Following Tygee Hill's commitment last week, LSU now has eight (8) 'verbals' from the twenty (20) in-state (LA) offers that have gone out so far for 2022.

The Tigers appear to be in the mix for the twelve (12) other in-state targets, as all of them are currently uncommitted.

Below is my take on the recruitment status for the twelve (12) remaining LA targets that hold an LSU offer.

1. Jacoby Mathews (S) - the 5* from Ponchatoula is a massive priority at a position of need, and IMO, 'O' & the Tigers are off to a great start recruiting him. That said, this one seems headed to the finish line (ESP in December), as he's expressed interest in Bama, Florida, Miss. St., & Texas.

2. Emery Jones (OG) - the 6'4", 325-lb. offensive lineman from Catholic High in BR has been on 'O' & Cregg's radar for quite some time. In fact, they offered last summer and have made him a priority for the 2022 class. Likewise, LSU-commits Walker Howard and Will Campbell have not been shy about how hard they are recruiting their buddy. Of the twelve (12) remaining LA targets, I have the most conviction that E. Jones ends up a Tiger.

3. TreVonte' Citizen (RB) - Just behind E. Jones, Citizen is an in-state (LA) target I have a strong conviction about signing with LSU. I like him to LSU b/c of how fondly he speaks of RB coach Kevin Faulk, and the relationship they've established. Furthermore, Citizen is another one I know Howard/Campbell are peer-to-peer recruiting for the P&G.

4. J'mond Tapp (WDE) - As the state's highest-rated D-Line prospect, there's little doubt that 'O' is making J'mond a priority to keep home in 2022. What's more, the early word is that Andre Carter has made a very favorable impression on Tapp. Really like this kid's potential and LSU's chances of signing him.

5. Javae Gilmore (OLB) - Up there with safety, OLB is another significant position of need. I believe J. Gilmore has the potential to be a great one, as he definitely has ball skills from playing WR with the LA Bootleggers and TE with his HS team in Amite. At 6'4", 200-lbs., this kid is beyond physically gifted and he's one I really want to see ink w/ LSU. From what I've gathered, LSU is off to a great start recruiting Gilmore as 'O' recently conducted a virtual tour of the facilities with him and his parents. However, Bama is one we will have to keep an eye on, as they've not yet offered but probably will at some point. J. Gilmore has also expressed genuine interest in Miss. St.

6. Quency Wiggins (SDE) - A dual-sport star, Q. Wiggins shines on the football field and the basketball court. Recruiting services recognized his elite athleticism with an initial composite ranking(rating) of No. 271 (4*). Based on what I've gathered, 'O' & Co. are prioritizing the strong-side defensive end (SDE) position in 2022 and this extends to the Madison Prep. standout. Wiggins is yet another in-state (LA) target that Howard and Campbell are pursuing in their peer-to-peer recruiting efforts. Based on this, I like Q. Wiggins to LSU.

7. Le'veon Moss (RB) - Based on a recent Wiltfong article, appears to be an LSU-Bama battle. However, I like LSU due to his relationship w/ Kevin Faulk and the fact that Bama recently received a verbal commitment from 5* RB, Emmanuel Henderson, out of Hartford, AL. Most notably, I like LSU's chances due to a quote directly from Moss in response to Wiltfong's inquiry about LSU, in which he stated, "I love their football program. I can see myself playing there. I can see myself becoming a Tiger."

8. Shazz Preston (WR) - Just like w/ Emery Jones, S. Preston is someone that’s been on coach ‘O’ & Mickey Joseph’s radar for a long time. The offered last summer and have made him a priority for the 2022 class. Obviously, LSU will have to overcome the Miss. St. connection (his brother plays for Bulldogs), but I don't see this as an insurmountable hurdle. Here's why - (i) In a response to a recent Wiltfong inquiry about who he currently has the best connection with (among programs recruiting him), Preston was quoted as follows, "I have the best connection w/ LSU b/c they're right here in my hometown.", (ii) Preston's friend & St. James HS teammate, Saivion Jones, just recently committed to LSU in class of 2021, (iii) He was being heavily recruited by Blake Baker, who was in-charge of recruiting LA during his time as Miami's DC - so there's another connection to LSU's coaching staff, & (iv) Mickey Joseph is an elite recruiter that's been crushing it w/ NOLA-area targets of late (particularly WRs).

9. Kendrick Law (Ath) - Similar to Jones, Moss, & Preston, Kendrick Law is a major priority that 'O' & Co. have been pursuing for roughly a year. Law is an undeniable stud that the staff believes can play on either side of the ball at the collegiate level. He's been a HS star offensively at WR and defensively in the backfield at safety. Based on LSU's need(s), I'm hoping he would come to BR as a safety. At a recent 7-on-7 tournament, Law was pictured with teammate, Bryce Anderson (an LSU target from TX), and he was noticeably bigger (approx. 1-1.5" taller & 5-10 lbs. more filled-out). Based on what I've read, LSU is believed to hold a slight lead for K. Law.

10. Shone Washington (DT) - One of the first LA kids to commit to LSU for 2022 class, but the Warren Easton later backed-off from his pledge several months later. I've no first-hand knowledge of how Washington's de-commitment landed w/ 'O' and the staff, but I just don't believe he ends up back in the LSU class for 2022.

11. Austin Ausberry (CB) - This kid is tough to get a read on, but there's been smoke that he's interested in heading OOS. And given the recent drama with his father being suspended following the title IX report, my gut instinct is that he ultimately ends up elsewhere (hope I'm wrong, b/c I really like this kid, and I think he would be a great addition to LSU's 2022 class. He has versatility to play CB and Safety, and he's physical in the defensive backfield at 6'1", 185-lbs.).

12. Trevor Etienne (RB) - While 'O' & the Tigers didn't delay extending an offer to Trevor in the manner they did his older brother, Travis, I just have a feeling he ends up at college OOS. I'm predicting LSU inks Le'veon Moss and TreVonte Citizen as the 2022 RB signees, and I don't believe they end up with three (3) in the class.
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In closing, there are three (3) other in-state (LA) prospects for the class of 2022 that have not yet been offered, but I believe could earn an LSU offer in the very near future. They include:
a) Maxie Baudoin IV,
b) Jordan Allen (CB), &
c) Kailep Edwards (ILB)