Yesterday brought the great news that Jacob Phillips switched his commitment and will be officially signing with LSU in just a few days from now. Followed up by local product Travis Etienne deciding he’d take Clemson up on their offer rather than even bothering to visit LSU*.

*ED. Note: Etienne’s pithy comments about LSU likely come from a kid that was very hurt. Growing up 1.5 hours from Baton Rouge, I’d venture to say he was raised an LSU fan. In the very least, inundated with LSU football. When LSU waited and waited while other dominoes fell off their RB board, and neglected to turn interest to Etienne, that became recruiting ammo for Clemson. I’m certain they sold him that he was never really wanted by LSU, despite the fact that Clemson themselves treated Etienne like a back-up option and offered even 2 weeks after LSU. Nevertheless, I’m not sweating the loss much. I asked a staff member a month ago why we weren’t pursuing Etienne heavily and the response was essentially they were never that impressed when they personally worked him out in camp. BTW, Clemson’s stadium was built a full 18 years after LSU’s. Just so you know.

There’s only two visitors here this weekend. Let’s check ‘em out.

Amik Robertson

The 5’9” corner from Thibodaux played his way into an LSU offer his senior season. I’m a big fan of his game. He’s short, but he can ball. LSU usually takes what they want from Thibodaux, so unless he’s married to making his own vision or upset, like Etienne, I’m guessing he will get one of the final six spots in this class, maybe even ahead of a guy like Todd Harris, who is much more highly rated.

Seth Stewart

The 6’8”, 320 pound project OT will also be on campus. He committed way back in July and never even bothered to so much as look around. Stewart has a ways to go, but Grimes likes to take risks on these big bodied athletes.

Players of Interest Taking Visits

• Neil Farrell will be in Tallahassee this weekend.
• K’Lavon Chaisson will be in Gainesville this weekend after completing final in homes with Texas and LSU this morning.

What Lies Ahead

So we forge ahead looking to fill out a class that will probably take on another 6 commits to boost the final count up to 27 by the end of National Signing Day. At least, that’s the hope and plan. Some positive news in that regard is that 3-star TE Kurt Rafdal, who LSU showed late interest in after the hiring of Matt Canada, is no longer visiting this weekend. It became apparent to Rafdal that he would not be extended a committable offer. This could be a tell that the staff feels confident about filling out their spots with the remaining targets on their board.

As such, prepare thyself for the misinformation highway over the next several days. Recruits will lie. Reporters will lie. Parents will lie. Most of it is well intended in the hopes of letting these recruits have their day in the sun with the announcement. Some of it will be reporters making an honest effort but flatly receiving bad information. ‘Crootin’ y’all.

Can the staff fill out the last six spots? Who do you think takes them? Here’s some possibilities:

Willie Gay
Marvin Wilson
Markaviest Bryant
Amik Robertson
Justin Harris
K’Lavon Chaisson
Marlon Williams
Ellis Brooks
Tyler Taylor
Devonta Smith
Phidarian Mathis