Notes on remaining 2022 OL targets (long)

Most of the predictions I've seen on 2022 OL call for a 5-6 man class, and these figures are likely required for LSU to return to 15 scholarship lineman beginning in 2022. The good news is that 'O' & Co. are off to a great start w/ 3 verbal commitments, as follows:

1. Lucas Taylor (OG, 4*, #321, Mobile, AL),
2. Will Campbell (OT, 4*, #56, Monroe, LA), &
3. Bo Bordelon (OG/C, 3*, #709, NOLA).

In regard to the remaining targets, below are the notes I've accumulated on 6 OLs being pursued by LSU.

Emery Jones (OG, 3*, #381, Baton Rouge) - by all accounts, this kid is a stud that projects as an offensive guard at the collegiate level. Jones' offer list is in the 17-18 range, but LSU was his first P5 offer back in May (and they've been pushing hard since). The Tigers are receiving help from the recruiting efforts of his peers, W. Campbell and W. Howard, and things appear to be looking good for LSU to land a verbal commitment from E. Jones on March 10th.

Update - Jones is a legitimate basketball player that is light on his feet for such a big guy. I believe his athleticism, footwork and hand-eye coordination will ultimately lead to a bump in his composite rating/ranking such that he ends up as a 4* prospect somewhere in the 300-350 range.

Cam East (OT, n/r, NOLA) - at 6'7", 285 lbs., and an 85" wingspan, this dude has next level measureables, but continues to be evaluated by 'O' & Co. as he is yet to receive an LSU offer. I've read where C. East's athleticism (including his "bend"), footwork, and/or upper-body strength may be aspects of his game still under evaluation. And probably the best point I've read was by thunderbird, when he noted that an in-state school (LSU, in this case) must be 100% certain that a kid is a "take" before offering - or run the risk of burning bridges w/ HS programs by not accepting commitment(s) from previously offered targets.

Last thing I noted on Cam East was his ranking. While he's not yet ranked in the 247sports composite, East is ranked as the No. 44 offensive tackle by 247sports. I looked up the composite ranking of other OTs ranked similarly by 247sports, and I estimate his initial composite rating/ranking to be 3*, somewhere in the 375-425 range. With LSU being the in-state school and having three (3) quality guys already on-board (& potential for securing 4th on March 10th), I agree with their approach of taking additional time to evaluate East.

Malik Agbo (OT, 4*, #184, Federal Way, WA) - there's been a good bit of early smoke around this guy, and he has expressed genuine interest in LSU. Agbo has apparently developed social media friendships w/ W. Campbell, Walker Howard & Emery Jones - most recently evidenced by the Twitter post of himself, Lucas Taylor, Bo Bordelon, Will Campbell, Emery Jones, & Walker Howard in Tiger Stadium w/ LSU Tiger head logo. I really hope M. Agbo decides to be a Tiger, but I admit to being reluctant on getting my hopes up for him b/c of the distance btwn. Washington and BR.

Julian Armella (OT, 4*, #133, Miami, FL) - despite being an FSU legacy, J. Armella is a target that has peeked my interest. According to reports, Cregg is recruiting him hard and Armella recently stated that Cregg is really making an impression on him. Furthermore, J. Armella is impressed with LSU's championship pedigree, as well as, their early development of two (2) former teammates, Marlon Martinez and Marcus Dumervil. The three (3) OL previously attended St. Thomas Aquinas before Armella transferred to Columbus HS. On a negative note, this kid is also interested in Bama.

Update - On 2/5/2021, Armella announced a top-7 of Bama, Clemson, Florida, FSU, LSU, Miami, & Ohio State. In regard to LSU, he once again referenced his relationship with Dumervil and Martinez, and how he remains in touch with them. Also, he mentioned how he has connected with Cregg and has a great relationship with him.

Qae'shon Sapp (OT, n/r, Leesbury, GA) - Sapp and his family are natives of Morgan City, Louisiana, and he was thrilled to receive his LSU offer - stating how excited he was to potentially be "able to go back home to my family". Q. Sapp is an OL with some versatility, as he has played all over the line (primarily as OG/OT). He's attended a spring game at Tiger Stadium as a kid, and he wants to get back to take in a real game at some point this fall. With the family aspect working in LSU's favor, I would think they could have a real shot here. Unfortunately, Sapp did refer to LSU as it "..being my dream school..." so maybe not, haha.

Devon Campbell (OG, 5*, #9, Arlington, TX) - previously stated his desire to remain "regional for college" and that he's interested in "being somewhat closer to home". From what I've read, this could turnout to be a battle between Oklahoma, Texas & LSU. As one of the top prospects of the 2022 regardless of position, the battle for D. Campbell is expected to end anytime soon - in fact, it has potential to go the distance - similar to the recruitment of T. Leigh. Bottom line for me - I'm not getting my hopes up for LSU to land Devon Campbell's commitment.

Tyler Booker (OT, 4*, #35, Bradenton, FL) - attends IMG Academy in Florida but is actually a Connecticut native. Recently named a top-10 of Bama, Florida, Georgia, Jackson State, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, & Texas A&M. I've heard/read the most about him feeling the best about Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, & Penn State. While anything is possible and he's still a long way from announcing a commitment, I'm not getting my hopes up for LSU to sign T. Booker.

Jacob Hood (OT, 3*, #370, Nashville, TN) - Per Chad Simmons of Rivals, Hood included LSU in his top-6 on 2/7/2021. The other five (5) top programs include Baylor, Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, & Tennessee. The 6'8", 342 lb. tackle is ranked No. 370 by the 247sports composite. It's pretty clear J. Hood likes coach 'O', quoted as follows when asked about LSU: "I definitely like coach 'O' a lot. We have been talking and he seems like a coach that really cares about his players. He is a very inspirational guy too."

Interestingly enough, J. Hood is ranked as the No. 51 OT by 247sports, which is seven (7) slots behind St. Aug's Cam East (No. 44 per 247sports).

Fisher Anderson (OT, 4*, #222, Franklin, TN) - Anderson included LSU in his top-15 that he dropped around 1/28/2021. Other top programs on his list include Baylor, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Oregon, Michigan, Penn St., & Tennessee. The 6'7", 275 lb. tackle is ranked No. 222 by the 247sports composite.

Anderson was on an unofficial visit in BR back in March 2020 when the SEC announced the beginning of the "COVID-19 dead period" that remains in effect to this day. He posted on social media that he "got to do and see everything", and that he was "blessed to be able to be there right before all other visits were cancelled." He was able to get an up-close look at the then defending National Champions. It included a tour through the locker room and updated operations building, observation of a football practice, a visit with coach 'O', tour of campus, and more.

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

1. Will Campbell, OT
2. Malik Agbo, OT
3. Lucas Taylor, OG
4. Emery Jones, OG
5. Bo Bordelon, OG/C
6. Instant Impact Txfr., OT