re: NOLA recruiting chat at 11 . . . updated 06/25/2013

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I thought I was going insane, I checked it about 4 times

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I just used the link from the TexAgs thread and it must've taken me directly to the June 4 chat. The hilarity from their responses to the weekly chat did not take place this week on account of the poster who usually posts the chat transcript was unavailable to do so, but I did link the others which are pretty funny. All they do is make fun of the chat and disagree with every single thing James Smith says.

Good job today ducks

tigas1: I read your article the other day on LSU's upcoming July camp & possible commits. I was very surprised you mentioned [Trey] Quinn as one who could commit in the very near future. Has something happened in the past week or 2 to make you feel this way, because I thought Clemson was a serious player? You sound much more positive for LSU now?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: This has been a hard one to read at times, but LSU has been steady throughout the race. He does like Clemson and the staff over there feels like they have a decent shot, but he has always been LSU's to lose. I do think he is getting close.

LSU is #1: I'm surprised, but as you and others have reported, apparently Garrald McDowell just named LSU as his leader. That would be quite an accomplishment if LSU could get all 3 of the upper tier DL from the state ([Gerald] Willis and [Davon] Godchaux obviously the others). IF that occurs and with [Deondre] Clark already committed, think LSU goes after a 5th DL (from out of state of course) with really nothing to lose...other than a spot out of the 25 being used?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: It would likely depend on who that 5th guy is. I would expect them to be very selective and try to add one more elite level player like a Travonte Valentine out of Florida.

LSU is #1: Even before the [Fort Pierce, FL OLB Sharieff] Rhaheed decommit [yesterday], 24/7 service had LSU with a sizable lead for Kenny Young (LB). LSU was "warmer" and no other school was either "warmer" or even "warm" regarding his interest. Don't you think the LSU LB class will end up being Donnie Alexander, Clifton Garrett, and Kenny Young now?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: I would think this definitely opens the door for Young in multiple ways. Things with UCLA have cooled a bit largely due to distance so that works out in the Tigers' favor as well. I would agree with that "warmer" tag.

tigas1: Does Speedy Noil get a bump with recruiting services after his camp performance, and do you still feel like things for him and Willis from Karr look good for LSU?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Speedy was underrated by some and I am sure he helped himself greatly with those that had him as such. He should turn even more heads in 7-7 action and 1-1's because he is virtually impossible to cover for nearly everyone. Tony Brown and Speedy Noil will have some epic battles this week much like they did last year at the LSU 7-7.
LSU is still very much in the mix for both Noil and Willis.

Tiger Fanatic: In your article yesterday you wrote that Trey “Quinn is very fond of the program with his only concern being the past struggles in the passing game” and “If Quinn doesn't commit to LSU at the camp, look for him to do so shortly after.” Why do you think that he will commit to LSU soon, instead of waiting to see during the season whether LSU’s passing game really will improve?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: He has always wanted to get this wrapped up prior to the season even though there was a short period where he considered extending it. He has been all over looking at schools in the hopes of getting it done this summer. I just feel like he has done his homework and the time has come.

LSU is #1: Read the Brandon Harris transcript of his recent interview, and even though it was a local interview which skewed of course the comments towards LSU, he kept on talking...and talking...and talking about Cam Cameron. My guess is that on July 18th, he pulls the trigger for LSU. Agree?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: I have almost wanted to step away from this one. It is very hard to get a read on that situation largely due to Harris not wanting to tip his hand even trying to confuse us at times. Trying to respect his space, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does indeed commit on the 18th. If not LSU, it has to be Auburn at this point.

LSUTiger4ever: Will Josh Mabin, ILB from Klein Oak, Texas, attend LSU’s camp in mid-July? I heard that he is coming off a knee injury and the LSU coaches need to see that he has overcome it before they extend an offer.
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: That was the plan a while ago, but I haven't heard much since. I will give him a ring today.

Joseph A: Jimmy, thanks for your great recruiting updates this week! 2 part question: 1) with the recent commitment of [D.J.] Chark, the update of [New Jersey WR Saeed] Blacknall and the various columns from recruiting services, I get the uneasy feeling that LSU feels it is no longer the leader for either Noil or [Malachi] Dupre? 2) I feel very positive about Tony Brown & Clifton Garrett committing to the Tigers; when can we hear something firm from each player? Please share your wisdom! Many Thanks!!
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Noil, Dupre, Brown and Garrett could all be very late additions. If one were to decide early I would go with Tony Brown. That may largely depend on the health of his father.
LSU is still sitting in a very good spot with Dupre and very much in the mix for Noil. If Willis and Fournette choose LSU, pencil Noil in.

LSU is #1: Time to take a "snapshot" of the 4 new SEC coaches and their recruiting. I say Kentucky has improved relatively the most ([Mark] Stoops) in verbals, Tennessee doing better than under Dooley before but not up to their old standards (Fulmer/Chavis), Auburn doing OK, but the one I want to ask you about is Arkansas. Geez, like 5 commits and in on some guys but still.... Should we be kind and call the Hogs’ 2014 class a "transitional year"?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: They have been on the down slope for some time and it may take some on the field success to help move things along. They have zero momentum right now on the trail. It will always be hard for Arkansas to recruit on a very high level because of the lack of top end talent within their own borders.

northerntiger: Not heard much about Hootie Jones over the last few weeks. What is his status? Any new news with Cam Robinson?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Both guys are on the fence from what I gather. What should worry LSU fans the most is the amount of confidence that the Bama staff has that they will reel in both guys. Most staffs are somewhat overconfident at times, but my sources haven't backed off of the stance that they will land both in some time. Right now, coaching sources may be the most reliable right now due to how little comes from the Robinson and Jones camps.

tigas1: I read your article the other day on LSU's upcoming July camp & possible commits. I was very surprised you mentioned [Trey] Quinn as one who could commit in the very near future. Has something happened in the past week or 2 to make you feel this way, because I thought Clemson was a serious player? You sound much more positive for LSU now?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: This has been a hard one to read at times, but LSU has been steady throughout the race. He does like Clemson and the staff over there feels like they have a decent shot, but he has always been LSU's to lose. I do think he is getting close.

LSU is #1: I'm surprised, but as you and others have reported, apparently Garrald McDowell just named LSU as his leader. That would be quite an accomplishment if LSU could get all 3 of the upper tier DL from the state ([Gerald] Willis and [Davon] Godchaux obviously the others). IF that occurs and with [Deondre] Clark already committed, think LSU goes after a 5th DL (from out of state of course) with really nothing to lose...other than a spot out of the 25 being used?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: It would likely depend on who that 5th guy is. I would expect them to be very selective and try to add one more elite level player like a Travonte Valentine out of Florida.

LSU is #1: Even before the [Fort Pierce, FL OLB Sharieff] Rhaheed decommit [yesterday], 24/7 service had LSU with a sizable lead for Kenny Young (LB). LSU was "warmer" and no other school was either "warmer" or even "warm" regarding his interest. Don't you think the LSU LB class will end up being Donnie Alexander, Clifton Garrett, and Kenny Young now?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: I would think this definitely opens the door for Young in multiple ways. Things with UCLA have cooled a bit largely due to distance so that works out in the Tigers' favor as well. I would agree with that "warmer" tag.

tigas1: Does Speedy Noil get a bump with recruiting services after his camp performance, and do you still feel like things for him and Willis from Karr look good for LSU?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Speedy was underrated by some and I am sure he helped himself greatly with those that had him as such. He should turn even more heads in 7-7 action and 1-1's because he is virtually impossible to cover for nearly everyone. Tony Brown and Speedy Noil will have some epic battles this week much like they did last year at the LSU 7-7.
LSU is still very much in the mix for both Noil and Willis.

Tiger Fanatic: In your article yesterday you wrote that Trey “Quinn is very fond of the program with his only concern being the past struggles in the passing game” and “If Quinn doesn't commit to LSU at the camp, look for him to do so shortly after.” Why do you think that he will commit to LSU soon, instead of waiting to see during the season whether LSU’s passing game really will improve?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: He has always wanted to get this wrapped up prior to the season even though there was a short period where he considered extending it. He has been all over looking at schools in the hopes of getting it done this summer. I just feel like he has done his homework and the time has come.

LSU is #1: Read the Brandon Harris transcript of his recent interview, and even though it was a local interview which skewed of course the comments towards LSU, he kept on talking...and talking...and talking about Cam Cameron. My guess is that on July 18th, he pulls the trigger for LSU. Agree?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: I have almost wanted to step away from this one. It is very hard to get a read on that situation largely due to Harris not wanting to tip his hand even trying to confuse us at times. Trying to respect his space, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does indeed commit on the 18th. If not LSU, it has to be Auburn at this point.

LSUTiger4ever: Will Josh Mabin, ILB from Klein Oak, Texas, attend LSU’s camp in mid-July? I heard that he is coming off a knee injury and the LSU coaches need to see that he has overcome it before they extend an offer.
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: That was the plan a while ago, but I haven't heard much since. I will give him a ring today.

Joseph A: Jimmy, thanks for your great recruiting updates this week! 2 part question: 1) with the recent commitment of [D.J.] Chark, the update of [New Jersey WR Saeed] Blacknall and the various columns from recruiting services, I get the uneasy feeling that LSU feels it is no longer the leader for either Noil or [Malachi] Dupre? 2) I feel very positive about Tony Brown & Clifton Garrett committing to the Tigers; when can we hear something firm from each player? Please share your wisdom! Many Thanks!!
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Noil, Dupre, Brown and Garrett could all be very late additions. If one were to decide early I would go with Tony Brown. That may largely depend on the health of his father.
LSU is still sitting in a very good spot with Dupre and very much in the mix for Noil. If Willis and Fournette choose LSU, pencil Noil in.

LSU is #1: Time to take a "snapshot" of the 4 new SEC coaches and their recruiting. I say Kentucky has improved relatively the most ([Mark] Stoops) in verbals, Tennessee doing better than under Dooley before but not up to their old standards (Fulmer/Chavis), Auburn doing OK, but the one I want to ask you about is Arkansas. Geez, like 5 commits and in on some guys but still.... Should we be kind and call the Hogs’ 2014 class a "transitional year"?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: They have been on the down slope for some time and it may take some on the field success to help move things along. They have zero momentum right now on the trail. It will always be hard for Arkansas to recruit on a very high level because of the lack of top end talent within their own borders.

northerntiger: Not heard much about Hootie Jones over the last few weeks. What is his status? Any new news with Cam Robinson?
James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: Both guys are on the fence from what I gather. What should worry LSU fans the most is the amount of confidence that the Bama staff has that they will reel in both guys. Most staffs are somewhat overconfident at times, but my sources haven't backed off of the stance that they will land both in some time. Right now, coaching sources may be the most reliable right now due to how little comes from the Robinson and Jones camps.

Dang, Bama Coaches very confident they get Hootie, too...Miles needs to hire someone from Monroe, quick.

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Dang, Bama Coaches very confident they get Hootie, too.

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Yep. Bama recruitniks I know are talking lotta smack...say Cam and Hootie are theirs to lose.

We shall see.

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WildCajun
Whose spot did Ramirez take? It seems like LSU is reaching with taking Ramirez and Chark.
1 Hour Ago · Reply

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James Smith, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Ramirez is not a commitment as of right now, from what I am told. I expect him to visit LSU in the near future and we will have a better idea of where both sides stand after that time.

As far as LSU taking Chark's commitment and offering Ramirez, they are just doing their due diligence in the state as they always do. This question comes up every year as LSU seems to grab an under the radar prospect, but history has shown us that they have had a lot of success with those players in the past so I wouldn't call them a reach. The staff puts a lot into their evaluations.

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