And The Valley Shook - 2014 National Signing DayLSU Tigers Blog of the Week for 52,136 Weeks in a Row and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46725/andthevalleyshook_fave.png2014-02-09T17:07:41-06:00http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/rss/stream/51239252014-02-09T17:07:41-06:002014-02-09T17:07:41-06:00LSU 2014 Signing Class: Preferred Walk-Ons
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Paul takes a look at some of the less heralded players from the 2014 LSU signing class. </p> <p><i>*Ed. Note: h/t to @Studley for the idea here.*</i></p>
<p>So we've talked plenty about all the big-time prospects in this class. We've even highlighted some of the "sleepers" from the lesser-ranked prospects. But each year, a handful of guys are signed on as preferred/priority walk-ons. We've seen several preferred walk-ons ascend to contributor status during the Miles era, a few of which eventually earned full scholarships. Players like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158679/drew-alleman" class="sbn-auto-link">Drew Alleman</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158677/colby-delahoussaye" class="sbn-auto-link">Colby Delahoussaye</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116020/connor-neighbors" class="sbn-auto-link">Connor Neighbors</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116028/seth-fruge" class="sbn-auto-link">Seth Fruge</a> were all major contributors the past two seasons, none of which stepped onto campus with a full-ride to play LSU football.</p>
<p>Preferred walk-ons generally come in all shapes and sizes. Most often, they wind up simply being depth-chart/practice-squad filler that offer significant contributions to the program in a very unseen way (unseen to fans, anyhow). Many are excellent high school players that simply don't merit D1-level football scholarships. Some of those will even bypass opportunities to play at smaller schools simply to fulfill their dreams of being an LSU student and being on the football team in any fashion. They are typically either big but not fast, or fast but not big. Maybe <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=27812&SPID=2164&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=205563489&Q_SEASON=2013" target="_blank">his dad is a coach on the team</a>. Maybe he's looking to jump into coaching, and what better way to climb the ladder than by throwing oneself into a high-level environment and paying dues in front of potential future employers? Maybe he's a talented dual-sport athlete in high school, <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=27867&SPID=2173&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=205368225&Q_SEASON=2013" target="_blank">whose future is best served in another sport</a>.</p>
<p>Just last year, <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=27812&SPID=2164&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=208315760&Q_SEASON=2013" target="_blank">a guy named Jake Franklin</a>. You <a href="http://www.newbernsj.com/sports/local/football-franklin-fulfilling-dream-1.154564?page=0" target="_blank">probably missed that... I know I did</a>, came on from North Carolina, with virtually zero ties to LSU. It's hard to know a ton about most of these guys. Often times their names never reach the public eye. Even when they do, it's a very small, "he plays this position at this school," type of summary.</p>
<p>That being said, I'm going to do my best here to pay attention to the names I've seen bandied about. Before I get to them, however, I'd like to throw some words at <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Gamble</a>. Gamble is on a full scholarship, but I felt he should get his due, after I failed to write anything about him in the lead-up to signing day.</p>
<h3>Cameron Gamble</h3>
<p>Gamble is a <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Cameron-Gamble-34302" target="_blank">composite 3-star kicker</a>, and his offer is one that's been scrutinized by plenty of LSU fans. The primary reason being, he didn't really kick field goals in HS. How can you recruit a kicker that doesn't kick field goals? Well, probably because he can do things like this:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b9j9Lk-XQFQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Evaluating kickers is not really my forte, but it's certainly something we've seen Miles excel at in his tenure. When's the last time we had a truly bad kicker? That said, we should also look to the ties <a target="_blank" href="http://kohlskicking.com/home">we have to the Jamie Kohl kicking camp</a>. Peruse the site and you'll see a litany of D1 kicking prospects signing all across the nation. Of note, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158685/jamie-keehn" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamie Keehn</a> and Colby Delahoussaye are recent Kohl proteges.</p>
<p>On Kohl's site, he ranks Gamble <a target="_blank" href="http://kohlskicking.com/profile/cameron-gamble/7614/">as the 3rd best kicker in this signing class</a>, while praising his work ethic, booming leg and untapped upside. Kicking, like any other position is as much about physical upside as anything else. We've seen high-caliber athletes projected out to different positions for ages. A recent example which comes to mind is <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78718/barkevious-mingo" class="sbn-auto-link">Barkevious Mingo</a>, a guy who played around 200 pounds in high school, as a safety and line backer. He wound up becoming one of the best defensive ends in school history. The point here is, there's just as much merit to arguing against Mingo's success as there is to Gamble's.</p>
<p>So the answer to, "why do we sign a kicker that doesn't kick field goals?" is, very simply, he projects well there. Frankly even if Gamble never emerges as the FG kicker, a leg with his power will make for a dominant KO guy, and we've seen a growing tendency for Miles to opt for different players on FGs and KOs anyhow.</p>
<h3>Luke Gomez</h3>
<p>Gomez prepped at Parkview High School as a center. You can <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1467131/highlights/114837375">watch his highlights here</a>. He's listed at 285 on HUDL, but I'm thinking this advocate article <a target="_blank" href="http://theadvocate.com/sports/preps/4607007-123/parkview-baptist-offensive-line-comes">labeling him 265 is much closer to his actual weight</a>. At only 6'0" tall, it's pretty easy to see his shortcomings as an offensive line prospect on the next level. He was an All-State player at the 3A level.</p>
<p>His future at LSU is at FB. In a WAFB piece, he mentions he's already begun readying himself for the transition, <a target="_blank" href="http://apmobile.worldnow.com/story/24521381/high-school-ol-luke-gomez-looks-to-walk-on-as-fb-for-lsu">dropping 35 pounds since December 12th</a>. On tape, I can easily see the thinking here. Gomez doesn't bring a great punch, but he plays with good leverage and technique, something that illustrates his coachability, and a lunch-pail mentality. He also does a pretty good job as a pulling lineman, so it's easy to see how slimming him down a bit could bring about the additional mobility required to play FB. The future of the fullback spot is still a bit of a mystery, but Miles has shown a willingness to play non-scholarship players there.</p>
<h3>Marquise Kaigler</h3>
<p>Kaigler played for McKinley Senior High in Baton Rouge, alma mater of LSU's own Tyrus Thomas as well as notable alums in NBA legend Don Chaney, former Grambling Head Coach Eddie G. Robinson, blues legend Buddy Guy and popular rapper Lil' Boosie.</p>
<p>In HS, Kaigler was a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, lining up at QB, receiver and tight end on offense, while also playing safety on defense. Despite this, he made First Team All-District at tight end, the position which he will come to LSU to play. At 6'5", 210 pounds he's got pretty nice size. There's few highlights available, but <a target="_blank" href="http://theadvocate.com/sports/8295747-128/2014-national-signing-day-updates">they can be seen here</a>. I can't help but be impressed by the first catch on this real. He looks like a 6'5" guy that can naturally track the ball and really get up and make a play on it.</p>
<p>He's also a good basketball player, earning All-District honors as a Junior at Istrouma. This could be a bit of a diamond in the rough for LSU. Admittedly, I've seen very little of the kid (perhaps some of you readers have watched him play more), but a 6'5" guy that can leap like that? I'm surprised he didn't field at least a few more low-level football offers.</p>
<p>As is the case with most walk-ons, I'd expect Kaigler to be little more than practice field depth, but you have to think Cam Cameron is excited to work with a guy of that size and athleticism. It's a formula he's found success with before, in Antonio Gates.</p>
<h3>Trey Gallman</h3>
<p>Gallman, like Gomez, is an undersized OL prospect that will transition to fullback at LSU. He's 6'1" around 260 pounds, and earned All-State Honors at Dutchtown his senior season. I can't locate any highlights of Gallman on HUDL, but his All-State selection illustrates he's an accomplished player.</p>
<h3>Brandon Bergeron</h3>
<p>Bergeron is a 2013 recruit that actually spent this season at Highland Community College in Highland, KS. Bergeron originally hails from Lafayette, prepping at St Thomas More. At 6'2", 200 pounds he's got good size for the position. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/454682/highlights/69307375">On tape</a>, he looks to have some decent mobility and a solid arm. He made 1st team All-Conference in the KJCCC, where <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kjccc.org/football/13/stats/highland/sindiv_7.html">he completed nearly 71% of his passes for almost 3,000 yards and 22 TDs in just 10 games</a>.</p>
<p>I doubt Bergeron ever cracks the depth chart considering the wealth of current QBs, but for a walk-on he looks to have pretty good talent. Surprised a smaller school didn't take a chance on him.</p>
<h3>Abraham Wallace</h3>
<p>Wallace also preps in Baton Rouge at Dunham High School. He's a 6'0", 190 pound CB/S prospect. Wallace is a rugged, hard-nosed defender that may lack overall athletic abilities, but can certainly play. He's a good, at times ferocious hitter, with solid coverage instincts. I hate to use a washed-up labeling, but he seems to find the football... constantly. Whether he's jarring it loose on big hits, stripping it on wrap-up tackles, punching it out from behind or jumping into a passing lane, he makes plays.</p>
<p>Toward the end of his clip, you get to see some Special Teams work, and that may be his future role at LSU. I doubt he could crack the depth chart with the insane number of talented defensive backson campus right now, but this is the type of kid that can be a willing gunner. Don't be surprised in a couple of years if you are taking up Google to figure out "who that Wallace kid is that keeps making plays on special teams."</p>
<p>Wallace tore his ACL, and I think that may play into why he's walking-on to LSU and not playing ball elsewhere next season. He was being recruited some prior to the injury. He's not a super athlete, but the kid can play ball.</p>
<h3>Kyle Pfau</h3>
<p>Pfau is a kicker/punter from Klein, Texas. He's connected to Chris Sailer, another HS kicking expert we've drawn multiple prospects from in the past several years. Here's some clips of him kicking:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bBuOWi2W63k" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>He also has an interview here:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DVOIQd6mMj4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Pfau drew some praise on Sailer's site for his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chrissailerkicking.com/top-12-stats">FG kicking and punting as well</a>. He was a <a href="http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1345858.html" target="_blank">Camp Champion at one of Sailer's events this past fall</a>. Frankly, I don't know a whole helluva a lot about the kid, but from his Twitter it looks like his older sister goes to LSU.</p>
<p>There's certain to be more, but these were the names I could dig up for now. It's important to remember, most of these guys will probably never play significant minutes for LSU. I will say, I do like the upside of Kaigler and Wallace. Gallman is a guy that probably has enough talent to see the field at some point. If YOU know of any more players, please hit me up and I can add them to the piece.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/9/5395666/lsu-2014-signing-class-preferred-walk-ons-and-cameron-gamblePaul Crewe2014-02-06T08:36:15-06:002014-02-06T08:36:15-06:00Love The Ones You Got!
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Kv8HEkra9P6XXmnC9Qsc3rHCTI=/0x267:2528x1952/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28172113/201301109_rvr_sx1_286.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>Just How Good Is LSU's Class of 2014?</p> <p><i>**Ed. Note: KRIS BRAUNER OUTTA NOWHERE!**</i></p>
<p>LSU fans will undoubtedly remember the LSU Signing Class of 2014 for the ones that got away. A historic collection of talent within the state of Louisiana did not result in a historic signing class for the Tigers. The thought of multiple five stars from Louisiana, complimented by several more from out of state started legitimate conversations as to whether LSU could put together the best signing class ever...by any school. Things didn't turn out quite that good, but LSU fans should still be excited about this class. How does the saying go? "Don't worry about the ones you didn't sign. Worry about the ones you DID sign".</p>
<p>So I thought I'd take a look at LSU's class and how it stacks up according to the sites that rank these things. Here is a snapshot of the class:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3965519/2014_Whole.JPG" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3965519/2014_Whole.JPG" class="photo" alt="2014_whole_medium"></a></p>
<p>Comparing that chart to similar ones for previous years shows you that this is one of the best classes that LSU has signed in recent memory. There are a lot of different metrics for us to look at here.</p>
<p>Does the class have enough elite players? Enough guys that will be All-Americans? The best way to look at that is to look at the number of 5-star players. Obviously not every 5-star player becomes an All-American, but some of LSU's best teams had former 5-stars leading the way. Michael Clayton, Ben Wilkerson, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10578/glenn-dorsey" class="sbn-auto-link">Glenn Dorsey</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10501/early-doucet" class="sbn-auto-link">Early Doucet</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78693/rueben-randle" class="sbn-auto-link">Rueben Randle</a> are just some of the guys that ended up as stars on SEC Championship Teams. The sites vary here, giving LSU anywhere from one to four 5-star players this year, but at least one of the sites ranks this class among LSU's best ever in this category.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047569/5stars-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047569/5stars-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="5stars-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>It's also nice to draw a line at the Top 100 players rated nationally. Being ranked in the Top 100 does not garner quite the super elite status of being a 5-star, but it's close. It's clear that in this category, the 2014 class is the best that LSU has seen.</p>
<p style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047575/Top100Players-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047575/Top100Players-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="Top100players-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>Since 2006, three sites (ESPN, Scout, Rivals) have put out at least a Top 100. I looked at how many players in each year were consensus Top 100 players - meaning that one player is rated in the Top 100 by ALL three sites (or four sites, including 247 after 2010). Again, we see the Class of 2014 on top...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047677/ConsensusTop100-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047677/ConsensusTop100-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="Consensustop100-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>There have been just 12 total Consensus Top 100 players since 2006, and here they are:</p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10602/al-woods" class="sbn-auto-link">Al Woods</a> (2006)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10585/terrance-toliver" class="sbn-auto-link">Terrance Toliver</a> (2007)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36522/patrick-peterson" class="sbn-auto-link">Patrick Peterson</a> (2008)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158665/russell-shepard" class="sbn-auto-link">Russell Shepard</a> (2009)</span></li>
<li><span>Rueben Randle (2009)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158705/chris-davenport" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Davenport</a> (2009)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78703/craig-loston" class="sbn-auto-link">Craig Loston</a> (2009)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116002/eric-reid" class="sbn-auto-link">Eric Reid</a> (2010)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158707/jarvis-landry" class="sbn-auto-link">Jarvis Landry</a> (2011)</span></li>
<li><span>La'El Collins (2011)</span></li>
<li><span>Anthony Johnson (2011)</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207715/ethan-pocic" class="sbn-auto-link">Ethan Pocic</a> (2013)</span></li>
</ul>
<p>It took LSU eight years to nab 12 of these players, yet LSU achieved 42 percent of that this year alone. It should also be noted that there is a pretty high "hit rate" for these consensus Top 100 players. It's not perfect, but it's solid. 7 of those 12 have appeared on an All-SEC team and Ethan Pocic still has the bulk of his career ahead of him. This year's consensus Top 100 players are:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Leonard Fournette</span></li>
<li><span>Malachi Dupre</span></li>
<li><span>Clifton Garrett</span></li>
<li><span>Jamal Adams</span></li>
<li><span>Ed Paris</span></li>
</ul>
<div>Going back to stars, let's take a look at how many players were signed that are ranked 4 stars or higher. Here are the high water marks:</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047605/4starorhigher-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047605/4starorhigher-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="4starorhigher-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>This year's group doesn't set a new bar, but it's way at the top of the list.</p>
<p>All of the sites extend their national rankings beyond a Top 100. Rivals has a Top 250, 247 has a Top 247, and ESPN and Scout both do a Top 300. In efforts to create a standard, I looked at the number of players ranked in the Top 250 among all sites. However, ESPN just started doing a Top 300 in 2013 and 247 has only been around since 2010. Rivals and Scout only started doing extended national rankings since 2008. Therefore, the ability to compare this class to others does not extend too far into the past. Regardless, here is what we've got:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047617/Top250-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047617/Top250-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="Top250-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>Do you see what I see with these last two charts? When looking at the number of 4-stars and Top-250 players, the Classes of 2013 and 2014 are WAY out in front. Surprisingly, the loaded classes of 2009 and 2011 did not have the depth that 2013 and 2014 have. Needless to say, LSU is absolutely LOADING UP on top shelf talent, and a serious run at some championships in the coming years seems likely. We saw LSU put together back to back excellent classes in 2009 and 2010, and those players made up the core of the 2011 SEC Championship season.</p>
<p>Lastly, we'll take a look at Consensus Top 250 players...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047623/Consensus250-vi.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047623/Consensus250-vi.jpg" class="photo" alt="Consensus250-vi_medium"></a></p>
<p>Again, you see 2014 and 2013 leading way, which should provide plenty of fuel to get excited for the near future.</p>
<p>So is this class the best that LSU has signed? I'll leave that up to you to decide. Some people put more stock into what you've got at the very top of the class, while some think having a deeper class is more important. The truth is that only time will tell how this class stacks up. But on Signing Day, it's tough to not be excited. It's tough for me to tout this as the "best ever" when LSU signed just two offensive linemen when that was such a big position of need. But this class is certainly way, way up there and is one that is capable of winning a championship.</p>
<p>Would this class look better with Speedy Noil, Gerald Willis, <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Tony Brown</a> and Cameron Robinson? Of course! That's what we were all hoping for until #5for5 on January 2 knocked us back to reality. But if THIS class is what LSU gets when many consider it a monumental disappointment in the state, well then....that's pretty good.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/6/5384282/love-the-ones-you-gotKris Brauner2014-02-05T18:51:15-06:002014-02-05T18:51:15-06:002014 Signing Day Recap: LSU Talent Grab in Pics
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yylg-zzokhOimLEJdZp_i8pAIzk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28147687/452520375.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Graythen</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some pics of LSU's many signees today!</p> <p>It was a good day. It was a very, very good day. LSU took it's already highly ranked recruiting class, added more star power to it and didn't suffer any defections. It's the type of day you dream of if you follow recruiting closely. I've spent plenty of time analyzing, speculating and whatever else about this class, so now, we celebrate.</p>
<p>This is likely the best class of the Les Miles era. Our friend Kris Brauner is working on a more detailed analysis with some fancy charts and numbers for y'all, but to put it simply based on 247's points system in team rankings, this class is roughly seven points better than 2009 haul, which ranked no. 1 in the nation.</p>
<p>Let us enjoy the day, in pictures:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047533/BfuN_hnCcAAcctt.jpg"><img alt="Bfun_hnccaacctt_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047533/BfuN_hnCcAAcctt_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfuN_hnCcAAcctt.jpg">@ESPNU</a></p>
<p>Beyond being one of the best WRs in this class, is there any question that Malachi Dupre is clearly the best dressed recruit?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047539/BfvV5yfIAAADPRH.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047539/BfvV5yfIAAADPRH_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Bfvv5yfiaaadprh_medium"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfvV5yfIAAADPRH.jpg">pbs.twimg.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Fournette: LSU <a href="http://t.co/aLBUoGnEay">pic.twitter.com/aLBUoGnEay</a></p>
— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DMoutonWWL/statuses/431113206149685249">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>#BugaNation</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>And here's what it looked like when <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAdams_era">@TheAdams_era</a> Jamal Adams signed his letter of intent with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>. <a href="http://t.co/CmhXbOPgQS">pic.twitter.com/CmhXbOPgQS</a></p>
— Ted Madden (@tedmadden) <a href="https://twitter.com/tedmadden/statuses/431062635384033280">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>My beautiful niece Navaeh 😘🙈helped me sign my letter of intent today <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>🐯 <a href="http://t.co/wwIqPnoDf2">http://t.co/wwIqPnoDf2</a></p>
— Jamal adams (@TheAdams_era) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAdams_era/statuses/431229209248563200">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>The JUDGE</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Davon Godchaux excited about being a Tiger <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WBRZ">@WBRZ</a> <a href="http://t.co/DDd3GsKxHW">pic.twitter.com/DDd3GsKxHW</a></p>
— Brian Holland (@BHollandSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/BHollandSports/statuses/431118446714040320">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Troll Miss</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Jacory Washington is an LSU Tiger. Just threw the Alabama hat off the table. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23americanpress&src=hash">#americanpress</a> <a href="http://t.co/ubn1rDexV2">pic.twitter.com/ubn1rDexV2</a></p>
— Troy LaFleur (@troyisbatman) <a href="https://twitter.com/troyisbatman/statuses/431178711673864193">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Buck Fama</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>My sweet friend DE Sione Teuhema, signing his NLI with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>!! Yay!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GeauxTigers&src=hash">#GeauxTigers</a> <a href="http://t.co/zjCpCGV48H">pic.twitter.com/zjCpCGV48H</a></p>
— Belle Es You (@SouthernbeLLSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthernbeLLSU/statuses/431069750379442176">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>FLIP</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/SFHSSports">@SFHSSports</a> # Valentine to LSU <a href="http://t.co/dmv24aXKsf">pic.twitter.com/dmv24aXKsf</a></p>
— Joe Cordes (@Joe_SFHSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joe_SFHSSports/statuses/431092821786099712">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Travonte Valentine and family throwing up L's <a href="http://t.co/Cidb9gQwdS">pic.twitter.com/Cidb9gQwdS</a></p>
— Jimmy D Smith (@JimmyDetail) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyDetail/statuses/431207621388165120">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Joe Rose speaking live with Travonte Valentine who committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>. <a href="http://t.co/oM8uOLkIkW">pic.twitter.com/oM8uOLkIkW</a></p>
— NBC 6 Sports (@NBC6Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBC6Sports/statuses/431217192160739329">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Happy Valentine's DAY!</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>S/o to a member of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SFHSSportsFam&src=hash">#SFHSSportsFam</a> committing today. Great kid. Bright future. <a href="https://twitter.com/JBIV000">@JBIV000</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Battle&src=hash">#Battle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a> <a href="http://t.co/CFCIT47LPn">pic.twitter.com/CFCIT47LPn</a></p>
— SFHS Sports (@SFHSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFHSSports/statuses/431199639447293952">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Dem Gloves, Doe</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/LeilaniOrange">@LeilaniOrange</a>: Congrats to my brother!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GeauxTigers&src=hash">#GeauxTigers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TreyL55">@TreyL55</a> <a href="http://t.co/aE20n26kJ1">pic.twitter.com/aE20n26kJ1</a>" 👏👏👏🎉</p>
— ChastitySemien✨ (@ImBoutDatAction) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImBoutDatAction/statuses/431103537159102464">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Doesn't get much better than a welcome tweet like this:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TreyL55">@TreyL55</a> welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfball">@LSUfball</a> family. Glad to have you! GEAUX TIGERS! Talofa/aloha Nui</p>
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinMawae/statuses/431161250257461249">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/thisisbruiser">@thisisbruiser</a> congrats on signing today! GEAUX TIGERS! Welcome to the Tiger family</p>
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinMawae/statuses/431167409970360320">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Good get for <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfball">@LSUfball</a> by signing Teuhema...of course I'm partial to the Polys</p>
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinMawae/statuses/431084784069009408">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Congrats to my best friend growing up in Louisiana, garrett brumfield for signing to LSU today. Hard work pays off <a href="http://t.co/o4Qfr88uQx">pic.twitter.com/o4Qfr88uQx</a></p>
— johnathan Hall (@johnathanhall22) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnathanhall22/statuses/431172422734479360">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Garrett Brumfield is set and ready to sign to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>. <a href="http://t.co/zxqYfUKSRJ">pic.twitter.com/zxqYfUKSRJ</a></p>
— Matt Boudreaux (@MattBoudreaux) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattBoudreaux/statuses/431134471807459328">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>LSU signee Garrett Brumfield and his epic cake. <a href="https://twitter.com/WAFB">@wafb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfball">@LSUfball</a> <a href="http://t.co/vrUIlNF19q">pic.twitter.com/vrUIlNF19q</a></p>
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacquesDoucet/statuses/431136030364688384">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>Da BRUISER</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>DJ Chark <a href="https://twitter.com/DJChark21">@DJChark21</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ASH&src=hash">#ASH</a> signing to play with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cbaileysports">@cbaileysports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GeraldGruenig">@GeraldGruenig</a> <a href="http://t.co/gdjIlLwmtU">pic.twitter.com/gdjIlLwmtU</a></p>
— KALB Sports (@KALBSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/KALBSports/statuses/431187883123163137">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Chark</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Russell Gage signing with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a> to be a DB from Redemptorist. Says it's been his dream. <a href="https://twitter.com/WBRZ">@wbrz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nsd&src=hash">#nsd</a> <a href="http://t.co/q4wiSkcy5c">pic.twitter.com/q4wiSkcy5c</a></p>
— Michael Cauble (@MichaelCauble) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelCauble/statuses/431098147578707968">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Redemptorist ceremony for DB Russell Gage signing with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LSU&src=hash">#LSU</a>. <a href="http://t.co/rABBx2sS6m">http://t.co/rABBx2sS6m</a> <a href="http://t.co/i5Tisbkrna">pic.twitter.com/i5Tisbkrna</a></p>
— WAFB (@WAFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/WAFB/statuses/431099727208517634">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Dream come true.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Congratulations to one of my best friends <a href="https://twitter.com/Gamma_9">@Gamma_9</a> for officially signing with LSU! <a href="http://t.co/E4hc5orP5p">pic.twitter.com/E4hc5orP5p</a></p>
— Brett Samuelson (@bsamuelson15) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsamuelson15/statuses/431072399191060481">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Happy Gamble Family!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Editing <a href="https://twitter.com/CSNHouston">@CSNHouston</a> signing day piece feat: <a href="https://twitter.com/ThaProdigy5211">@ThaProdigy5211</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/D33_foreman">@D33_foreman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_hetoohollywood">@_hetoohollywood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VYPEHouston">@VYPEHouston</a> <a href="http://t.co/cnbV2JNSRv">pic.twitter.com/cnbV2JNSRv</a></p>
— Paul Aspan (@paul_aspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_aspan/statuses/431191084748664832">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Upchurch</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>What a blessing man it's Official I'm a LSU TIGER 🐅🐅🐅 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GeauxTigers&src=hash">#GeauxTigers</a>!! <a href="http://t.co/VyPF6loBDD">http://t.co/VyPF6loBDD</a></p>
— Clifton Garrett CG3™ (@CG340) <a href="https://twitter.com/CG340/statuses/431060480090976256">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Garrett</p>
<p></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Forever LSU <a href="http://t.co/NMYCEhKu8g">pic.twitter.com/NMYCEhKu8g</a></p>— bharris (@bharrisqb1) <a href="https://twitter.com/bharrisqb1/statuses/431180467824361472">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>It was a great day, indeed.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5384216/2014-signing-day-recap-the-lsu-talent-grab-in-picsPaul Crewe2014-02-05T14:39:16-06:002014-02-05T14:39:16-06:00Deondre Clark Signs With LSU
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/32hmwP4kN9JgmNOppOu-ghmvJes=/0x61:332x282/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28073193/8637417353_9990ef28e9.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Student Sports</figcaption>
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<p><strong>*Ed. Note: Official as of today!*</strong></p> <p>Defensive End Deondre Clark from Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joins LSU's signing class by faxing his letter of intent. Inclement weather pushed his announcement back until today.</p>
<p>Clark (6'2", 238), a four-star DE prospect, rated as the #182 prospect overall and #11 strong-side Defensive End by 247 Sports Composite rankings, is also the 3rd best player in Oklahoma. Though Clark committed to LSU in June of 2013, his signature came into doubt in recent weeks as OU and his mom made a strong push to keep him in-state.</p>
<p>Ultimately, Clark was able to convince his mom that LSU was the best destination for his future. Clark, though on the shorter side for a DE, is compactly built and powerful at the point of attack. He flashes some explosive pass rushing ability. While an opportunity exists for Clark to walk onto campus and contribute, I would suspect a RS for him to add additional bulk and prepare himself for regular SEC duty in 2015 when the depth chart is even more favorable.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2013/6/25/4461440/deondre-clark-commits" target="_blank">Deondre Clark Commits!</a></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5380944/deondre-clark-signs-with-lsuPaul Crewe2014-02-05T11:56:51-06:002014-02-05T11:56:51-06:00#BugaNation Signs With LSU
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9JxnWE5iQ3BkHXnh1noDiuQFBu0=/0x17:4000x2684/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27987675/20140102_jla_sv7_246.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The jewel of LSU's 2014 signing class made things official as running back Leonard Fournette of St. Augustine High School in New Orleans faxed his national letter of intent to LSU.</p>
<p>Fournette is the No. 1 player in the 247 Sports Composite rankings, the top prospect in the state of Louisiana and a consensus five-star that has picked up multiple national player-of-the-year awards. He's been discussed as one of the best players the state has ever produced, and has had a scholarship offer from the Tigers since his freshman year of high school.</p>
<p>Fournette ran for 1,802 yards his senior year of high school, caught 42 passes for 745 yards and scored 24 combined touchdowns. LSU beat out the likes of Alabama, Texas and USC for his signature. He committed verbally at the Under Armour All-American Game on January 2.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/1/2/5248920/buganation-is-moving-from-st-aug-to-lsu">Leonard Fournette Commits to LSU</a> <br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2013/5/2/4293994/leonard-fournette-scouting-report-football-recruiting-2014">SB Nation Recruiting Profile</a></p>
<p>
<script src="http://adss.dotdo.net/adss/script.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p><i>Click the link for more on </i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting"><i>National Signing Day 201</i></a><i>4</i><i>.</i></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5375260/leonard-fournette-lsu-football-national-signing-day-2014Billy Gomila2014-02-05T10:35:21-06:002014-02-05T10:35:21-06:00Russell Gage Signs With LSU!
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<figcaption>Redemptorist High School</figcaption>
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<p>Athlete/defensive back recruit Russell Gage, of Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge, has joined LSU's recruiting class and faxed in his national letter of intent.</p>
<p>Gage (<i>6-0, 175</i>) is a three-star recruit and rated 757 in the 247 Sports Composite rankings. He's their 60th-ranked athlete recruit and the No. 26 player in Louisiana. He had offers from Tulane, Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss, but committed to the Tigers on Jan. 29 after receiving the offer he'd been waiting for.</p>
<p>Gage was a do-it-all athlete for Redemptorist, participating in approximately 1,400 snaps on offense and defense according to reports. As a quarterback he rushed for 1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns to go with 740 yards passing and three more scores. He also caught 11 passes for 127 yards and made 64 tackles and eight interceptions as a defensive back, which is where he projects at LSU.</p>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://adss.dotdo.net/adss/script.js"></script></p>
<p><a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/1/29/5359262/russell-gage-commits">Russell Gage Commits to LSU</a></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5375428/Russell-Gage-LSU-football-national-signing-day-2014Billy Gomila2014-02-05T10:34:23-06:002014-02-05T10:34:23-06:00Valentine Makes It Official And Signs With LSU!!!
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<figcaption>Miami Herald</figcaption>
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<p>When Travonte Valentine de-committed from Miami at the Army All-American Game, most presumed he would be headed to Baton Rouge. He in fact made that a reality on Wednesday and signed with LSU.</p> <p>The rumors of the massive 6'3" 338 lb. defensive tackle Travonte Valentine from Champagnat Catholic - Hialeah in Florida flipping from Miami started months before. Things quickly picked up steam when he officially announced his de-commitment from Miami at the Army All-American Game. Everything wrapped up on Wednesday when he signed his name on the LSU letter of intent, officially making him a member of the Tigers. The work of Corey Raymond yet again was a huge part in getting Valentine to Baton Rouge and with 2016 WR Darnell Salomon on that same team, nabbing the massive defensive tackle should help with that cause.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What He Brings To Baton Rouge</b></p>
<p>Watching him in pads quickly shows that he will be a massive force in the middle. He will need to turn some of the fat he is carrying into muscle, but when he does he can become a dominant member of the defensive line. While he isn't as tall as his comparison, I can see a lot of Albert Haynesworth just in the way he uses his size to dominate opposing linemen. His presence on the field will command double teams on a consistent basis as a lone lineman will not be enough to contain him in the middle. What that does is gives the other guys on the line more favorable matchups and wreak havoc.</p>
<p>Valentine is a huge, literally and figuratively, National Signing Day addition and with the loss of Freak and Ego to the NFL Draft, the possibility of early playing time is apparent. LaCouture and Quentin Thomas were the only two to really receive significant snaps over the season so those two starting spots are up for grabs. Valentine will definitely be in the conversation, but getting in shape to handle the rigors of the SEC will be key as to how much early time he will receive.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5371704/travonte-valentine-lsu-football-national-signing-day-2014Corey Poche2014-02-05T09:56:28-06:002014-02-05T09:56:28-06:00You, Me And Dupre Are All LSU: Malachi Dupre Signs
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The composite 5-star wide receiver from John Curtis made the nail biting from LSU fans come to an end when he announced his intentions to sign with LSU. Let's just say the QBs at LSU are much happier.</p> <p>Probably the biggest remaining recruit on the board, wide receiver Malachi Dupre gave Cam Cameron, Adam Henry, whoever the starting QB is next year and LSU fans even more reason to be excited about the offense for next season. Going on the rule set at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10179/john-curtis" class="sbn-auto-link">John Curtis</a>, Dupre wasn't allowed to officially visit anywhere until their season is over, leaving his recruitment up in the air until late December. After scares from the likes of Florida State, UCLA and Alabama, Dupre decided to stay home. You could tell he had a leaning interest in LSU over the season when he unofficially visited Baton Rouge on several occasions, even becoming a recruiter for Adoree Jackson, and that interest held strong throughout the battle.</p>
<h4><b>What Dupre Bring To Baton Rouge</b></h4>
<p>What LSU will be getting is arguably the most complete wide receiver in the 2014 class. His combination of size, speed, athleticism, and other attributes featured in a wide receiver is unparalleled. He has a real effortless stride that makes it look like he's sometimes floating. Dupre will quickly challenge for a starting spot on the offense and should be lining up there in Houston for the season opener barring injury.</p>
<p>Dupre has the makings of a star receiver and could be the next great one to come out of Baton Rouge. His combination of ability gives him the making of a memorable receiver and it should be fun watching him in the purple and gold.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/2/5/5368958/malachi-dupre-lsu-football-national-signing-day-2014Corey Poche