Jimmy's recruiting update...

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LSU is looking to build on its momentum, both on the field against Florida and the recruiting trail this Saturday.

Since Ed Orgeron was appointed as the interim head coach, the Tigers have utilized a strategic, concise plan on how to attack recruits on the trail. Within hours of being tapped for his new position, Orgeron gathered his staff for a flurry of phone calls aimed at comforting and persuasively enticing top targets to not only keep LSU in mind, but to convince them that the LSU football program is on solid ground, despite not having a long-term head coach in place.

Those efforts have paid off, with only one defection after Les Miles was relieved of his duties. Not only have the Tigers kept the bulk of its class together, they have actually made up ground on some premium targets. Some of those guys will be in town this weekend, for LSU's game vs. Florida. Here is a quick rundown of who will be in attendance and some key notes regarding their recruitments.

Cam Akers, RB, Mississippi, 5-11, 205, 2017

Akers is expected to make yet another trip to Baton Rouge this weekend, due to Orgeron's recruiting efforts. Prior to being named the interim head coach, Orgeron was Akers' lead recruiter, and is still leading the charge for the five-star running back. Sources on the ground are starting to feel like Akers may be leaning LSU at the moment, with many of his other top choices struggling on the field (Tennessee, Ole Miss and Georgia). The Tigers have been pitching immediate playing time, splitting carries with would-be junior Derrius Guice, which is appealing to Akers. Every call I make trying to get the latest on Akers leads me to believe that he is LSU's to lose at this point.

Marvin Wilson, DT, Texas, 6-4, 325, 2017

The departure of Les Miles may have helped LSU's cause with Wilson. It was not that Miles did not appeal to Wilson, quite the opposite in fact, but the love that Wilson and his family have for Ed Orgeron far exceeds that of his predecessor. Wilson is expected to visit with his family this weekend, and we are told that this unofficial visit will feel much more like an official visit, as the Tigers plan to spend ample time with him during his trip. Texas and Florida State remain a player, but the Longhorns, who emerged as the favorite for Wilson, mostly due to his mother's desire to have him play under Charlie Strong, are fading a bit. The Tigers could emerge as the hands-down favorite after this weekend.

Myles Brennan, QB, Mississippi, 6-4, 180, 2017, LSU commit

Brennan continues to attend just about every LSU game he can get to. He is solid in his commitment, to the point where he may sign papers to enroll early, even if LSU does not have a head coach in place, according to a source. While his visit is welcomed, the big news may be that he is bringing in his teammate, tight end Chase Rogers, who recently decommitted from Tennessee.

Devonta Smith, WR, Amite, 6-1, 170, 2017 (maybe)

Smith has visited LSU twice in recent weeks, with a third visit this weekend possible, according to Smith. The Tigers' staff continues to make Smith a priority, and the state's top skill player is intrigued by what he is seeing from the team under Orgeron. If National Signing Day were today, and Ed Orgeron was the head coach, or at least on staff, Smith would likely sign with LSU. There is still a ton of time before his decision is final, not to mention the questions regarding the LSU staff, but the chances of him playing his collegiate football in Baton Rouge are higher now than they have ever been.

Chase Rogers, TE, Mississippi, 6-3, 240, 2017

LSU is in the hunt for a tight end/H-back type, and ROgers fits the mold. He recently decommitted from Tennessee, and early signs are pointing to LSU playing a big role in his decision to do so. Rogers has visited LSU with Brennan before, but they are recruiting him harder now than ever before, so this may be worth monitoring this weekend. Landing a commitment form a prospect, with a interim head coach at the helm is difficult, but it would not surprise me to see Rogers jump on board in the near future.

Austin Deculus, OL, Texas, 6-6, 320, 2017, LSU commit

The Tigers's staff is optimistic that Deculus will make the trip this weekend, giving them a much needed opportunity to reassure him of playing at LSU. Deculus is a key piece to this class, but there are still some concerns that the coaching situation is hindering LSU's chances of solidifying his commitment.

Jammal Houston, ATH, John Ehret, 6-1, 170, 2018

Dwayne Fisher, OL, John Ehret, 6-5, 305, 2017

Terrel Bailey, CB, John Ehret, 5-11, 180, Tennessee commit

The John Ehret trip will be taking a visit together, and it will be intersting to see what comes of it. LSU would like to add another offensive lineman to this class and Fisher has a lot of upside at the position. He decommitted from Arkansas in May, and continues to garner interest from a variety of programs. Houston is one of LSU's top in-state targets in 2018, but he wants to play receiver at the next level, while LSU's offer is as a cornerback at the moment.

Phidarian Mathis, DL, Neville, 6-4, 300, 2017

Mathis is expected to visit LSU, following a monumental visit for him for the LSU vs. Alabama contest two weeks ago. Prior to the trip, Mathis was a quiet Alabama lean, according to a source, but the Tigers made a huge impression on him during his visit, emerging with a slight edge once he left campus. The Tigers continue to make a strong push for Mathis, and as long as Orgeron is on staff, the belief is that they will not relinquish it.

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