2009 Classes to Watch: LSU

I suppose winning a National Championship will help with recruiting. Generally speaking, winning (or losing) on the field does not affect the current recruiting class, it always affects the next class. For LSU, that is the 2009 group. And Les Miles and Co. are definitely off to a strong start. With seven commitments, six of which are on the ESPN 150 To Watch list (again, this list is 400 prospects long), LSU boasts one of the top-5 classes in the nation for 2009.

Texas (15), USC (10), UNC (9) and Ohio St (8) are the only schools with more commits.

What is even more exciting for LSU fans is the depth of talent in the state of Louisiana in 2009. There is dramatically more talent at the top this season than last. There are 4-5 potential Athlon Consensus 100 members hailing from Cajun territory. Good news for LSU, especially since Louisiana only had 1 AC100 member in 2008, Chris Tolliver.

This 2009 class begins and ends with one name:

Russell Shepard - ATH - Houston, Texas (6-2, 190)

Watching film on Shepard, duel-threat is the word that comes to mind immediately. He has great vision, balance and cutting ability. Excellent speed and acceleration allow him to hit those tiny creases and get to the end zone. He is impossible to tackle in the open field. Obviously, he is not as accomplished of a passer. He shows good accuracy when fitting the ball into tight windows on slant/post routes. His level of ability as a passer is yet to be determined. I would also like to see him put on a good 20 pounds of muscle. Timmy Teabags is two inches taller and 40 pounds heavier and he gets banged up in the SEC, Shepard will too.

Michael Brockers - DE - Houston, Texas (6-6, 255)

It is easy to see why defensive coordinators fell in love with Brocker's size right away. He is a force with that 6-6, 260 pound frame. He will always need to concentrate on pad level and leverage with his size but that can be taught easily. He shows nice burst and strength at the point of attack. He has the complete package of tools for a high level defensive end.

Michael Ford - RB - Leesville, La. (5-10, 200)

Ford is a nice combination of size, speed and strength. He has a nice low center of gravity and shows a nice all-around game. He will need some fine-tuning but should be a nice prospect. Lets just hope this Mike Ford has an easier time getting into school than the other Mike Ford of Alabama and current South Florida lore.

Henry Orelus (OL Belle Glade, Fla.), Janzen Jackson (DB Lake Charles, La.) and Josh Downs (DT Bastrop, La.) also all have an outside chance at the AC100.

Look for LSU to really press for local products Rueben Randle (WR Bastrop, La.) and Chris Davenport (DT Mansfield, La.). Both will be AC100 members and at the top of in-state rankings.