D-Line recruiting for 2022 (long)

I believe most would agree the 2021 D-Line is primed for a breakout year, as it's probably the deepest and most talented of Orgeron's tenure. Following the 2021 season, however, the program will have to replenish the cupboard, as 5-6 departures are anticipated.

As a result, I predict coach 'O' will look to sign five (5) D-Lineman, comprised of three (3) DTs and two (2) DEs.

Below are the notes I've accumulated on top targets for the 2022 class.

Walter Nolen (DT, 5*, #2, Cordova, TN) - this kid and his recruitment remind me of Maason Smith, not only because of their position (DT) and lofty rankings but because of the personal approach Orgeron takes in building a relationship with each. Coach 'O' has cultivated a personal relationship with both over the course of several years, while also taking a genuine interest in the kid and his development. Evidence of these relationships can be gleaned from Nolen's own words.

Upon being asked about LSU and Orgeron some 21 months following the initial offer, W. Nolen was quoted as saying, "He has always made me feel like a priority, and he makes me feel important to him."

Lastly, Nolen has two (2) friends and former HS teammates on the LSU roster - Xavier Hill and Jalen Shead. It's way to early to determine who will ultimately receive Walter Nolen's signature, but I love where LSU stands with him and there's little doubt in my mind that we have a fighter's chance here. W. Nolen 247 profile

Shemar Stewart (SDE, 5*, #5, Opa Locka, FL) - Orgeron has done a good job of establishing a relationship with Stewart by beginning to recruit him early in the process. Coach 'O' has delivered a clear message that LSU values Stewart and is making him a top priority of its 2022 class. As a result, Stewart has real interest in the Tigers, and he intends to visit BR upon lifting of the dead period. Following an interview of S. Stewart, both Andrew Ivins and Steve Wiltfong (of 247sports) entered a CB for him to LSU.

In addition to Orgeron, Blake Baker is recruiting Shemar as he already has a relationship from his days recruiting as Miami's DC. LSU appears to be in about as good of shape as possible, considering signing day is a long ways off. They'll have to fight all the big boys, but seems they have a puncher's chance of landing the elite DE. S. Stewart 247 profile

Enai White (WDE, 5*, #29, Pennsylvania) - White is the No. 1 WDE from PA. He has expressed interest in LSU and has them in his top-12 that he recently dropped. White described the SEC as college football's best league, and he is interested in playing down here (which is one reason for interest in LSU). Coach 'O' and Co. are recruiting him hard, but it feels like he will be a tough pull for LSU IMO. E. White 247 profile

Tygee Hill (DT, 4*, #226, NOLA) - has been a starter on the D-Line of powerhouse, Edna Karr, since his freshman campaign. Not only has Tygee been a starter, he's help lead Karr to multiple (2) state championships in his first three (3) years. Bottom line is that this kid is legit, and he's a massive priority for the Tigers. As one of the most coveted DTs in the nation, however, Hill is being pursued by all the usual suspects.

LSU recently received a verbal commitment from Hill's teammate, Aaron Anderson, so hopefully they can hang on to him and possibly receive some peer-to-peer recruiting assistance. Ultimately, I believe LSU can/will sign Tygee Hill. T. Hill 247 profile

Jahelm Oatis (DT, 4*, #107, Columbia, MS) - Orgeron has been recruiting J. Oatis for years, offering the 6'4", 349 lb. tackle immediately following his first LSU camp several years ago. Oatis returned for a second consecutive year, so coach 'O' and Jahelm have established a pretty tight bond from their time together during those summer workouts.

J. Oatis is the No. 1 player from the state of Mississippi, and luring the top guy away from the Mississippi schools is never easy. That's not to say it can't be done, because LSU achieved this fete with Deion Smith last year. The point is that it's likely going to be a fight until the end, but LSU has a good chance here. J. Oatis 247 profile

J'mond Tapp (WDE, 4*, #135, Donaldsonville, LA) - recipient of LSU's latest in-state offer, the 6'3", 235 lb. WDE is the prototypical size for a defensive end. This kid can get after the QB and wreak havoc in the opposition's backfield. To me, Tapp is an ideal candidate for lining up opposite the likes of Saivion Jones in Orgeron's 4-man front. From what I can tell, J. Tapp is the best edge-rusher from the Boot - making him a top priority of the 2022 class. J. Tapp 247 profile

Quency Wiggins (SDE, 3*, #553, Baton Rouge) - at 6'6", 265 lbs., this kid's got the frame to play inside, and that's where some project him to play at the collegiate level. Wiggins is also an exceptional basketball player at Madison Prep, so that provides comfortability about his footwork and overall athletic ability. Orgeron & Co. don't want this one leaving BR for college. Q. Wiggins 247 profile

Maxie Baudoin, IV (DT, n/r, Lafayette, LA) - as soon as M. Baudoin's tape was released following his junior season, the offers started pouring in from the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, Penn St., USC, Ole Miss, Miss St., and others. Despite the fact that LSU has yet to offer Baudoin, his offer list skyrocketed from just a couple to 15+ during the month of January.

While Maxie is not yet ranked by Rivals or 247sports, local blogger Scott Long (dandydon.com) ranked him as the top D-Lineman (No. 7 overall) in Louisiana. I like LSU's chances with M. Baudoin, IV if/when they extend an offer and stay on him. M. Baudoin IV 247 profile

Dante Anderson (WDE, 4*, #114, Homestead, FL) - another elite D-Line prospect from South Florida, Anderson is ranked as the No. 8 WDE. It has been reported that he is close with LSU analyst, Bill Johnson, and he also knows LB coach, Blake Baker, from being recruited by him to Miami. These relationships have generated interest in D. Anderson, as he intends to visit upon lifting of the NCAA's dead period. This will probably be a tough pull for LSU, but stranger things have happened. D. Anderson 247 profile

Brandon Cleveland (DT, 4*, #213, Tampa, FL) - verbally committed to Miami, but B. Cleveland was recruited by Blake Baker during his time as DC for the Hurricanes. While LSU has offered Cleveland, there is no smoke/buzz around his recruitment that I'm aware of. I included it here strictly as a reference to Baker because I'm interested to learn how good of a recruiter he is and if he may be able to flip B. Cleveland.

PREDICTION
Similar to the rest of LSU's 2022 recruiting class, I'm hoping the D-Line haul is heavy with Louisiana kids.

My way-to-early prediction for the 2022 DL class is as follows:

1. Walter Nolen, DT
2. Tygee Hill, DT
3. J'mond Tapp, WDE
4. Quency Wiggins, SDE
5. Maxie Baudoin, IV, DT