LSU Football Recruiting: Tigers Look To Close Strong

Another huge addition to the class is Vadal Alexander. At 6’6” and 310, he’s already got SEC-ready size. He’s a tenacious run blocker with good feet who should fit well in the smash-mouth rushing attack Miles has built.

At WR, Travin Dural and Avery Johnson are both solid route runners with sticky hands who offer a fair amount of upside. TE John Thomas could be an impact player, if he makes the grades. He’s big, can run, and looks natural catching the ball... something the Tigers lacked last season as well.

One area of concern for last season’s team (and next season’s team) is LB play. If the 2011 Tigers D had a glaring weakness, it was LB play. Adding All-American Ronnie Feist as well as super athlete Lamar Louis, both early enrollees, not only increases depth, but adds two playmakers who could see playing time as early as next season.

For more on Tiger recruiting, check out SBB Nation’s excellent LSU site, And The Valley Shook.

Liggins described the process as a “long-ass stressful process.” “I’m gonna get one place and gonna look one way,” Liggins said. He did not clarify the statement. Liggins cited LSU’s recent success and the ability to win SEC championships. “I’m used to winning,” said Liggins.

Liggins is thought to be an athlete by some because he is a rather huge quarterback prospect at 6’3” and 270 pounds. Some teams recruited Liggins to play defensive line or tight end. But he is insistent that he will play quarterback. He has excellent athleticism for a recruit of his size, regardless of position, and has a lot of options.

Mario Edwards Jr., arguably the top recruit in the country, is sticking with his commitment to the Florida State Seminoles. Edwards flirted with Oklahoma, Texas and LSU throughout the process, but in the end, he elected to remain firm in his commitment to Florida State, just as his father did many years ago. Edwards tweeted:

Edward plays for Denton (Tx.) Ryan High School. At 6’4” and 285 pounds, many have wondered if he can stick at defensive end. Florida State believes he can, and plans to use him at defensive end because of his excellent athleticism (Edwards did a backflip for reporters at almost 300 pounds during the Under Armour All-America Game), and because Jimbo Fisher likes his defense to use larger defensive ends. While at the Under Armour game, Edwards spoke of wanting to be a part of something special at Florida State.

Our friends at the excellent LSU site And The Valley Shook had a chance to sit down with Sonny Shipp, one of the foremost experts on recruiting in the state of Louisiana. The full interview is posted at And The Valley Shook. Here are a few snippets:

Make sure to head to And The Valley Shook for answers to questions 3-10!

Family was indeed frequently cited by LSU outlets as Kiel’s primary reason for staying close to home. While Kiel’s switch to the Irish could mean a new home for fellow star Indiana quarterback recruit Devin Fuller, it sounds like this case has wrapped with smiling faces all around.

(Except for idiots who are constantly seeking reasons to be idiots anyway, of course.)

Kiel had originally committed to Indiana over the summer, before decommitting. He then took trips to Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and LSU. Kiel ultimately ended up committing to LSU in December.

Internet rumors began swirling after Kiel failed to show up for a meeting for January-enrollees at LSU.

Landon Collins, arguably the top safety commitment in the country, committed to Alabama tonight over LSU on ESPN during the Under Armour All-America Game. His mother wanted him to stay home and pick LSU. She was at his side and was not happy.

With the advent of spread offenses, having a versatile safety who can patrol the deep middle on one play and then drop down in the box and play the slot receiver with press technique on the next is invaluable. Collins is just that type of player.

Collins has been very impressive this week in Orlando for the Under Armour All-America game. His speed is excellent, and his strength is obvious.