LSU Football Recruiting: Boys From The Boot Recap - The Impact

LSU hosted their first event for the 2015 class with their annual Boys from the Boot gathering of what turned out to be a Who's Who of top Louisiana recruits. The staff made an exception with two of their visitors and for very good reason

Commits Are Considered Home

While the event is tailored to in-state recruits, composite #1 recruit and LSU commit Kevin Toliver II, along with long-snapper Blake Ferguson, brother of current Tiger long-snapper Reid, both came in for the big weekend. To have two players this dedicated to make it to Louisiana on their own dime goes to great lengths at showing their love for LSU and (to steal a phrase from Les) a want to help make the future of Tiger football even brighter. Toliver II has been a vocal advocate of LSU in Florida and took advantage of the opportunity to help with the in-state recruits as well.

While getting the top player in the nation in for an LSU marquee event, two other players took the headlines when they announced their intentions and committed to the Tigers.

Add Two More to Baton Rouge

It was a surprising and nice feeling to see someone from Karr end their process this early after all that transpired back in January with two recruits from the same school. Defensive end recruit Isaiah Washington let it be known he is a true Tiger and committed during the Boys from the Boot event. I could go on about this, but Paul will go further in-depth about what he will bring.

The other commit may have to wait a little longer but his impact will be just as high when 2016 wide receiver Stephen Sullivan was offered a scholarship and wasted little time in making things a done deal. The 6'6" giant out of Donaldsonville has a heavy background in basketball and will look to add some more onto his 210 frame. When it comes to red zone jump balls, Sullivan will definitely be getting looks with his basketball ups and solid hands.

These two were given offers and jumped on them. They weren't the only ones to receive a scholarship throughout the day and each one made a profound impact in helping the purple and gold.

Analysis from Paul Crewe

Washington is a big DE listed around 6'4"-6'5" and 245 pounds. He's naturally large and not overly muscular/built at this point. His greatest asset is easily his length. He does a good job using his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and create separation from tackles as a pass rusher. On tape, you can see he's not overly sudden or explosive. He gets off the ball pretty well, and he's a very disciplined, well-coached player. Mike Detillier compared him to Tyson Jackson. I think that's a pretty fair comparison, though I believe Washington is a natural candidate to slide inside at the next level. Checking in around 250 pounds already, it's not unfeasible he could see a RS year and bulk up to the 300 range to play at DT.

Sullivan is quite the intriguing prospect. 6'6", 210 pound Sophomores that can move don't grow on trees, which is why he's one of the few 2016 prospects with a commitable offer. I think I'm most impressed with his short-area quickness. I hadn't seen any tape on this kid until now, but it's pretty rare you see a guy who plays WR/QB/DE for his HS team. On tape, it's super impressive how easily he explodes into full speed. Most taller guys, especially ones up in the 6'6" range build to speed, but Sullivan seemingly gets there in a step. He doesn't have elite speed, but it's impressive to watch him explode out of cuts. He's naturally strong for his size, holding up well at the point of attack on the DL as well.

The sites list him as a WR prospect. I honestly have no idea how to project him. I mean this in the kindest way possible: I don't think this kid really knows what he's doing. He's just big and athletic and talented. At times he looks natural as a pass catcher, other times he doesn't. But with his HS using him all over the field, he hasn't honed a particular skill at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if the kid grew into a DE.

Sullivan joins Ed Alexander as LSU's second 2016 commit. Ed Roux Ga Roux Alexander is an absolute monster, befitting of that nickname, if you haven't watched his tape.

There Were Offers Abound

Jazz Ferguson - The 2015 wide receiver out of West Feliciana was offered and while many thought he would be a tight end, Cam Cameron gave it to him as a wide receiver. The 6'5" 205 lb. receiver came close to committing, but wants to make sure that LSU is the place for him. Cameron is making it real hard for his quarterbacks to overthrow their receivers with these big targets.

David Ducre - The 2015 running back out of Mandeville was offered, but the staff has their eyes on him at fullback. At 6'0" and 230 lbs. already, Ducre says the staff would like him at 250 to be an asset at fullback far more than just blocking.

Willie Allen - The 2016 offensive tackle recruit from John Curtis picked up an offer and for good reason. The 6'6" 280 lb. tackle will be one of the top at his position for his class and became a no-brainer for new o-line coach Jeff Grimes.

Kristian Fulton - The 2016 cornerback out of Rummel was the lone defensive recruit to receive a scholarship and not commit, but the offer made a huge impact. The 6'1" 175 lb. recruit has the tangibles with his lengthy frame that Raymond has come to covet in his physical cornerbacks.

The day was a huge success for LSU recruiting, including getting recruits like Tyron Johnson and current Notre Dame commit Jerry Tillery on campus to sway their minds to LSU. While most are focused on 2015, the Tigers 2017 commit Dylan Moses was also there and continues to be a huge advocate of LSU. The future is bright in the state of Louisiana, and if this weekend was any indication, Les Miles and the staff put together a solid event to show the recruits the importance of staying in The Boot.