re: Are we really losing ground in recruiting or have our players been undervalued?

I think the recruiting rankings are more or less accurate.

You'd definitely want the top-ranked class vs No.18 and last year, was, in many ways a disappointing class, especially losing out on Davis and Collins.

However, LSU has recruited top ten classes generally, and seems to have developed those classes very well overall. Outside of the QB position, you hear people saying almost every year that LSU has as much talent as anyone in the country.

1. A lot of that goes to Moffitt

2. LA seems to frequently have players that are under the radar who become great players (TM7, MC9 etc)

LSU has lost some battles, but the talent in place right now is at least top 5, if not higher

Will be interested to see if this holds with some expected losses from this junior class.