Recruiting Round-Up: Spring Game Pays Dividends

The annual Spring Game is an opportunity for fans to gather a glimpse of their team as they prepare for the next season, along with the coaches to see their team in a scrimmage environment. More importantly for the coaches though, the festivities provide a backdrop as they look to enhance their painting of the upcoming recruiting class. Coach Orgeron and the LSU staff didn’t just add some happy trees, they got closer to what Rembrandt created during his time.

The Cali Pipeline Grows Stronger

Elias Ricks, the No. 1 cornerback in the nation, started the trend when he quite possibly gave Corey Raymond the greatest Christmas present he has received when he announced his commitment. Defensive tackle Jordan Berry continued the trend when he committed back in February. Ricks said when he committed he had a list of guys he was going to bring along with him to Baton Rouge, and he was able to check one off that list over the weekend when linebacker Jaden Navarette committed to the Tigers.

Navarette, the four-star top-15 athlete came to the game with Ricks and 2021 linebacker Raesjon Davis, who some have reported has the Tigers at the top of the list. He was on commit watch even before he arrived on campus and those feelings came to fruition before he hopped back on the plane. Navarette shows the athleticism that Aranda loves from his pass-rushing outside linebackers as he plays both linebacker and tight end at Norco (no, not the Louisiana city).

We’ll Take One From Texas Too

While Navarette couldn’t wait until getting home to let the staff know, Lancaster’s Lorando Johnson, a four-star, composite top-15 cornerback, took a couple days before he gave Corey Raymond his second cornerback in the 2019 class. Lorando gives Aranda the nickel-safety combo defensive back he likes to implement in some of his unique formations, allowing Raymond to target another corner despite the 2018 haul.

Could There Be Another Check On Ricks’ List?

When Jermaine Burton, a top-10 wide receiver out of Calabasas, California, announced he would be committing on April 20 back at the end of March, LSU fans thought they had at least a puncher’s chance. Then when longtime LSU commit Kris Abrams-Draine de-committed and Burton made last-second plans to take his official visit this past weekend within a short period of time between the two, LSU fans began seeing that writing on the wall get a little stronger.

With over a little more than a week before his announcement, LSU sits in the driver’s seat for Burton, who was another one on that illustrious list of Ricks.

Drew Sanders Given A Lot To Think About

At 6-5 and 215 pounds, top-five athlete and Oklahoma commit Drew Sanders out of Denton Ryan in Texas has coaches across the nation drooling at the sheer athleticism he possesses. While linebacker appears to be his desired position at the next level, he also is a quality tight end and running quarterback for his high school team. Sanders made his second trip to Baton Rouge in the past few months, and it’s reported that the Tigers sent him home conflicted. He will be in Norman this coming weekend, as LSU fans will be watching to see what transpires in the aftermath.

Alec Bryant Looking To Bring In A Teammate

Top-10 safety Xavion Alford doesn’t have to come to Baton Rouge to hear the LSU recruiting pitch. He has LSU commit and Shadow Creek teammate Alec Bryant constantly in his ear. Alford was back on campus, and his commitment could be one to pop before LSU’s season gets underway.

Florida Legacy Has LSU In Top Group

Jonathan Odom, a 6-6 top-30 tight end out of Tampa, Florida, was impressed on his visit, and despite his father playing for the Gators, LSU has put themselves atop his list against their SEC East rival.

It may have been only two commits, but it was from locations that LSU has wanted to strengthen its stronghold in, Texas and California. The two commits brings LSU to 11 for the 2020 class, and the impending announcement of Burton could basically bring the Tigers to the halfway point before the summer even starts. The LSU staff has to feel great about where things stand as their footprint in California gets larger and the trend on most of the uncommitted targets is heading in the right direction.