One week left for recruiting.

I hate the recruiting period between the national championship and signing day. I become so addicted to college football from mid-November to January, that it’s impossible for me to quit cold turkey and wait for august. Before I contradict myself and talk about it for an hour or so, here’s a little special something from the boys at southpark:

Alas, recruiting does give us something interesting to talk about. Will Les Miles land a five star recruit this year? Will coach O’s recruits qualify? Why is Nick Saban spending so much time in Louisiana? Will anyone be able to beat Florida in the forseeable future? How many of Fulmer’s recruitis will be in jail at the start of the season? Does the LSU recruiting strategy change with Gary Crowton at the helm?

All things considered, LSU is in good shape for the 2007 season. As far as recruiting goes, I figure there are two categories: holes left by graduation, and upgrades to be done. I feel like the offensive line will be better next year, and that was one of the only areas for improvement. That being said, here are the holes that Les needs to fill within the next week:

Wide Receiver: At first, I shit my pants thinking about Bowe and Davis leaving. I don’t think we’ll ever know how good Davis was because Bowe was too busy dropping passes. Here are the underclassmen that need to step up into those roles:

Jarred Mitchell
Chris Mitchell
Ricky Dixon

All of these receivers were highly ranked last year, and the Mitchells caught two passes each, but did not see significant playing time. Here are some 2007 recruits that will push these guys if they end up signing with LSU:

Toddrick Bajoie
DeAngelo Benton
Demetrius Byrd
Terrence Tolliver
Joe McKnight

Out of this field, I think that Byrd and Tolliver have a legitimate chance to move into a starting role (Byrd is only a 3 star, but he’s got the hight and speed and the recruiting services never rate Juco players that well). I also think that McKnight would make an immediate impact as a slot receiver, running back, quarterback, defensive back, kick returner, offensive coordinator, you name it.

Byrd, Benton, and Bajoie have already given solid verbal commitments to LSU. Tolliver and McKnight have yet to announce their choices. If I were these two, I would pick LSU on February 7th. They will have a chance to make an immediate impact on a top 5 team. USC is loaded with 5 star talent, and Florida is very crowded as well, and Tebow?

If I’m a receiver I’d be much more comfortable with Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux.

Defensive End: I know that Chase and Willis are the only two that graduated this year, but I’m thinking next year. So far we have Kentravis Aubrey, but don’t think that one of the other DT’s/ DE’s from this year, or one of the TE recruits won’t be seeing time at DE within the next 3 years.

Defensive Backfield: Here’s who we’re losing:

Jonathan Zenon
Sammy Joseph
Daniel Francis
Jessie Daniels
LaRon Landry

Here’s who can step in to make an impact that has playing experience:
Chevis Jackson
Craig Steltz

Players that could step in for an immediate impact that haven’t seen significant playing time:

Jai Eugene
Shomari Clemons
Danny McCray
Jason Teague

Still, only having two seasoned vets on the defensive backfield is pretty scary. So here are some commits / recruits that could step in and play immediately:

Phelon Jones
Stephon Francois
Chad Jones

I don’t think McKnight wants to be a DB. I think he wants to be an RB. That being said, it’s a great year to be a DB recruit to commit to Les Miles. Most kids don’t get to see time for 2-3 years. These guys can be studs immediately.

All things considered, it’s the defensive backfield where LSU needs help the most, followed by the WR.

Here’s the wish list:

Chad Jones
Stephoin Francois
Terrence Tolliver
Joe McKnight

If we can pull in those four, we’re in the clear. If we can’t, LSU will still be good next year.