A Few Observations and How it Ties Into Recruiting

With the recent dismantlings of LSU's defense, I think we will be able to take a few major things from it as far as recruiting is concerned.

The guys we thought would be studs from the '08 class are--specifically--Patrick Peterson. He is on another level both physically and athletically than any TRUE FRESHMAN DB I have ever seen. He is on par with Eric Berry who could be a first round draft pick this year as a true sophomore if he were allowed to leave (but he can't). PP had the best game of his career today -- great coverage on AJ Green when they were one on one, great tackle on Knowshon (when he got stiff armed) and another great play when he blew up the WR screen.

Ryan Baker still makes the most of his opportunities. The guy is all over the field on special teams. I think everyone is looking forward to him getting a shot at WLB next year. I'm hoping his size doesn't become an inhibiting factor, but he does add an element of speed at LB that we are certainly missing at this point.

Karnell Hatcher has surprised many LSU fans. I can honestly say he was my "sleeper" of the 2008 class, but even I am surprised he was not redshirted and is seeing the amount of PT as he is this year. As long as he plays his appropriate position (SS), I think he will be fine. If he is forced into a Nickelback/FS position he is destined to fail--think Danny McCray part #2.

I was VERY impressed by something small Hatcher did today in the game (I doubt many others noticed). He was forced into playing FS when Taylor went out with an injury. He knew he did not have the great "speed" to cover so he would line up in the normal position and then backup another 3-5 yards to give himself a little extra time to make a play. If he did this on his own then thats a great observation by a true freshman. Rather than getting burned deep at a position he is unfamiliar with he made an adjustment -- A++ job.

Deangelo Peterson is going to be the next stud WR -- just look at him.

It's good to see the 08 class making a positive contribution on that side of the ball.

Now onto the 2009 recruiting...

It's obvious we need speed on defense. Our safeties are more like LBs. (Coleman was originally a LB coming out of high school). Our LB's don't have the speed to stay with the play laterally and luckily Alem has emerged as a speed rusher off the end.

Craig Loston will step into a PRIME situation if/when he comes to LSU. We have not needed a pure bread FS this bad in a while. His combination of speed, coverage ability, and physicalness is what we all dream about in a FS. I am hoping we have the next Eric Berry b/c we sure could use the help at FS (Taylor's gone after this year...who plays FS after him? Everyone that comes to mind should play SS, not FS).

Janzen Jackson will have to compete against a plethora of other big time CB/NB recruits/players for the NB spot next year, but he offers a great blend of a Safety/CB like the coaches seem to be looking for.

We are moving more and more towards an 'express' package. It looks like this was designed for Mingo and Brokers coming off the edge. I know Mingo wants to play OLB, but he could be a stud coming off the edge, in a position where speed is needed.

I could continue through the rest of the positions/players but the ramble would never end.

In the end, opportunity is EVERYWHERE on defense. Only a few players have impressed enough to not have to worry about losing their positions (Peterson, imagine him next year with another year of experience, RJF, Charles Alexander, if granted another year of eligibility, are 3 that come to mind).

Thoughts?