17 on board, 8 to go

17 verbals, 8 remaining spots.... these are the best remaining targets and my opinion on our chances of landing each recruit:

WR Rickey Seals-Jones... de-committed from Texas, after initially verbally committing early on... would give us a WR with great size to become a target across the middle and in the redzone.... we really need to make a strong push to "Hook Em" away from the Horns, while also making sure we don't push him into Texas A&M's hands in the process.... LSU's chances: 40%

TE DeSean Smith... pretty much a lock, as he's been a life long LSU fan.... stranger things have happened, but given TE is a need in this class and the guy wants to be here, we can pretty much pencil him in.... LSU's chances: 99%

LE Kendell Beckwith... one of the top 3 players in the state this recruiting cycle.... Bama is making a strong push to sign him.... has ties to the program via family that played here.... can play multiple positions, though will likely end up on the strong side of the defensive line.... can't count out Bama, but in the end, playing in front of family and friends is hard to turn down.... LSU's chances: 65%

RE Tim Williams.... the top player in the state this year.... absolutely nightmare for opposing QB's/offensive coordinators.... great pass rusher with good speed off the edge, and plays the run just as welll.... LSU's chances: 75%

RE Torrodney Prevot... slender built weakside defensive end, in the mold of current Tiger Barkevious Mingo.... will need to add bulk to play in the SEC, but his pass rushing skills can't be denied.... will be an asset to any team, and luxury to elite teams.... could be swayed to Texas A&M, with Texas showing interest as well, but the appeal of playing for the best defensive line in the nation at LSU could seal the deal.... LSU's chances: 60%

DT Greg Gilmore.... one of the best DT's in the nation.... LSU has recently had a great track record for this position, and Gilmore could put his name along side some great ones if he comes to Baton Rouge.... Bama is making a very strong case for his services, but the relationship with Chavis, one that was started a long time back and still endures to this day, may be too much for any team to overcome in their attempt at his signature come signing day.... LSU's chances: 70%

DT Eddie Vanderdoes.... don't know much about him.... evidently one of the better DT's this year.... LSU is a long way from home (he's from CA), so that has to be a negative in his recruitment.... good size and strength, and if he wants to be part of something great, play vs. the best of the best, and get great exposure for the next level, LSU would be where he needs to be.... LSU's chances: 40%

DT Scott Pagano.... the big Hawaiian would be a great addition.... big, strong, and plays mean... recently seen wearing a Florida hat, fueling speculation he may be a silent to the Gators... intriguing recruit, considering he's from so far west, but when you compete for championships and recruit so well, you earn respect and notoriety .... LSU's chances: 35%

DT Justin Manning.... big DT out of Texas.... very good run stuffer... has some pass rush ability, but mainly a big body that can assert himself vs. an offensive lineman... brother played at Oklahoma, which is where he's rumored to be leaning.... he'd be smart to come be part of a strong class of defensive linemen, but i'd be surprised if he's not wearing red and white next year.... LSU's chances: 20%

DT Rod Crayton..... short, stout DT from Alabama... favors Auburn, depending on who you read.... LSU has an outside shot, but in the end, he's likely to stay close to home.... LSU's chances: 10%

CB Priest Willis.... big CB that possess the rare combination of size, speed, and skills..... will be a big time performer.... could develop into a S at some point, but will likely start out and be kept at CB, given his skill set... may want to stay out West, but he's rumored to be very high on the Tigers..... given the recent string of successful former and current Tiger corners, he may want to be part of the mix and add his name to the list of all time greats at the position at LSU... LSU's chances: 50%

CB Artie Burns.... fast CB out of Florida.... likely to stay home, and not sure if he even has a committable offer from the Tigers, though he could earn one if he doesn't.... not really a must get, but he could be a good player if given the opportunity..... LSU's chances: 15%

ATH Rickey Jefferson.... brother of former Tiger Jordan Jefferson.... listed here as ATH since he could play WR, CB, or S, though his likely destination will not be known til he either fails or succeeds at one of the positions once in college... great with the ball in his hands, can gain yards after the catch, and makes a great play on the ball, especially when he can turn his body to the ball.... will be a valued commodity for whatever team lands him, but given the proximity of the campus and how many chances Les Miles gave his brother, he very well could end up in purple and gold.... LSU's chances: 70%