Recruiting the offensive line in 2022 will be particularly important due to the following:

-Expectation of losing 4-5 starters from this unit after 2021 season,

-Lackluster O-Line haul in 2021 (in terms of quantity), &

-Out recruited at this position by Bama, Georgia & Texas A&M during 2018-2021 time period.

Fortunately, 'O' & Cregg are off to a great start for the 2022 OL class with verbal commitments from Will Campbell (No. 33; 5*), Lucas Taylor (OG, No. 356, 4*) and Bo Bordelon (OT, No. 506, 3*). And while a strong start is nice, a strong finish would be even better as it's possible for 2022 to be the best OL haul of Orgeron's tenure. Below are my thoughts on how I hope to see LSU close out the O-Line class for 2022.

1. Close on top-200, 4* Emery Jones (OG) - Of the 12-13 uncommitted prospects from LA with an LSU offer, E. Jones has to be one of the most coveted by LSU. The dual-sport athlete (basketball/football) is 6'4", 325 lbs., and I've frequently read that he's a plus athlete for his size. He exhibits great footwork on the football field, yet surprisingly light on his feet when it comes to the hardwood. Jones projects as an interior lineman (OG) at the collegiate level with potential to transition to center (OC), if necessary.

It's been well-documented that E. Jones is close, personal friends with LSU commits Walker Howard, Will Campbell & Bo Bordelon, and these guys have been vocal about the fact that they are pushing for their buddy (Jones) to join them at LSU. Furthermore, it's not surprising that Emery's family and friends would love for him to attend LSU, making it much more convenient to connect and remain active in his life. Lastly, 'O' and Cregg made EJ a priority long ago, as they were one (1) of his first offers back in the summer of 2020. Naturally, Orgeron and LSU have been in pursuit ever since. For these reasons, I whole-heartedly believe Emery Jones ends up a Tiger.

2. Protect the talented nucleus of OL 'verbals' - Assuming a successful close on E. Jones, the Tigers will have verbal commitments from four (4) talented offensive lineman. IMO, this would be a great nucleus of O-Linemen that could set the stage for LSU signing one of the best OL classes of Orgeron's tenure. For that to become a reality, however, 'O' & Cregg must stave off the competition from flipping any of these core guys. Lucas Taylor, in particular, will probably receive a strong push from Auburn to stay home &/or it wouldn't surprise to see Bama apply pressure later down the stretch (see Jaeden Roberts as an example).

Perhaps surprisingly, I'm less concerned about Campbell, Jones & Bordelon being flipped because of the close-knit bond shared between this "band of brothers" (even though they will be pursued by numerous programs until the end).

3. Sign one (1) more Offensive Tackle (OT) from OOS - To me, steps 1 & 2 are important aspects of a strong finish for the 2022 OL class, but this last part (No. 3) is vital to meeting team needs and locking up one of the best OL classes in program history - signing another true OT. I use the term "true OT" as a description of a 6'5"-6'7" prospect that projects as a collegiate tackle versus a converted guard. Of the four (4) OL commitments mentioned above, only W. Campbell is projected as an offensive tackle at the collegiate level.

Based on everything I've read to-date, LSU is in the mix for a number of OT prospects that could meet our need at this critical position. They include:
a) Kelvin Banks (TX, No. 31, 5*)
b) Julian Armella (FL, No. 137, 4*)
c) Malik Agbo (WA, No. 196, 4*)
d) Fisher Anderson (TN, No. 239, 4*)