re: Offensive Line recruiting at LSU

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Do we even look at dimensions like intelligence, strength, ability to learn, etc.? Alabama has very specific criteria they look for in every position, so they know how to recruit to it and that is how they stay so consistent.

We need to focus less on stars, size, etc. and get guys that are smart and have enough athletic ability to be developed.

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See, you say that, but in 2016 our current head coach (then interm) after being shut out by Bama said we needed 4* and 5* to block 4* and 5*.

However, since then both LSU and Alabama have signed 20 offensive lineman (not including transfers in). LSU has signed ten 4 or 5*, where Bama has signed 15.

So half of LSUs linemen signed over the last 5 recruiting classes are 3* or below. We're also not getting a whole lot of production out of our 4 and 5*. I'd bet the same isn't true for Bama.

LSU has signed a lot of highly rated guys who are, sorry to be blunt, just flat out fat, with an apparent plan to get them into shape by slimming them down. It hasn't worked as many of those guys still remain simply too big to be athletic. Guys like Hines or Bradford are probably capable in to play in a power run approach...but they aren't particularly athletic enough to move well. Even Deculus is probably oversized. It's easier to get in a somewhat big HS kid (maybe in the 270 - 290) and put on muscle in college than it is to slim down a massively overweight HS kid (there is a reason he is 365 at 17...and it's not JUST genetics).

Many of LSU's better OL over the last 10 years or so have been guys who were big, but not too big to prevent them from being athletes. Poccic, Charles, Chusenberry, could get out and move well.

Hopefully LSU is getting more of those guys. Dellenger doesn't seem to have a lot of "bad" weight. Campbell is relatively slim (for a 6'6 OT) who can put on good weight. I saw Emery Jones play the other night. He's got a big arse, but otherwise he can get out and move. He doesn't look like a big sloppy fat guy.

There is a reason most NFL OL are under 320lb.

Saban isn’t getting guys that are 280 and developing them. He’s getting the 320lb tackles that are ready to play day one. Those are the best players. If Wisconsin and Iowa could get them they would. The best nfl lineman are the ones who develop late but to compete in the sec you need guys that are ready at 18yrs old.