LSU Linebackers Situation

I got in a discussion with a friend about how I cannot remember LSU landing a 5-star LB out of high school and it led me to check out our previous classes per Rivals. I did not like what I saw. In 2005 we had a very small class (13) as we were in a coaching transition during the peak period of recruiting season and the only LB we landed was Beckwith (4 stars). In 2006 we had a solid class (#7) with 26 commits of which 4 were LBs...Cutrera (3-star), Odom (4 stars), Riley (3 stars), and Sheppard (3 stars). In 2007 we had another solid class (#4) with 26 commits but without a single LB. In 2008 we had class ranked 11th of which 2 were LBs...Baker (4 stars) and Prater (3 stars). So in a nutshell, we only signed 7 LBs in a period of 4 recruiting classes. Of those, none were 5-star, three were 4-star (Bechwith is leaving, Baker is VERY promising, and Odom leaves a lot to be desired), and the rest were 3-star. That means that not only are we very thin at LB but we are also relying heavily on lightly recruited LBs.

Now I know there are definite exceptions to the star rankings and there are quite a few 5-star busts and 2- or 3-star gems. But I think that as a whole over a period of time the star system is pretty good at evalutating talent.

I started this with the intent of seeing who our highest rated LB recruits had been over the past few years but instead became alarmed at the lack of depth and quality we have come to rely on due to recent recruiting failures at the position. This leads me to a conclusion that we need to address this IMMEDIATELY. IMO, getting a defensive coach that can recruit AND coach LBs should be a priority. And getting LBs ASAP should also be a priority. I think getting Barkevious Mingo is a must this year as we only have two LBs committed for the class of 2009 (a 4-star and a 3-star). The guys we have are OK to good but they are not superstars. We need gamebreakers.

I always knew we had problems recruiting LBs as compared to various other positions in which we regularly get top recruits. I just didn't know it was this alarming. Thought I would share.

So LB recruits...get your butts over here because we need you!