What a few weeks it has been for LSU. The Tigers suffered a crushing last-second loss to Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl, lost their long-time defensive coordinator to conference rival Texas A&M, lost key players to the NFL Draft, and seen the state of their basketball program change in a hurry.
At the moment, the most pressing issue for LSU is finding someone to replace John Chavis. Lots of names have been tossed around since Chavis’ departure, including Clancy Pendergast, Ron Zook, Mike Stoops, Bob Shoop, and current LSU defensive line coach Brick Haley. As the time goes by, feelings dwindled from optimistic to desperate in Baton Rouge. The wait for the announcement could have an effect on recruiting, as LSU is still in the hunt for plenty of uncommitted defensive recruits. There has not been any news on who is the favorite for the job and the vacancy remains – at least on the surface – as wide open.
It’s unknown whether Chavis leaving has had an impact on the decisions of LSU underclassmen to whether they are forgoing their senior year and entering the NFL draft, but it certainly has not helped. The Tigers have already lost junior starters Kwon Alexander, Jalen Collins, and Danielle Hunter to the NFL draft. Even though the trend of LSU underclassmen leaving early continues, recruiting coordinators Frank Wilson and Corey Raymond have made sure to keep the talent rolling through Baton Rouge. Jerald Hawkins, Jalen Mills, and Vadal Alexander have yet to announce their decisions, but there have been reports of them telling close friends that they will stay for their senior year.
Basketball always comes second to football at LSU but the gap is beginning to close as head coach Johnny Jones changes the culture in Baton Rouge. LSU recently received a commitment from five-star shooting guard Antonio Blakeney who joined top-ranked player Ben Simmons in the Tigers’ 2015 recruiting class. LSU also received news that Arizona forward and former top recruit Craig Victor will be transferring to LSU and will be eligible in January of 2016. If Jones and the Tigers can somehow keep current players Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin from entering the NBA Draft, the Tigers could be contending for an SEC Championship and a possible national championship in 2016.
It hasn’t all been bad for LSU football. Five-star wideout Tyron Johnson committed to the Tigers at the Under Armor All-American game, an important signing for the top prospect in Louisiana; the LSU Athletic Department and five football assistant coaches agreed to contract extensions; there have been rumors that injured Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller and Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson have interest in transferring to LSU to help fix the quarterback problem and play immediately. With a starter that can complete more than 50% of their passes, LSU’s loaded offense would finally be able to move the ball.
Look for Les Miles and company to have a defensive coordinator hired as soon as possible, especially with the upcoming weeks of recruiting leading up to National Signing Day being the most important.
*Section Photo credit to Stacy Revere, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kim Klement, USA Today Sports
