LSU Junior Day: 2014 Recruiting Well Underway

On Saturday, dozens of the top junior prospects from the state of Louisiana and the surrounding area will descend upon LSU's campus for a Junior Day event. With National Signing Day in the rear view mirror, it's time to start looking ahead to the next group. The truth is that LSU's coaching staff has been working on this class for quite some time. This will actually be the second Junior Day that LSU has hosted, following the invite only "Boys From The Boot" event a few weeks back. LSU is off to a great start with four verbal commitments already in the fold.

Of LSU's four commitments, Woodville, MS athlete Devin Voorhies and Brother Martin offensive guard Will Clapp are in both the Rivals 250 and the Top 247 on 247 Sports. Lake Charles tight-end Jacory Washington and Houston, TX cornerback Chris Hardeman are in the Rivals 250 only.

The Class of 2014 has the potential to be one of LSU's best ever, and that's because the state of Louisiana is absolutely loaded with top shelf talent. On these early national lists, both Rivals and 247 have 13 players from the state ranked, and they're not the same 13. Three Louisiana players are in that elite, five star range. So if LSU can once again lock down the borders of the state, then this class will be incredible.

Most of the elite prospects in Louisiana, to include St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette, West Monroe offensive tackle Cameron Robinson, and Neville defensive back Laurent "Hootie" Jones seem willing to go through the entire recruiting process and make a late decision. All three guys have offers from all of the major players in college football, but it looks like a LSU vs. Alabama battle for each of them.

However, you could potentially see players such as Karr teammates Speedy Noil and Gerald Willis or Barbe receiver Trey Quinn pull the trigger somewhat soon. John Curtis teammates Malachi Dupre and Kenny Young are also candidates for early commitments.

If LSU can get a few of these top guys on board, then it could snowball and everyone would want to be a part of the great class. Oddly enough, it could be some out of state blue chippers that get the ball rolling. LSU's staff has hit the state of Texas hard thus far, zeroing in on some of the country's top defensive backs.

Arlington, TX safety Ed Paris is originally from Louisiana and is considered a heavy lean to LSU. He plans on announcing his decision on March 29, his birthday, and I'd be pretty surprised if it were anyone but the Tigers. Paris is regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the nation and 247 has him as the #9 overall player in the country right now.

You've also got Beaumont, TX cornerback Tony Brown. Brown first splashed onto the scene two summers ago at LSU's camp where they offered him, even though he was not yet a sophomore in high school. He has remained close to LSU's staff ever since. Brown's sister, Bealoved Brown, recently announced her intentions to run track at LSU which is a very good sign for the Tigers. Brown is one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and rated five stars by both 247 and Rivals. I wouldn't be surprised if he announced his decision sooner, rather than later.

Brandon Simmons, a teammate of Ed Paris, is also a top notch safety prospect and is also heavily considering LSU. He's not quite at the level of Paris or Brown but is nationally ranked by Rivals and 247. If Paris were to choose LSU, it's easy to see Simmons following suit shortly after.

Zeroing in on this weekend, could LSU land some commitments? It's certainly possible though it's tough to pinpoint exactly who might do it. Nobody really expected Washington or Clapp to commit at the last Junior Day, so I suspect we may get a similar surprise or two.

Some good candidates for commitments this weekend could be guys who don't currently have offers. If they meet with the coaches and are offered, I could see an immediate commitment taking place. Guys in this situation include Ouachita receiver Cameron Sims, Plaquemine defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, and Covington defensive lineman Garrald McDowell.

Brown is expected to be on campus, too and it's not totally out of the question for Brown to pull the trigger this weekend.

In addition to Tony Brown and LSU commitments Chris Hardeman and Devin Voorhies, some other out of state talent will be on hand. Texas receiver Tony Upchurch and Texas safety John Bonney are expected on campus. Bonney holds an offer from LSU. You've also got Virginia quarterback Chris Riddle expected in even though he is part of the Class of 2015. Riddle and University High running back Nic Brosette look like the only 2015 prospects attending.

Check back on the comments as I'll update throughout the day Saturday as to who actually showed up.