Linebacker recruiting for 2022 (long)

I anticipate the loss of 2-3 linebackers (LBs) following the 2021 season, so LSU will need to replenish these spots by way of the 2022 recruiting class or the transfer portal (yet again). I’m confident that coach ‘O’ prefers to have the vacated LB positions filled with outside linebackers (OLBs) as opposed to inside backers (ILBs). In regard to the 2022 recruiting class, linebacker may be one of the tougher positions for ‘O’ and Blake Baker because of the following:

Limited in-state (LA) talent – The LA crop of 2022 prospects, as a whole, is really talented (and deep). However, the linebacker position is thin, with only two (2) true LBs rated in the 247Sports Composite top-500 – (i) Kailep Edwards, ILB from Edgard, LA, and (ii) Javae Gilmore, OLB from Amite, LA (unfortunately, LSU doesn’t have the best track record w/ kids from Amite)

Limited success recruiting OLBs in recent past – We’ve had to access the transfer portal to sign OLBs in each of the past two years. We’ve been able to land plenty of quality ILBs but have struggled signing outside backers with good lateral movement (sideline-to-sideline) that can cover in space. OLBs that we signed in the 2020-2021 classes include Phillip Webb and Xavier Carter, and these guys seemingly project more as DEs. Really need to get this fixed so that we aren’t dependent on annual transfers (w/ 1-2 yr. eligibility).

Below are my notes accumulated on top LB targets for the recruiting class of 2022.

Harold Perkins (OLB, 5*, #19, Cypress, TX) – originally from Louisiana, H. Perkins now lives in the suburb of Houston, TX known as Cypress. He’s the highest-rated LB by 247sports Composite, and he’s being pursued by all the big boys in college football. There’s some smoke surrounding Texas A&M, but that may be based on their recent success in the Houston-area, in general (as opposed to Perkins actual affinity or disdain for the Aggies).

Regardless of the other contenders, I’ve heard definitively that H. Perkins “likes LSU a lot” and that we’re in the hunt for his commitment. This is great news b/c outside of a second, elite OT (to pair w/ Will Campbell), Perkins may be the single most important target on our board. As such, it is imperative for Blake Baker to prioritize him and begin building that relationship immediately. With the proximity between Cypress and Baton Rouge, it shouldn’t be a problem to get Perkins on an OV once the dead period is finally lifted. And finally, if we can improve on the field and maybe even kick some Aggies arse in November, I believe we absolutely have a legitimate shot w/ H. Perkins.

Daniel Martin (OLB, 4*, #103, Marietta, GA) – from the same HS as Arik Gilbert and BJ Ojulari, Martin was so obviously talented that LSU offered him before Ojulari/Gilbert even graduated. There was some early buzz about Martin’s interest in the Tigers and that he would be keeping close tabs on LSU in 2020. Also read that this kid’s mother was “excited for the LSU offer”. Not surprisingly, however, his interest in the Tigers has cooled off, and all indications now point to Martin’s recruitment being a Clemson-Georgia battle. Don’t hold your breath on this kid.

Keaton Wade (OLB, 4*, #184, Spring Hill, TN) – LSU was included in K. Wade’s top-10 released earlier in February. However, the Tigers did not make the cut for his twin brother, Destin Wade, who is a dual-threat QB. This is a bit troubling because identical twins commonly attend college together, as they oftentimes have a very tight-knit bond.

I’m hoping attending the same university is not a mandatory prerequisite, because there’s been positive moment for Keaton – mainly, the fact that the Wade twins made an unofficial visit to campus back in March 2020. Interestingly, the final day of their visit coincided with the SEC announcing the halt to on-campus visits due to COVID-19. According to reports, the Wade twins and Fisher Anderson were able to see and do everything on their visit, including a tour of campus, locker room & football operations building. Furthermore, they were able to observe a spring football practice and meet with ‘O’ for a conversation & picture. By all accounts, the visit was a big success.

Things look really good with Keaton’s recruitment. The 4* prospect (No. 184 nationally, No. 22 positional) is listed at 6’4”, 223 lbs. and has received a total of 24 offers. This kid is a legit player that I’m hoping Austin Thomas can assist in pulling from out of Tennessee.

Travious Lathan (OLB, 4*, #314, Miami, FL) – one of the last offers issued by LSU in February, Lathan mentioned his latest offer from the Tigers as one that stands out (and that he wants to visit over the summer). T. Lathan is already familiar with Blake Baker, as he was recruiting him while DC at Miami. The 4* prospect (No. 314 nationally, No. 18 positional) is listed at 6’2”, 202 lbs. and has 19 offers with LSU, Miami, & Oregon currently the perceived leaders.

Leon Hart (OLB, 3*, #686, Miami, FL) – offered in April 2020, and he reported being “blown away with scholarship offer from the defending national champion” Corey Raymond is LSU’s Miami-area recruiter, and he’s already begun establishing a relationship with Hart. I would speculate that B. Baker is at least familiar with L. Hart from his Miami days, so it feels like LSU has a shot here. From the beginning, LSU has pitched the idea of Hart playing LB in the Tigers 4-3 scheme, and his feedback was that “fits him perfectly”. The interest from Leon definitely appears genuine, as he went on to say that his next step is visiting LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge. The 3* prospect (No. 686 nationally, No. 52 positional) is listed at 6’2”, 190 lbs., and he has 17 offers with LSU, Bama, Miami, Penn St., & South Carolina standing out the most.

Kip Lewis (OLB, 4*, #340, Carthage, TX) – The 3* prospect from northeast Texas (No. 340 nationally, No. 29 positional) is listed at 6’2”, 200 lbs., and he currently has 15 offers with the four or five biggest having been received by Lewis in late January 2021. According to K. Lewis, he doesn’t have any favorites yet, as he is just trying to research the numerous schools/programs that have offered. Lewis has mentioned that he’d like to commit before the start of his senior season (so, Aug./Sept. 2021). Kip mentioned that he has a twin sister, and that they would like to attend college together.

My gut instinct has me thinking that a kid from small-town Carthage (very rural area) would most likely end up on a campus relatively close to home. As such, I would think Lewis winds up at LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, or Texas A&M.

Javae Gilmore (OLB, 3*, #381, Amite, LA) – He is the lone, in-state LB to receive an LSU offer. This kid is a long, physical athlete (6’4”, 200 lbs.) with good ball-skills that he probably has picked up playing WR for the LA Bootleggers 7-on-7 team. J. Gilmore is currently a 3* prospect (No. 381 nationally, No. 35 positional) with 13 offers that include Bama, Arkansas, FSU, Ole Miss, & Miss St. It’s worth noting that Gilmore was reportedly “blown away” by the LSU offer, and Miss St. is another program “that has his attention”.

As I hinted at previously, LSU will have to overcome the “Amite issue”, and I really hope ‘O’ and Baker can close on Gilmore b/c I believe he’s a great player whose 247Comosite ranking will do nothing but rise over time.

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