LSU 2008 Recruiting Round-up

Another recruiting season is in the books, and the National Champion Tigers finished with yet another top 10 class. LSU returns 6 starters on offense and 5 starters on defense; however, LSU fills those holes with players who have significant playing time under their belt. The biggest question for the 2008 LSU football team will be at the defensive back position; and did Les Miles do a great job in bringing in some top guys to replace seniors Chevis Jackson and Jonathon Zenon. Miles and staff signed six defensive backs for the '08 class, the biggest recruit being #1 DB Patrick Johnson from Pompano Beach, FL. Look for Johnson to see the field early in his career at LSU.

LSU should be stacked at the receiver position for a while. Gary Crowton and company did a great job by signing five receivers: DeAngelo Benton, Chris Tolliver, Jhryn Taylor, Tim Molton, and Deangelo Peterson. I expect all except Benton to redshirt for the 2008 season.

Les Miles, being a former offensive lineman at Michigan back in his day, knows his stuff when it comes to the big men. LSU had somewhat of a surprise on signing day when Florida native Greg Shaw (6'5 270) sent in his LOI to the Tigers.

In what was a "down year" in Louisiana as to top recruits in the nation, Les Miles held strong to his duties and received commitments from all of the Louisiana players he offered. Keeping the talent in-state is huge in becoming a top program in college football.

Biggest Impact in '08: WR DeAngelo Benton (6'3 210). DeAngelo committed to the Tigers in '07, but failed to qualify. Benton kept his word and is ready to come to Baton Rouge in 2008. Similar to Demetrius Byrd, who also was a JUCO transfer, DeAnglo should come in and have an immediate impact.

My sleeper: DE/TE Chase Clement (6'5 240 lbs). Chase is a great athlete, he provides a big target at the tight end position, but also has the speed at 4.6 to rush the passer at the defensive end. I believe Chase has the size and speed to be a very successful defensive end in the SEC.

-Jeff Hathorn, Special to The Geaux Show