of Delray Beach, Fla., was one of Brian Kelly's biggest achievements in his impressive 2013 haul. Bryant rushed for 1,464 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior, while Folston -- a Cocoa, Fla., native -- should add an elusive game-changer to the Irish attack.
5. Michigan
• 2013 recruits: Derrick Green, Deveon Smith
• The skinny: The Wolverines are looking to get back to their power-running roots, and Green and Smith are between-the-tackles backs who should further that cause. Green, a five-star talent out of Richmond, Va., was the top-ranked running back in this year's cycle and should make an instant impact.
Wide receiver
1. Florida• 2013 recruits: Alvin Bailey, Ahmad Fulwood, Marqui Hawkins, Demarcus Robinson, Chris Thompson
• The skinny: The Gators signed five wideouts in their 2013 class, three of whom are four-star prospects. Bailey is a do-it-all playmaker with a nose for the end zone, while the 6-2, 200-pound Robinson is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the country.
2. Ole Miss
• 2013 recruits: Laquon Treadwell, Quincy Adeboyejo, Derrick Jones, Quadarias Mireles
• The skinny: Treadwell, a five-star talent out of Crete, Ill., turned heads when he spurned Midwest programs to sign with Freeze's Rebels. Both he and Adeboyejo should see early action in an offense that racked up 10 passing touchdowns over its final three games last season.
STAPLES: How Ole Miss landed its historic recruiting class
3. Tennessee
• 2013 recruits: Paul Harris, Ryan Jenkins, Marquez North, Josh Smith
• The skinny: Butch Jones' biggest recruiting victory since taking over at Rocky Top was landing North, an explosive target out of Charlotte. Harris is also a four-star prospect with good size (6-4, 186), while Jenkins and Smith give the Volunteers long-term depth at the position.
Coming off a year of prep school, WR JaQuay Williams could contribute early at Texas A&M.
Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire
• 2013 recruits: Sebastian Larue, Kyrion Parker, Jeremy Tabuyo, JaQuay Williams
• The skinny: Williams was a Rivals100 prospect in the class of 2012. Now, with a year of prep school under his belt, he should be primed to contribute immediately in College Station. It's easy to attract wide receivers with a returning Heisman winner under center, and three of A&M's new additions are four-star talents.
5. Auburn
• 2013 recruits: Earnest Robinson, Tony Stevens, Dominic Walker
• The skinny: In Robinson and Stevens, the Tigers have landed one of the most potent receiving tandems in the 2013 class. Factor in the 6-2, 195-pound Walker, and Auburn has a trio of pass-catchers who could thrive in Gus Malzahn's up-tempo attack.
Tight end
1. Alabama• 2013 recruit: O.J. Howard
• The skinny: Howard has the most potential of any tight end to come out of the high school ranks since Martellus Bennett in 2005, and he enters a great situation at Alabama. Nick Saban's squad just lost senior Michael Williams, and its returning group has a combined eight career receptions. Look for Howard to emerge as a key target for senior quarterback AJ McCarron.
2. Vanderbilt
• 2013 recruits: Nathan Marcus, Mitchell Parsons, Brandon Vanderburg, Mack Weaver
• The skinny: Tight end was certainly a position of emphasis for the Commodores in 2013, as James Franklin brought in four new prospects. Parsons is the lone four-star of the group, and the 6-5, 230-pounder can play both on the line and split out as a receiver.
3. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Mike Heuerman, Jacob Matuska, Durham Smythe
• The skinny: Notre Dame signed three tight ends, though Kelly and staff could move Matuska to defensive end upon his arrival in South Bend. Heuerman and Smythe should both serve as versatile additions to an offense that just lost All-America Tyler Eifert.
4. LSU
• 2013 recruits: DeSean Smith, Logan Stokes
• The skinny: After dazzling scouts at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last month, Smith shot up the charts to become the second-ranked tight end in the 2013 class. He has outstanding hands, and he could pair nicely with Stokes, a more polished prospect from the juco ranks.
5. Michigan
• 2013 recruits: Jake Butt, Khalid Hill
• The skinny: In Michigan's transition from the spread to a pro-style system, the tight end position takes on much greater importance. To that end, Brady Hoke did a nice job signing both Butt and Hill. Butt has potential as a blocker and receiver, while Hill could move into more of an H-back role.
Offensive line
1. Michigan• 2013 recruits: Kyle Bosch, David Dawson, Chris Fox, Patrick Kugler, Dan Samuelson, Scott Sypniewski, Logan Tuley-Tillman
• The skinny: In addition to adding a great quarterback (Shane Morris), top running backs and solid tight ends, Hoke landed key prospects on the offensive line. Kugler is the highest-ranked player in the group, and he's expected to develop into a center. Sypniewski was brought in as a long-snapper.
2. UCLA
• 2013 recruits: Caleb Benenoch, Kenny Lacy, John Lopez, Poasi Moala, Christian Morris, Scott Qussenberry, Alex Redmond
• The skinny: Six of the Bruins' seven offensive line signees are four-star recruits. The 6-6, 293-pound Morris is raw with tremendous upside, while Benenoch -- a Katy, Texas, native -- spurned in-state programs to go to UCLA. This group should bolster an offense that thrived under Jim Mora's tutelage in 2012.
3. Notre Dame
• 2013 recruits: Hunter Bivin, Steve Elmer, Mike McGlinchey, Colin McGovern, John Montelus
• The skinny: Notre Dame finished with the third-ranked recruiting class in the nation, and that was aided in no small part by the Irish's offensive line crop. Elmer and McGlinchey are true offensive tackles, while Bivin appears to possess the versatility to play anywhere on the line. Montelus has the size (6-5, 295) of a future NFL offensive guard.
4. Texas
• 2013 recruits: Rami Hammad, Desmond Harrison, Darius James, Kent Perkins
• The skinny: The Longhorns didn't have many scholarships to work with, but they still needed to address holes on the offensive line. Mack Brown did that by signing four prospects, three of whom maintained four-star ratings. Perkins is the standout of the group -- a powerful drive-blocker with terrific footwork.
5. LSU
• 2013 recruits: Josh Boutte, Andy Dodd, K.J. Malone, Ethan Pocic
• The skinny: The theme of this LSU offensive line group is strength. The 6-7, 285-pound Pocic is one of the most physical offensive tackles in the country, and the 6-5, 305-pound Boutte is equally dominant at the guard position. Malone is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone.
For more coverage and analysis following National Signing Day 2013, visit Rivals' football recruiting hub.
http://1130thetiger.com/new-
Newest LSU Tiger Tre’Davious White Talks High Recruitment Rankings + More [INTERVIEW]
By Chris Dee
3 days ago 
Chris Dee Green Oaks High School star cornerback Tre’Davious White will soon be “Callin’ Baton Rouge” after signing with the LSU Tigers on National Signing Day. We interviewed Tre’Davious and asked about his impressive high school career, what he looks forward to in Baton Rouge and who his favorite football player is.
Chris Dee Throughout his career playing for the Green Oaks Giants North Shreveport, Tre’Davious White has given Giants’ fans a show and plenty to cheer about throughout the years.
As one chapter of his life closes in May, another chapter began yesterday afternoon as Tre’Davious signed on the dotted line to become the newest Tiger in Death Valley.
The Green Oaks star impressed many throughout the country scoring 11 touchdowns, 593 passing yards, and over 340 rushing yards. Due to the stellar totals, he was handpicked to play in the U.S. All-American Bowl in January, where he shined once again.
Tre’Davious spoke on his experience playing in the U.S. All-American Game, telling 1130 The Tiger, “It was a good experience! I got a chance to meet a lot of guys from across the country, and I just made a lot of friendships that are going to be lifelong.”
Tre’Davious even caught the eye of LSU Tigers coach Les Miles, who envisioned him playing under the lights in Death Valley rocking purple and gold. But if there is one man who will miss Tre’Davious, it’s his current coach Spencer Heard.
“It’s been a joy! You know, he’s a great athlete, role model for everybody at the school, excellent student,” said Heard. “It’s been easy to coach [Tre'Davious] because he picks up stuff so quickly [and], his ability to take what you ask him to do and translate it to the action on the field. That’s kind of a coach’s dream. I know it will bode well for him at the next level.”
Listen to our full interview with Tre’Davious White below
Read more...http://1130thetiger.----------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
----------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment