Lonn Phillips Sullivan
May 21, 202111 min
Updated: Jun 8, 2021
WELCOME NEW ODYSSEY SUBSCRIBERS
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
With June's camps fast approaching for the LSU Tigers' 2022 recruits and their families, Coach Orgeron's staff are due to have an intense month of June...the longest dead period of all time will finally be over....recruits will be able to finally witness LSU's 2019 National Championship trophy in the flesh, as well as our 2007 and 2003 BCS title crystal balls, every individual award from Joe & Billy's Heisman trophies to Claiborne's Thorpe Award, or the rest of our state of the art facility's immaculately themed rooms.
During June and the coming summer months, LSU will look to fill out the rest of their class based mostly around camp participants, as Coach O highlighted the plethora of former Tiger greats and current NFL players who camped with us.
Regardless of who's camping or not, LSU ODYSSEY is predicting the 12 remaining spots left for the Tigers:
I feel at WR there will be some movement: I don't expect LSU to hang on to both Aaron Anderson & A.J Johnson;
With each scholarship being so key, expect Coach Orgeron's recruiting team to be purposeful, yet with many options / layers to their decisions.
But LSU won't be processing more than one or two slots, and only for the most mutually beneficial of situations.
Typically, comparing LSU to Alabama isn't always a bad thing when it comes to winning football games, but if we're talking about processing recruits, Alabama will always stand alone as a dynasty at manipulating young men just before the 11th hour.
And that's a title we'll let their sinking reputation hold on to.....
There's much more to our 2022 recruiting strategy than securing the right players....2022 is about sending a message.
When it comes down to the wire, Ed Orgeron understands the stakes:
The 2022 class possesses some of the most stacked talent we've seen in some time, specifically out of the state of Louisiana, led by 5 stars Walker Howard, Will Campbell and Jacoby Mathews...all three are now "hard Tiger commits".
Currently ranked as the #3 national recruiting class, marginally behind Smart's resurgent Georgia & Day's Ohio State, we will witness the Tigers take the #1 spot later this summer, positioning themselves for the highest ranked class in purple & gold history.
Expect more recruits to have their ratings rise to the 5 star level, but more than anything, it's time the national college football landscape get used to the next #1 recruiting force....
There's a new sheriff in town...
(WR EDNA KARR)
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(CB ACADIANA)
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(CB VALDOSTA)
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(WR GREEN OAKS)
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(WR NEWMAN)
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(OG ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL)
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(CB COLLEGE PARK)
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(DT EDNA KARR)
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(WR ST. JAMES)
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Coached by the legendary champion Robert Valdez, teammates with current Tiger Saivion Jones and an entrenched Louisiana juggernaut, Shazz Preston was a key member of St James' undefeated 2019 squad, pulling off 1,018 receiving yards on their way to a huge title game victory in the Superdome.
Shazz is a big play machine, registering a play of 37 yards or more in every game throughout 2019....and he didn't stop there:
Last year's semifinal run was led by Preston's 9 scores for 865 yards, while producing five 100+ yard receiving performances, six games of 5+ catches, and averaging over 12.2 yards per catch on eight occasions (averaging over 19 yards in five more appearances).
Possessing an elite wide receiving body, exacting hands and the kind of speed Mickey Joseph appreciates, look for Preston to hook up with the Tigers on his "YAC Tour".
Many were claiming Preston would be leaving the state of Louisiana for another program, all due to the Tigers signing three other wide outs before Shazz....but this isn't a young man who has his feelings hurt by a little competition.
Instead, he thrives in that setting....on that big stage.
Could he wear the #7 in the future at LSU???
(WR/S/RET CAPTAIN SHREVE)
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A special athlete possessing both the speed and playmaking reminiscent of WR Kayshon Boutte at Westgate (add a dash of Tyrann Mathieu), Law actually seems to be all over Daronte Jones / Corey Raymond's radar as a safety.
Utilizing his all-encompassing aerial skills, ability to close down space, smart football IQ alongside his total DBU swagger, it makes sense to deploy Law's blistering stamina at the "most important position in the game".
When you watch the Captain Shreve ATH on the field, it becomes apparent that this young man is a "law unto himself", pulling off stunning moments of mastercraft in the return game, too.
Kendrick Law is one of my favorite players of the 2022 class, emblematic of the growing versatility amid Louisiana's superstars: Law is one of those rare guys who the team will have an issue deciding whether he'll play "offense or defense"....either side will lose a major asset and threat when LSU's final choice is made.
Though Florida State, Alabama and Sarkisian's Texas are in the hunt for the top jack-of-all-trades, I have a sense the Shreveport-native is favoring LSU heavily at this time due to the Tigers loyalty (beating all the other top offers to the punch with the first major SEC offer). Kendrick is also digging the dual recruitment and the abundant options in Baton Rouge (as far as positions he can choose and / or play).
(OT CATHOLIC)
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In last week's exclusive interview with LSU Odyssey, I asked Emery Jones "what's the first word that comes to your mind when you think of LSU?"
His answer?
"Home."
Jones is a total lock and would be another major boost for James Cregg's elite 2022 OL haul, proving the recruiting pedigree of the Joe Moore Award-winner beyond doubt.
If you thought Cregg displayed incredible commitment in signing 2021 & 2020 OL Garrett Dellinger or Anthony Bradford out of Michigan, snagging Damien Lewis from the JUCO ranks & turning him into an NFL starter, then just wait for Cregg's pursuit of Emery Jones to reach its ultimate climax:
James Cregg won't stop for anything.
Without a doubt, Cregg has to be called LSU's 2022 coaching staff MVP thus far, solidifying the establishment of LSU's class by gaining the huge commitments of 5 star Will Campbell, legacy Tiger Bo Bordelon and highly recruited Bama defector Lucas Taylor.
If Cregg is able to secure Emery Jones, a can't miss local prospect alongside the aforementioned three OL, then the Tigers' starting OL would be established for the next 4 years.
(CB NORTH SHORE)
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Official Visit: 6/18
LBs Coach Blake Baker has reportedly assisted Corey Raymond in his pursuit for the Houston-area corner, hoping to reel in one of the true DB stars of 2022's class.
North Shore's ball hawking extraordinaire will be in Baton Rouge for a visit on June 18th: while on campus, Corey Raymond, Daronte Jones & Blake Baker will all be hoping to successfully fend off Alabama's Jay Valai, Texas's Terry Joseph (Mickey's brother), among a host of other suitors (Texas A&M are in the hunt, too).
Let's hope LSU's visit makes a big impact on signing Harris in December, because the pursuit for this young man will last long into early signing day, such is the magic of his boundless talents, freakish athleticism and timely playmaking.
He'll no doubt improve remarkably under the guidance of DBU Boss Corey Raymond, however it's the way his prowess will skyrocket next to studs such as Eli Ricks, Dwight McGlothern, and possibly Derek Stingley Jr which has LSU fans chomping at the bit.
(DE MONSIGNOR PACE)
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Official Visit: 6/4
A ridiculously talented edge rusher who continues to grow closer towards a Tigers commitment by the day:
Stewart is increasingly impressed by freshman DT Maason Smith's skyrocketing rise or B.J Ojulari's destruction off the edge last year....he can tell there's a pathway to the field.
Getting love from NFL Legend and should-be HOF Andre Carter, while Blake Baker plays assist-man, and Coach Orgeron dictates the push, there's a full throttle pursuit for Stewart from all angles.
Incredibly, I was told by a strong source that Stewart's chase is "already surpassing the work LSU put in" for last year's 5 star DE prize (and #1 overall player) Korey Foreman.
This same source was gung ho about the Florida edge rusher closing in on a commitment, yet I personally feel Shemar won't be making a decision until December, I just have a gut vibe he'll want the process to play out... but you never know.
Regardless of the competition, I feel Shemar's head has been firmly turned in LSU's direction and it'll take something drastic to change that....
Posting 48 tackles off the edge and an outrageous 15 sacks during a pandemic-shortened junior campaign, Stewart continues to elevate his game and geaux from strength to strength, displaying tyrannical 6'5 height alongside beefy agility at 260......just wait until Tommy Moffit hangs out with Shemar!
(OT SUMMER CREEK)
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Official Visit: 6/4
247 project Banks to be a 2nd Round pick and based upon Kelvin's hellish aggression, lack of false steps, or propensity to stay over his opponents' hands, we have to agree:
Why will Banks remain such a high priority for James Cregg's Tigers?
The high school All-American grinder has the versatility to kick inside to guard (which is where LSU would most likely need him to move, considering Lucas Taylor constitutes the only guard from 2022 thus far) plus, his family are really intrigued by the prospects of joining the Tiger Family.
Banks sports a domineering 6'5, 300 pound presence at the line of scrimmage, a presence James Cregg is circling (and underlining with the word "must") as he heads into a camp date on June 4th in Baton Rouge.
There's other options on the offensive line, Devon Campbell, Banks' teammate Kam Dewberry, Washington state's Malik Agbo, all are still being actively recruited by James Cregg and will camp in Baton Rouge through June.....still, Banks is the guy to watch.
LSU understand why Texas is such an offensive line factory...and it has just as much to do with the coaching as it does the fried chicken or divine Tex-Mex.
(DE MADISON PREP)
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The 6'7 mammoth DE is not only close with many LSU Tigers already, from recent transfer (and former Madison Prep teammate) Major Burns, veteran linebacker Damone Clark, freshman sensation Maason Smith, to second year powerhouse Jaquelin Roy, Wiggins has revealed just how tight he is with LSU's coaching staff.
Establishing relationships with former grad assistant and #18 Tiger Christian LaCouture first, Quency became one of Coach Orgeron & Andre Carter's favorite shared projects after Laca's departure.
Excelling on the basketball court, too, Quency is able to use every inch of his 6'7 height to disturb and disrupt the backfield or line of scrimmage at all costs, poking out fumbles from running backs, shedding double teams like he's eating breakfast, and effecting the passing game in a variety of ways.
Boasting unrivaled stature and terrifying athleticism of the likes Coach O could only dream of during his USC or Ole Miss days, losing out on the local DL wunderkind would be unacceptable in Orgeron's eyes.....
Despite Quency having a visit to both USC and Auburn locked up, look for DL Coach Andre Carter & Coach Orgeron to make a relentless push for Quency's signature.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ON LSUODYSSEY.COM FOR MORE ABOUT QUENCY...
(DT IMG)
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Coach O is a big fan and James just seems to be a perfect match. He takes Abor's place in our predictions as we felt Abor was just too on the fence and too close to Alabama for us to realistically include him....although you can tell we're a fan of Omari's game.
Dominick fits the bill...think a little bit of Dorsey's quick hands, a small dose of Shelvin's beastly aggression up the gut and also some morsels of Drake Nevis, a bit of Kyle Williams' hustle....then you have "Dominator" James.....
(OLB CY PARK)
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Amassing over 93 tackles across his past two seasons, 5 Star LB Harold Perkins is a consistent presence on both sides of the ball, however he exploded to prominence during 2020:
Posting 47 tackles in 10 games, adding 14.5 TFLs, showing his coverage skills with 6 PDs (13 in the last 2 seasons alongside an INT TD return), while forcing 3 fumbles & recovering another for a touchdown, Harold also attacked the line of scrimmage by way of 3 sacks, 2 hurries before adding a blocked field goal...and don't forget, this is a young man who rushed for 983 yards & 14 touchdowns (receiving 371 yards for 3 TDs) at the same time, proving himself more than capable in most offensive schemes.
Perkins attacks the football with bruising viciousness, he displays an innate ability to shed blocks in order to make the biggest of plays, moreover, he's a composite of great linebacker profiles: Harold has a little bit of Patrick Queen's side to side mobility, a dose of Devin White's swaggering devastation, a thick layer of Patrick Willis' battle-hardened "sauce", Dat Nguyen's heart and relentlessness, and a "whote lotta" new breed linebacking skills which stand alone.
Remember....Coach Blake Baker also has dual Texas/Louisiana ties, just like Harold.
There's many suitors, but after his trip to Baton Rouge for LSU's last Spring Game, I believe Harold has his heart set on returning to Louisiana, undoubtedly dreaming of playing a National Championship / Sugar Bowl semifinal at his hometown New Orleans Superdome.
(DE ASCENSION)
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The three-sport athlete is a 6'3 245 wonderforce wreaking intense havoc with his considerable length, girthy midsection and dominant physical tools.
There's no one way he can reach the QB....he can get through to the backfield anyway, from anywhere and seemingly against anyone, winning some impressive one on one camp reps vs Makaylan Pounders during a Rivals camp this author was able to witness.
Grabbing 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, scoring a safety, during his junior season; Illustrating his rapid rise and ability to adapt, J'Mond erupted for 11 tackles (all solo stops), 3 TFL, 1 sack and 1 hurry as a freshman vs St. John....
LSU launched an early offer to Ascension High's DE freakazoid J'Mond Tapp, beating out Florida, Alabama and Louisville, although UGA and USC were able to dip in front of the Tigers by some considerable time (UGA offering Tapp last fall).
As LSU tries to set up an unofficial / official visit with Tapp on campus, many other schools, especially Alabama, are firmly in the hunt.
I really like LSU's chances to grab J'Mond's commitment.
(LB DR. PHILLIPS)
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Official visit: 6/18
An under the radar Florida-based linebacker who's grown close to LBs Coach Blake Baker, and demonstrates high octane promise as a potential SEC defender.
Posting 80 solo tackles from 89 total stops over his three seasons at Dr. Phillips, Tolan has shown time and time again "the buck stops with him", also throwing in 4 sacks, 2 TFL, 1 QB hurry (we can see about 6 or 7 more from just one highlight tape), 1 forced fumble, another recovery, as well as 4 passes defended.
On offense, DeMario lined up at running back and receiver, scoring 4 rushing touchdowns and hauling in a TD through the air....demonstrating his true multi-faceted skills.
His full game is promising, but not there just yet.
Tolan is a raw talent, however one who could win a Bednarik Award if developed correctly.
DeMario can sense this....and he seems to be feeling the purple & gold all the way due to Blake Baker's developmental vision.
(ATH Bishop Verot)
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(DT ST BENEDICT OF AUBURNDALE)
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Despite the big tackle's measurables, Nolen can fly around and smack the crap outta ya, blasting a number of ball carriers / QBs into the backfield, fighting off double or triple teams with the stuffing ability of 2019 Tyler Shelvin;
Additionally, Nolen's interior pass-rushing is elite, chasing quarterbacks' pants wet for 21 hurries, 2 sacks and creating 3 turnovers (2 forced fumbles, 1 recovery).
Yup, Nolen can get after the quarterback for a big fella, but it's the quickness of his medieval hand to hand combat which caught the full, undivided attention of many top coaches.
Expect Coach O to be all over Nolen's signature, not wanting to see the Tennessee-native DT head to Alabama, who Nolen unofficially visited on April 17th this year.
Although the Tigers have DT Tygee Hill's commitment, LSU need some further inside help...and there's no one better in the nation than Nolen.
Especially a massive DT who can force a fumble, scoop it up and return it 21 yards through traffic....that's the type of athletic expertise Nolen has on tap.
(S IMG)
(CB Lafayette Christian Academy)
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(OT Todd Beamer)
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(DE DUNCANVILLE)
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(RB Lake Charles College Prep)
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(DE Imhotep Institute)
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(OT Astacocita)
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(RB/LB Joe T. Robinson)
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(LB GULLIVER PREP)
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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Copyright 2021 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
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