Then and now, a look back at former LSU recruits Class of 2011-2014

This is a look back at recruits who were interested in LSU that ended elsewhere for whatever reason. The “then” part is mainly based on my memory, so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. The “now” part is mainly from Google searches.

Class of 2011

Phillip Ely QB

Then- LSU was desperate for a High School QB in addition to Mett for this class. Ely was supposedly the leading candidate when he unexpectedly committed to Bama.

Now- Never saw the field at Alabama and transferred to Toledo in 2013. He had a good season as their starting QB in 2015. He applied for a 6th year of eligibility and was denied and is currently pursuing an unlikely NFL career.

Zack Oliver QB

Then- A local Catholic High kid that many on the board were pining for LSU to offer. They did not and took Stephen Rivers instead, he ended up at Northwestern.

Now- Never won the starting role at Northwestern, but had some spot backup duty his last two years at NU. Now pursuing an even unlikelier NFL career than Ely.

Class of 2012

Shiro Davis DE/LB

Then- Spurned LSU on signing day to go to Texas. Said that North Louisiana/South Louisiana (from Shreveport) tension in the LSU locker room contributed to decision.

Now- Had a solid, but unspectacular career at Texas. Now on the Redskins roster, but unlikely to make the 53 man squad.

Jeremy Liggins QB/TE/DL/OL

Then- Signed as a potential QB prospect, with some alternative positions possible if that didn’t pan out. Failed to qualify and headed to JUCO.

Now- Played TE at Ole Miss, mostly in jumbo packages as a blocker, as well as some crazy goal-line packages where he tried to sneak it in as QB. Switched back to OT for his senior year, but faces an uphill battle for playing time.

Class of 2013

Cethan Carter TE

Then- Received a late offer from LSU, but decided to stick with his commitment to Nebraska.

Now- Had a solid junior year 24 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns, and will probably start again at TE for the Huskers as a senior

Adam Taylor RB

Then- A stud RB for powerhouse Texas school Katy who suffered a knee injury junior year, but had spectacular numbers as a senior. He was supposedly a commit at some point, but seemed to misunderstand the validity of the offer and it was not honored. At one point, there was discussion he would greyshirt or even walk-on, but he decided to go to Nebraska instead. Many LSU fans were angry over not taking a RB in that class and putting all the eggs in the Fournette basket.

Now- Redshirted in 2013, injury redshirted in 2014, and then played special teams in 2015 with no carries. He will compete for touches at running back this season, but is currently not listed in the top 3 on the RB depth chart.

Chuck Baker WR

Then- Earned an early offer from LSU, but later had it “pulled” after subpar performance (can’t remember if it was senior year production or camps). Ended up at Southern.

Now- Redshirted in 2013 and again in 2014 after breaking his ankle. Did not record any receptions in 2015, but appeared in 6 games and recorded a tackle, which I assume means he played special teams.

Priest Willis CB/S

Then- Highly rated recruit out of Arizona that had serious interest in LSU, but ended up on the West Coast at UCLA. Some creeper on this board was Facebook messaging his dad about why he should go to LSU.

Now- Busted out at UCLA and transferred to Texas A&M in 2015. Will be eligible this fall with two years remaining. Expected to compete for a starting corner job and considerable playing time. (What does that say about the Ags DB depth?)

Class of 2014

Deshone Kizer QB

Then- Was allegedly the subject of Dylan Moses’ dad’s (jrevonte) cryptic boom post. However, Notre Dame offered the Ohio native soon after and was his favorite school, so he ended up there.

Now- Replaced injured starter Malik Zaire last year and had a solid season for the Irish. In a hotly contested position battle with Zaire for the upcoming season.

Mason Rudolph QB

Then- A fairly unheralded recruit out South Carolina, was a leading candidate to be LSU’s QB of the class before Brandon Harris committed. Recruiting board legend Memphis really liked him and was disappointed that Harris got a spot over him. He said he would self ban if Harris ever became top of the LSU board. On his deciding day, many pegged him for Virginia Tech, but he chose an early favorite in Oklahoma State.

Now- Took over the Oklahoma State QB job late as a true freshman and had a very good year as a sophomore. Expected to start as a junior and will be a candidate for many major awards.

Sione Palelei RB

Then- Of Samoan and Tongan descent, he was a highly regarded 3-star back from East Ascension. He was an LSU commit at one point, but decided he had a better opportunity at Oklahoma State, as well as join more Pacific Islanders. His decision paved the way for Darrel Williams to join LSU as a second RB to Fournette.

Now- Redshirted in 2014 and missed 2015 due to injury. Buried on the depth chart, but will compete for carries.

Saeed Blacknall WR
Then- A four-star receiver from New Jersey, he was thought to be an LSU lean. He came to LSU for a camp and apparently was star struck by the competition and decided to stay in the Northeast. He committed to Rutgers, but then flipped to Penn State.

Now- Had a total of 18 receptions for 300ish yards in his first two years, but is expected to compete for a starting position and considerable playing time as a junior.

Anthony Jones TE

Then- Edna Karr tight end who was thought to be LSU bound, but ended up signing a LOI for ULL.

Now- Transferred to Pearl City CC, a Juco, and is on the roster.

Santos Ramirez CB

Then- Evangel Christian product who received an offer and many thought would end up at LSU, but chose Arkansas, presumably for more playing time opportunity.

Now- Saw significant playing time as a RS Freshman last year and is expected to compete for a starting safety job and playing time this fall.

Kevin Shorter RB

Then- A scat back who was an LSU recruit that many, including myself, thought would end up in the class.

Now- Diagnosed with a narrowing of the spinal column after a tough hit as a senior in high school, was placed on medical scholarship at Texas, but ended his playing career.

Chris Hardeman CB

Then- Committed to LSU via social media, but there was speculation whether he was an actual commit. Some sites had him listed, others did not. Eventually, LSU amicably parted ways with him and he was another guy who ended up at Oklahoma State.

Now- Contributed on special teams for Ok State the past two season. He was not listed on the spring roster, transferred to Houston Baptist