re: A Look Back, #5 Class, What Did We Get Out Of It?

Classes like this keep us from having a dynasty.

What an underwhelming 2020 class (in retrospect) based on the quality of the 2019 season.

Lock down the state and secure guys who have State pride, parents can watch them play easily, I would prefer a 4 star LA guy over a 5 star guy from 1000 miles away. Obviously it’s worked out both ways like Patrick Peterson, Spencer Ware, Flynn, Jamarcus, Keiland etc etc. Over the last 20 years we have only recruited 2 great or potentially great QBs from the state with RP and Walker so going out of state there seems to be the move with our last 3 natty QBs being from another state. You see Louisiana guys all over the place (mostly at Bama) but Dak Prescott, Etienne, and tons of guys in 1990s. If you just got 25 guys from Louisiana each year and developed them you would win a ton of games. If you sprinkle in 7 elite guys from other states you can compete for nattys. I love what BK did (mostly out of necessity) by going and getting LA guys that went to Missouri, Ok State, ULL, Penn State etc. The monsters of LSU are mostly from LA.
Dorsey, Tyrann, Mo Claiborne, Whitworth, Clayton, Spears, Justin Vincent, Chase, Jefferson, Reid, Fournette, Kyle Williams, Hester etc etc etc,

My take on the class:

QBs: Finley was a project with Jamarcus Russell measurables that didn't pan out. Max despite physical limitations threw for 35 TDs vs 7 INTs in 16 games as a starter. He didn't fit Kelly's plans so he left.

RB: Bradford was talented, but too much of a tweener

WR: Boutte Belitnikof finalist. Hopefully gets back to form in 23'. Koy head case. Adams buried on depth chart and moved on.

TE: Gilbert was on track to have an exceptional FR season until his mental issues ended his time at LSU. Kirby hasn't had any more success with him at UGA either.

OL: Dumervil and Martinez haven't panned out. Shanahan overmatched, but never got replaced. Hill could still contribute, but better talent has been recruited.

DL: Guillory rotation player. Roy good, not great. Taylor depth guy. Gaye was a multi-year starter so even though he wasn't exceptional he was consistent.

LB: Cox was a good transfer in a position of need. BJ flashed elite ability and has had a solid CFB career. Sampah, Webb and White either injuries or Aranda LBs that didn't fit new DCs.

CB: McGlothern and Ricks were either me-first guys with elite talent or a product of O's lax leadership or both.

S: Toles didn't seem to have the agility or instincts to earn playing time.

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OL Marcus Dumervil

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I thought he’d be our starting LT by now. I was wrong.

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I have seen some bad takes on here but that has got to be near the top.

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The beginning 2022 roster was much worse than the roster Hallman inherited from Archer. Think what you would have had without the portal. Orgeron did what LSU never thought was possible since 2000- destroy the program. Everyone talks about post 2019 but the recruiting wheels came off before that. He accelerated the decline of Miles later years. We were unbelievably lucky to put the 2019 team together. Billy Busch getting JB and Ensminger convincing O to hire Brady put it together.

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The beginning 2022 roster was much worse than the roster Hallman inherited from Archer.

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Well, it's convenient that you neglect to mention all the talent that left and players who decommitted. Was the roster that began the 2021 season as worse than what Archer had to start his last season? We all know the answer to that.

I do not like Orgeron as a head coach, never really did. But you are letting your hatred for Orgeron blind you to reason. O was a good recruiter, he just needed guidance on who to recruit. He was star-struck when he was in charge and did not manage the roster very well.

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To be fair the 2020 in state class was complete booty

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it was avg .
We lost Van pran(stud) and E cooper(good player), Burns but got him back
Kaufman was good player for Vandy and would've contributed here
Jalen Lee would be a depth piece here - wish we would take him in portal

Gaye was also an All-SEC player.

Ed Orgeron was overrated. FIFY

Orgeron was a star gazer (he chased 247 star ratings for recruit rankings) and never really looked at character, fit, and culture.