Dylan Moses Ends Recruitment; Sunday News Roundup

Hopes were raised with news that Baton Rouge native and IMG Academy linebacker recruit Dylan Moses was taking an official visit to LSU before the recruiting dead period begins at midnight tonight.

But with the visit in the bag, Moses announced that he would be sticking with his decision:

Signing financial aid paperwork is not binding, but given that Moses will be starting college in January, the chance to him going back on his word seems microscopic.

It’s a blow to Ed Orgeron and LSU’s recruiting efforts, largely because the Tigers need to find some linebackers between now and signing day. But it also hurts from a PR perspective to see a local product, that LSU has been recruiting for years now, head to a division rival.

Truthfully, Moses would have likely stayed with LSU had Les Miles been retained, but between the transition, and a divorce with his parents, Moses would rather get away it seems.

In other recruiting news, Orgeron had an in-home visit with top running back recruit Cam Akers tonight. Although 247 Sports crystal ball predictions are still pointing towards Ole Miss there, there’s been some momentum for LSU, with Orgeron selling the idea of being Derrius Guice’s understudy next year and then taking over. It’s about two years out, but the Tigers also picked up a commitment from 2019 offensive tackle Kenyon Green.

On the offensive coordinator front, there remains no real news. Lane Kiffin, still the top choice, has seen his head coaching options fizzle out, more or less. First, Houston chose Major Applewhite, then South Florida going with Charlie Strong. That seems like a perfect fit for USF, and it’s unlikely that Kiffin was ever seriously considered. FootballScoop had reported that Florida Atlantic also spoke with Kiffin, but that negotiations “broke down.” It remains unclear if Kiffin will seek any NFL opportunities, or stay with Alabama through the college football playoff.

An evening report from The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger mentions Alabama’s Steve Sarkisian, former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich and Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada as potential backup options. The story states that those three were selected for further vetting out of 10-to-12 coaches that have reached out regarding the position. All three would be excellent hires in my eyes, although Kiffin seems to remain the top choice on Orgeron’s list.

We’ll continue to stay on top of the story as it progresses.