2017 class - CEO’s 1st recruiting class

IMO it turned out to be the best class since I’ve started following recruiting.

It is very rare for a class to turn out that many players who are at least in the two deep. The class was ranked #7, but it would probably be reranked #1. Unfortunately, 2018 lives down to its #15 ranking. Only 7 guys from 2018 have proven themselves to be two-deep contributors, as compared to 20 of the 2017 guys! (I’m not counting JUCOs Traore and Lewis, who have been key contributors, but won’t be at LSU when we lean on the 2018 class).

We need that 2019 class to develop quickly, and we need some 2020 guys to play well as true freshmen, especially on the dline.

This class is a very good example of how inaccurate and subsequently irrelevant rankings are.

Just look what thoughts will do......

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For the billionth time, nobody thought he was going to qualify. That’s why he didn’t sign until months after signing day.

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And yet just another reason to not believe the recruiting services. I have some shocking news for them - HE QUALIFIED and leads the nation in TD's and is third in yards.

They should just do their jobs and rate players and not speculate on whether they qualify or not. Looks better for a high rated player to not qualify than to whiff horribly like they did on Jefferson. And then have to make the excuse that they are all educators and didn't think he would qualify.

Mesh a player with coaches that can coach up and you get LSU. If coaches can't coach up you get UGA.

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And yet just another reason to not believe the recruiting services. I have some shocking news for them - HE QUALIFIED and leads the nation in TD's and is third in yards. They should just do their jobs and rate players and not speculate on whether they qualify or not. Looks better for a high rated player to not qualify than to whiff horribly like they did on Jefferson. And then have to make the excuse that they are all educators and didn't think he would qualify.

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Services weren’t the only ones that didn’t think he was going to qualify, that’s why LSU didn’t offer until late and other schools didn’t offer at all. There is an undeniable correlation between recruiting rankings and talent on the roster. They’re not the end all be all, but those that disregard them are wrong.

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Unfortunately, 2018 lives down to its #15 ranking. Only 7 guys from 2018 have proven themselves to be two-deep contributors, as compared to 20 of the 2017 guys! (I’m not counting JUCOs Traore and Lewis, who have been key contributors, but won’t be at LSU when we lean on the 2018 class).

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Not counting players on the team that contribute?

In case you haven't noticed the 2018 class is being heavily leaned on this season just as they were last season.

Burrow
Chase
Marshall
Clark
Curry
Lewis
Traore
Rosenthal
Tracy

Then you have others who will probably contribute quite a bit in the future:

Hines 57 (started as a TRUE freshman but was injured)
Baskerville
Cherry
Jenkins
Wire

That is usually about what you get out of a recruiting class. Well the numbers anyway - not the Heisman, billetnikoff and possible national championship.

Baskerville - Middle linebacker for the Tigers that saw significant playing time as a true freshman in 2018 … Played in eight games, starting once … Drew the starting assignment in place of an injured Jacob Phillips against Florida … Finished rookie season with 18 tackles and a half-tackle for loss. Started against Florida and responded by leading the Tigers in tackles with a career-best 11. This season has 10 solo tackles and 1 sack. (Not totally sure but he may be injured).

Cherry - 6'3" 264 RS Freshman - gifted athlete that continues to develop as a defensive end for the Tigers … Has rare speed for a player his size … Excelled as a sprinter on his high school track team. (Ran anchor for the 4X100 and 4X200 as well as multiple individual events).

Jenkins - 6'4" 195 RS Freshman - has 5 catches for 67 yards, 13.4 average. Was also receiving punts in the UGA or OU games or both.

Wire - 6'6" 300 RS Freshman - Redshirted as a true freshman in 2018 ... Player with a tremendous upside ... Has a big frame and a long wing span ... Will provide depth at either offensive tackle spot for the Tigers in 2019.

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For the billionth time, nobody thought he was going to qualify. That’s why he didn’t sign until months after signing day.

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Wrong.

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Unfortunately, 2018 lives down to its #15 ranking.

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It was a pretty solid class for a #15 ranking. Just think of the players we got out that class. Plenty top end talent in Chris Curry, Chasen Hines, Cole Tracey, Damian Lewis, Damone Clark, Dare Rosenthal, Jamar Chase, Joe Burrow, and Terrance Marshal. Some of the greatest LSU players on that list.

Plus Cameron Wire, Badora Traore, Jaray Jenkins, Jarrell Cherry, Nelson Jenkins, Micah Baskerville, and Travez Moore, all guys who either gave important depth (Badora Traore) or are on the edge of contributing and whose time may come.

It wasn't the terrible class people try to make it out to be.