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LSU 1/16 Official Visitor Weekend Update

How did the recruiting visits from this weekend go?

By Paul Crewe
Student Sports

As our man cdub wrote about on Friday, LSU played host to several highly regarded prospects over the weekend. No commitments came about, but the staff made some solid impressions on a pair of guys at a much needed spot: defensive end.

Arden Key

Key didn't pull the trigger on a commitment, but from all reports the visit went exceptionally well. Here's a couple of tweets he and his folks sent out during the trip:

Key also reportedly set a decision date of February 2nd, just a days before signing day. Trips to Miami, South Carolina and Auburn remain on the horizon. Remember, Key's been committed to South Carolina multiple times throughout the process. Did Orgeron and company make a big enough splash to win his commitment? Only time will tell, but it does hurt that he has so many visits following his trip here. That's a lot of opportunities for coaches to make the last, memorable impression.

Prince Tega Wanogho Jr.

Not a ton to report here. The visit went well and his coach relayed that it was the perfect first trip for Wanogho. He left impressed. He's scheduled to be at Tennessee next weekend. Prince won't be deciding on NSD, so he's a name to keep an eye on. I imagine he will get in a full lot of visits before making his decision. Long ways to home on this one.

Chidi Valentine-Okeke

The 5-star OT came and had a good time, but didn't make the trip with any family, leading most to believe he's not likely bound for Baton Rouge. This one seems like an Alabama/Auburn battle to the finish.

Zach Robertson

The staff made a solid impression on the big man, who is currently committed to Arizona State. Will it be enough to lure him from his home in California? Only time will tell.

Derrick Dillon

The Florida commit got the full-court press from the LSU staff, hungry to flip the speedy athlete. The staff reportedly gave Dillon "a lot to think about." Current LSU commits Jazz Ferguson, Derrius Guice and Adrian Magee did their part in helping to recruit Dillon to stay home. Another factor here is Florida's yet to hire a receiver coach. Dillon may be awaiting a decision on that. General consensus is that the home team will win out in this one.

Derrius Guice

Speaking of Guice, there were some confusing reports about him no-showing this weekend, etc. Actually what happened is that he showed up on his own, not taking his official visit. He was just around, helping recruiting, talking with Frank and hanging with his future teammates. He will make his official trip next weekend.

Nick Brossette

Brossette took in Texas this weekend, a school long rumored to be threatening for his services. The Longhorns reportedly made a big impression and left Brossette with "a lot to think about." My general feeling on this is that it would be exceptionally strange for a Baton Rouge Lab athlete that LSU covets gets away from them. But I can also see the draw for Brossette. Texas is much friendly in terms of depth chart and playing time. I can hardly blame him for at least entertaining the possibility, or even taking it.

That said, we've made concerted efforts to split the carries of our backs, often riding the hot hand during games. At 6'0", 207 pounds, Brossette already has good enough size to play immediately. Considering LSU lost all but two running backs from last season, both Brossette and Guice should immediately factor into the four-man rotation we typically feature.

Donte Jackson

The recently minted 5-star stud from New Orleans took in Georgia this weekend. This has come down to a Georgia/LSU battle, and like Dillion, most feel the home team will wind up winning out here. Jackson is set to take his official visit to LSU this weekend, curiously, days after he makes his commitment announcement. Would Jackson visit LSU fresh off pledging to Georgia? In a recent interview, he said not to make too much of that visit, as he gave Frank Wilson his word and he plans on keeping it.

That said, the Crystal Ball is trending toward LSU, with the last eight picks all going to the Tigers, all of them from National reporters and analysts. I expect great news on Wednesday.