in state vs out of state recruits

It appears fans, players, recruits etc have a much better perception of LSU from afar than in state.

Having lived in and out of state. It's remarkable to hear the message from h.s. coaches, players, media, etc. how players should go out of state because lsu and it's coaching staff isn't as good as other programs. The perception is lsu isn't an elite/premier program.

However, when I moved out of state, the perception of LSU is that it is one of the elite, premier programs in the country. (you don't hear that in state).

So, watching recruiting unfold, it appears our top in state talent doesn't look at LSU as an elite, premier program. The talk is that they can be developed better at another program, another program always beats lsu, another program has better coaches, etc. (Moses, Allen, smith, buggs)

however, top out of state talent is excited to get the lsu offer and has a more positive outlook. (stevens, Phillips, gay, Wilson decalus, etc) Even the O.C. said, man, this is LSU, on why he took the Job.

I truly believe, it's the Louisiana/lsu fan base that has created this perception. from tigerdroppings, to h.s. coaches, to fan's coaching pee wee football, h.s. ball, etc. The water cooler discussions have been our coaches aren't good and our university isn't a elite program. Hell, people even state what a $h!t hole b.r. is. Therefore, the thinking is we are not.

however, the perception from the outside looking in is that we are. If you can change this culture, you start getting the top athletes, you start whipping that envied team, and you start winning championships again. I think the fan base has as much responsibility to help change this as the coaches do.