re: How does LSU have more players in the NFL when Alabama = #1 class over 5 yrs

Because the Bama Bust phenomenon is most certainly real...

I think it's a variety of reasons.

1. Louisiana recruiting, although not as bad as MS, still has a very high unknown factor. There are so many athletes in LA from poorer communities or more rural areas that just never get seen. LSU has always benefited from this. Areas like Texas, Florida, and California are overwhelmed with recruiting camps, recruiting sites, and publicity. We have a lot of unknown highly talented guys that we are able to pluck.

2. We still have Austin Thomas evaluating. He is the key.

3. Saban, as much as you may hate him, starting building what he now has at alabama here at LSU. The consultants, academic center, facilities are all products of what Saban pushed. We still see the benefits of hiring him years ago. I truly believe Orgeron knows how to build a program like Alabama's, and more importantly, has the drive to see it through. I don't think Miles ever had that drive to keep building and pushing.

The key to Orgeron, is obviously, the on field product. If he can win games at a high rate, he will be very, very successful here. There's some risk involved, but that binder everyone makes fun of, is the foundation to what he will build here.

The Bama factor. SOme recruiting services actually raise or lower the number of stars a player has coming out of HS based on if Bama is recruiting him. the lazy "If Bama wants him he must be good mentality" ALSO HS success does not always transfer to college and the pros where everyone is big and everyone is fast.