2017 LSU Football – Signees and Comments by Coach O

Opening Statement…

ED ORGERON: All right, guys, what a great day for the Tigers. Very proud of our staff, the way we recruited, short time to get a top-5 recruiting class for the LSU Tigers. Obviously we lost some guys at the end we’re disappointed in, but we feel like we have a great recruiting class and we went out with a specific need, to get middle linebackers, but the best middle linebacker in the country, Jacob Phillips, Tyler Taylor and Patrick Queen and we felt there were three middle linebackers we needed on our football team. We feel like we got the best pass rusher in the country, K’Lavon Chaisson. Very excited about our defensive front in Tyler Shelvin, the best player in Louisiana and number two defensive tackle in the country. Excited about Kary Vincent, the number two corner back in the country, along with Jontre Kirklin. We feel like we’ve got two of the best free safeties in the country along with Todd Harris, so DB and Corey have done a tremendous job. We put our defense on the board today.

We feel we have an excellent start, an excellent foundation with this recruiting class. Very excited about the way Jeff Grimes recruited four excellent offensive linemen, most pleased with the two quarterbacks that we got, Myles Brennan, Lowell Narcisse, both different quarterbacks, but both great quarterbacks. Lowell Narcisse is one of the best players in LSU and in the south, Myles Brennan in our opinion is one of the best players and a drop-back quarterback.

We’re pleased with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, our running back, very pleased with our receivers. Racey McMath is a big, tall receiver. Mannie Netherly is already in town. We’re excited about them boys here. We went out and evaluated and these guys worked hard to close at the end and excited about our class. Any questions?

Q. Coach, you talked about the middle linebackers you went after in this class, three of them. With some of the guys you have coming back, how do you see that playing out? Are these guys that could make impacts right away?
ED ORGERON: No question we have to have guys that can come in and play early. All these guys will be with us in June. Dave is going to put them in football school very early June. Those guys will be studying their playbook and getting in good shape, but we think they will be physically ready to go. We have to get them mentally ready to go, three great guys, excited to have them.

Q. You talked about the four and five-star guys. You got couple three-star guys, like Racey McMath. Y’all are known for putting those guys and developing them in the NFL. Talk about those guys who may not be as heralded, but —
ED ORGERON: Doesn’t matter if you come in five star, four star, three star, two star with us. Everybody is going to start the same. Everybody is going to develop. Everybody is at different stages. We’re excited about Racey McMath. We went out and evaluated this class and chose this class and a lot of these guys came to camp. I remember looking at Racey McMath when he was a sophomore. We think he’s going to be an excellent player for us.

Q. Coach, you had a coaching change four games into the year and sometimes that can make a recruiting class collapse. What kind of effort did it take to finish in the top five?
ED ORGERON: First of all, it’s the power of LSU. But our whole objective when I became interim head coach was to win enough games to get the job. We were recruiting but we didn’t really start recruiting until I became full time coach. We are excited with our recruiting staff, within the department, our football staff the way we pulled together to get most of the good players in the country.

Q. Coach, you were the first person to offer K’Lavon a scholarship. He had not played much football at that point. What did you see then and how far has he come to be a five-star prospect?
ED ORGERON: To be able to bend, turn, outstanding pass rusher, he was long and lean and I think that was beneficial for us to get him to camp early. We were the first to offer him and I think that’s one of the last things I had in the conversation with him before he went to the airport.

Q. Coach, you talked about the quarterbacks, you’ve got guys that have two — Brandon Harris has a year of experience and two more. How do you see them meshing and fitting in with this team?
ED ORGERON: Well, Aranda is going to do a tremendous job of opening up the quarterback competition like he said he’s going to do, everybody is starting with a clean slate. Obviously Danny has done a tremendous job for us. We have some very talented quarterbacks on our roster. We’re going to see what type of offense we need to run with the quarterback that can run it, and obviously we know that Myles is a pro style quarterback and Lowell is a dual threat quarterback. We think both of them will have success at LSU.

Q. Ed, negative recruiting is something that happens all the time. Were you surprised at the comments that Mathis made yesterday and the indirect comments that Wilson made today referring to Pete? There is no doubt he’s a great coach, but about his recruiting?
ED ORGERON: We got the guys we want and we are happy to have the guys we want. The guys we didn’t want we’ll play against them. Pete Jenkins is a great coach and that’s all I’ll say about that.

Q. Coach, how much influence do you think playing linebacker in Dave Aranda’s scheme had on getting these prospects that you were so sought after?
ED ORGERON: We went back to his early days in coaching in Wisconsin, all the guys he developed, walk-on guys that became drafted and you look at the development of our linebackers, Kendell Beckwith got better, Duke Riley was the MVP of our team. We saw this in Dave’s recruiting. He’s a smart man and he does a tremendous job of recruiting.

Q. Ed, y’all had the advantage, you were on the staff and a lot of the coaches were on the staff but still there are a lot of defections when there is a coaching change. How did you guys do such a good job of hanging on to most everyone?
ED ORGERON: First we had relationships with these guys and our guys did a tremendous job. We had a Monday night pow wow. We called them every week. I think most of the recruits were looking for the staff to stay the same and me to be the head football coach and when I became the head football coach it was more or less a celebration when I went into most of these homes, so it was a good thing.

Q. Can you talk about the importance of these young guys in the secondary coming in in this class? You had to replace Tre’ White and Jamal Adams. How big of a responsibility will they have first day they step on campus?
ED ORGERON: The good thing is JaCoby Stevens and Grant Delpit are mid-year graduates. They are working out with our football team. They will get 15 great days of spring ball. Kary Vincent is a very good player. Jontre is also a very good player. And those guys are going to be here in June. They’re going to compete. Corey is going to do a tremendous job of developing these young men like he always has.

Q. How hard is it and kind of what were your thoughts on Dennis Johnson and Austin Thomas going out on the road for the first time ever in December and being able to come away with guys like Phillips and Chaisson?
ED ORGERON: Thank you for saying that and first of all we think the world of Dennis Johnson and Austin Thomas. Austin Thomas went into Nashville, Tennessee and recruited two five-star athletes, Jacob Phillips and JaCoby Stevens, he was able to go on the road for us for the first time and did a tremendous job. We also sent Austin Thomas to our top recruits. He did just a tremendous job in the home. Dennis Johnson is an up-and-coming coach. He did a tremendous job of recruiting K’Lavon Chaisson and he was close to some of the other great players. The guys love him in the home. The coaches love him and the players love him and he’s a fantastic coach.

Q. You talk about putting a fence around the state of LSU, but a few got away this year.
ED ORGERON: We have work to do. I said we’re going to get the best players in the state of LSU to come here. We missed out on some guys and obviously we have work to do and that’s in our primary area. Those are some of the things we need to get fixed.

Q. (No microphone.)
ED ORGERON: You have to build relationships, get on ’em early, getting them to camp and get in there and make sure we’re doing the right things to keep ’em in LSU. I also think the more we win games and the more we win championships the more they want to come here.

Q. 23 guys does that give you room to athletic director a graduate transfer if that fits your scheme?
ED ORGERON: Sure, we are looking for a couple guys that are going to be eligible. We may sign a guy in a week or two and also if we don’t use those guys that adds to next year’s class. Gives us flexibility.

Q. Seeing some of the comments Narcisse has made seems like he as a chip on his shoulder to prove he can get it done. The injuries he’s had, what do you see from him in the future?
ED ORGERON: Well, first of all, he’s been doing a lot of rehab. He has a great mind-set. We’re glad to have him. We fought to the end to get him, and it wasn’t easy to get him. We are glad he’s here. I feel like he is one of the top LSU players that stayed home which is important to us. I feel he’s going to compete at a high level and be a very good quarterback for us.

Q. Mannie Netherly, is he going to participate in spring ball and run track?
ED ORGERON: Right now he’s going to be participating in spring ball. That I know of.

Q. Obviously running back becomes a major priority for next year’s class and your staff, you said when you first got the job, after Signing Day you may have everything finalized, is that still your plan?
ED ORGERON: First of all, we think we have the Heisman Trophy candidate coming back in Derrius Guice and we happen to have him and obviously next year we’re going to have to go out and get the best running back in the country, maybe one or two. I think our staff has done a tremendous job. We’re always going to evaluate what’s best for LSU and make those decisions when we feel like we need to.

Q. To piggyback on what you were saying about work to do, building relationships, how much is northeast LSU and that Monroe area going to be circled for you going forward?
ED ORGERON: Yeah, and we went in there and got Rashard Lawrence last year. It’s not like we’ve been losing players out of Monroe. It’s not like we didn’t go there and try this year. It’s not like it was a poor job of recruiting, in my opinion.

Sometimes guys are going to choose to go other places, but hopefully we can get the next best player until northeast LSU and we’re going to give it all we got.

Q. I’m not sure when we are going to see you again, so what do you anticipate spring being like, your first spring as head coach. This recruiting class and these guys are going to be part of that.
ED ORGERON: Number one, we’re looking forward to coming back Monday and starting some football. It’s the first time our offensive staff will have an offensive meeting. It’s the first time they will do any installation under my candidate. We’re excited about that. We’re excited about the things we’re going to do different with Dave Aranda. I know he’s in his second year, and he has a lot of stuff he wants to get in. So those are the things we’re going to look forward to.

Next thing is our off-season conditioning program with Tommy Moffitt. Our guys have done a tremendous job with that. Then going into our fourth quarter program we’re going to change some things around and do some things that are more competitive. So those things are up-and-coming now. In spring ball we’re going to continue to practice the way we have been with high energy, get better at the fundamentals, make it highly competitive. There’s going to be a new situation, a new offense there. I think it’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait to get to work with our guys.

Q. (No microphone.)
ED ORGERON: This is LSU. Always will be LSU.

Q. You’ve seen other teams in the SEC, nearly half their class were early enrollees. You guys had six in this class. How much would you like to expand the early enrollee program?
ED ORGERON: As much as we can. It all depends on how many guys graduate early. This year we only had seven slots so it depends on early graduation, depends on your roster the way it is. This year we filled it up as much as we could, as close as we can and hopefully we have more next year. But it depends on graduating seniors.

Q. On the flip side of the fence around LSU, how do you think your experience having worked from the east coast to the west coast affected your outlook as far as making sure you don’t overlook opportunities across the country to fill gaps in the roster?
ED ORGERON: Well, you know, I think looking at our recruiting area it’s going to be LSU, then Houston. I think it’s a primary area for us in Texas. There’s a lot of people — it’s our largest alumni base, Houston. There’s a lot of LSU people in Houston, obviously it’s a great area to recruit. We’re the first SEC school this way on I-10. We are close there. A lot of guys want to come to school here. Then we’re going to head to Mississippi, Alabama, Atlanta, go down there to Florida. Those are going to be our recruiting bases, always been. In a school — if a player from California is really interested he has to show real interest for us to go out there. We’re not going to waste our time. So our recruiting is mainly going to be in Louisiana and in the south.

 

Name                                        Pos.    Ht.      Wt.     Cl.-Exp.     Hometown (High School)

Myles Brennan                       QB      6-4      177     Fr.-HS        Long Beach, Miss. (St. Stanislaus HS)

Tory Carter                              FB       6-1      265     Fr.-HS        Leesburg, Ga. (Lee County HS)

K’Lavon Chaisson                LB       6-4      227     Fr.-HS        Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)

Saahdiq Charles                    OL      6-5      317     Fr.-HS        Jackson, Miss. (Madison-Ridgeland Academy)

Austin Deculus                      OL      6-6      345     Fr.-HS        Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair HS)

Grant Delpit                            S          6-3      191     Fr.-HS        Houston, Texas (IMG Academy)

Clyde Edwards-Helaire      RB      5-7      209     Fr.-HS        Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic HS)

Neil Farrell Jr.                         DE      6-4      285     Fr.-HS        Mobile, Ala. (Murphy HS)

Todd Harris Jr.                       S          5-11    180     Fr.-HS        Plaquemine, La. (Plaquemine HS)

Edward Ingram                     OL      6-3      354     Fr.-HS        Desoto, Texas (Desoto HS)

Jontre Kirklin                          CB      6-0      180     Fr.-HS        Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)

Racey McMath                       WR     6-3      213     Fr.-HS        New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)

Aaron Moffitt                          DE      6-2      253     Fr.-HS        Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic HS)

Lowell Narcisse                     QB      6-2      237     Fr.-HS        St. James, La. (St. James HS)

Jacob Phillips                         LB       6-3      226     Fr.-HS        Nashville, Tenn. (East Nashville Magnet)

Mannie Netherly                   WR     6-3      185     Fr.-HS        Crosby, Texas (Crosby HS)

Patrick Queen                         LB       6-1      218     Fr.-HS        Livonia, La. (Livonia HS)

Tyler Shelvin                          NT      6-2      380     Fr.-HS        Lafayette, La. (Notre Dame HS)

JaCoby Stevens                       S          6-2      214     Fr.-HS        Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Oakland HS)

Seth Stewart                            OL      6-6      320     Fr.-HS        Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Point Pleasant HS)

Tyler Taylor                            LB       6-1      235     Fr.-HS        Buford, Ga. (Lanier HS)

Justin Thomas                        DE      6-5      264     Fr.-HS        Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort HS)

Kary Vincent Jr.                      CB      5-10    178     Fr.-HS        Port Arthur, Texas (Port Arthur Memorial HS)

 

Myles Brennan * QB

6-3 * 181 * Fr. * HS

Bay St. Louis, Miss.

St. Stanislaus College

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top quarterback prospects in the country … Pocket passer who has impressive arm strength and accuracy … Consensus four-star prospect by all major sites … Ranks as the No. 4 pocket passer by ESPN … Listed as the No. 6 pro-style quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings … Holds the Mississippi high school career records for total offense (16,168 yards), passing touchdowns (166) and passing yards (15,138) … Completed 275-of-39 passes for 3,982 yards with 48 touchdowns and only three interceptions as senior … Did not record an interception until the postseason of his senior campaign … Led the offense with 455 yards rushing and nine touchdowns during his senior season … Passed for 5,248 yards, 53 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 games as a junior … Broke the St. Stanislaus College single-season record for passing yards and touchdowns during his sophomore campaign as he completed 409-of-582 passes for 5,797 yards and 64 touchdowns with only 14 interceptions … Led St. Stanislaus to consecutive appearances in the 2014 and 2015 Class 4A state championship game … Received the inaugural Mississippi Class 4A Mr. Football in 2016 … Named the Biloxi Sun Herald Player of the Year in 2014, 2015 and 2016, becoming the first football player to earn the honor in three consecutive seasons … Invited to compete in the Under Armour All-American game and served as a team captain where he led all passers in the game, completing 7-of-13 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown … Competed in the Elite 11 in the summer of 2016 at Redondo Beach, Calif. and finished second in the nation’s premier quarterback competition to qualify to participate in Nike’s The Opening Finals in Oregon … Competed in the Mississippi-Alabama All Star Game in 2016 … Rated as high as the No. 96 player by ESPN … Listed in the top-300 by Scout, Rivals and 247Sports … A member of the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen … Amassed a 34-8 record in three seasons with 16,168 total yards and 188 total touchdowns … Another member of LSU’s signing class who’s family was impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 … Was living in Bay St. Louis, Miss., when Katrina hit … His dad Owen played linebacker at Tulane and his mom Megan was the first female to earn an athletic scholarship for the Green Wave, playing both volleyball and basketball … Born March 2, 1999 … Coached by Bill Conides.

 

Tory Carter * FB

6-2 * 209 * Fr. * HS

Leesburg, Ga.

Lee County High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Consensus 3-star prospect by all major sites … Listed as the No. 1 fullback by Scout.com and the No. 3 fullback by 247Sports … Massive contributor the Lee County High School team on both sides of the ball … Served as the dominant lead blocker on offense … Also played defensive end where he recorded 52 tackles, including 11 for loss, and nine sacks during his senior season …  Named to the Albany Herald All-Area first team …  Earned a spot on Region 1-AAAAAA’s defensive first team …  Coached by Dean Fabrizio … Parents are James and Robin Carter … Born March 16, 1999.

 

K’Lavon Chaisson * LB

6-4 * 227 * Fr. * HS

Houston, Texas

North Shore High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top defensive ends in the country who is expected to play linebacker in college … Considered a raw talent as he only played two seasons of varsity football … A 5-star recruit by Scout … Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … No. 34 on the ESPN 300 list and ranked by the site as the fourth-best prospect at his position and seventh-best in the state of Texas … Ranked at No. 33 and No. 37 overall by Scout and 247sports respectively … The nation’s No. 5-rated weak side linebacker …  A part of the Texas 6A state championship team in 2016 … Named to the Texas AP 6A All-State team … Finished his senior season with 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, state-leading 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles … Coached by John Kay.

 

Saahdiq Charles * OG

6-5 * 317 * Fr. *HS

Jackson, Miss.

Madison Ridgeland Academy

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Dominant offensive lineman who is considered one of the top players in the state of Mississippi … Still learning the offensive line after making the transition from defensive line as a junior … 4-star recruit according to Rivals and Scout… New Orleans native that was displaced due to Hurricane Katrina… Bounced around after Katrina from north Louisiana, Houston, Georgia and Montgomery, Ala., before finally settling in Madison, Miss., where he lives today with his mom … Played both sides of the line in high school… No. 16 rated offensive guard and No. 7 overall prospect from the state of Mississippi according to 247 Sports… Named to the 2016 Dandy Dozen list as one of the top high school senior football players in Mississippi … First name is pronounced Suh-deek … Coached by Herbert Davis.

 

Austin Deculus * OL

6-6 * 345

Cypress, Texas

Cy-Fair HS

 

Outstanding offensive line prospect who is rated as one of the top offensive tackles for the Class of 2017 … Consensus four-star ratings from 247sports, ESPN, Rivals, and Scout … Rated as high as the nation’s 14^th-best overall prospect and the No. 5 offensive tackle by ESPN … ESPN also listed him as the No. 3 prospect in Texas … Ranked No. 33 overall and No. 5 in Texas by Rivals.com … Scout.com has him listed No. 75 overall and as the fourth-best offensive tackle in this year’s class … 247sports ranked him No. 37 overall, No.5 in Texas and as the nation’s No. 9 offensive tackle … Honorable mention 6A All-State in 2016 .. .Member of the prestigious VYPE/Houston Chronicle Greater Houston first team … Participated in the Under Armour All-America Game in December of 2016 in Orlando … Squatted a school-record 585 pounds in the summer of 2016 … Last name is pronounced deck-you-lus … Coached by Ed Pustejovsky.

 

Grant Delpit * S

6-3 * 191

Houston, Texas

IMG Academy

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Played senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. after transferring from Lamar High School in Houston … Registered 47 tackles, five interceptions, six pass breakups, and one tackle for loss at IMG … Returned two interceptions for TDs in 206 … Lived in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina displaced his family in 2005 when they moved to Houston where they still live … Consensus four-star prospect from ESPN, Scout, Rivals and 247sports … ESPN.com lists him as No. 57 overall, the No. 4 safety and the 12^th-best prospect in Florida …. Rated No. 68 overall, the No. 8 safety and No. 15 in Florida by Rivals.com … Listed as the No. 72 overall prospect, No. 10 safety and No. 16 in Florida by 247sports … Coached by Kevin Wright at IMG Academy.

 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire * RB

5-8 * 209 * Fr. * HS

Baton Rouge, La.

Catholic High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top running backs in the state of Louisiana … A 4-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN … Rated a 3-star recruit by Rivals and Scout … Listed as high as the No. 10 prospect in Louisiana by ESPN, where he was also No. 219 in the country … Regarded as the No. 5 running back in the Scout composite rankings … Carried the ball 58 times for 496 yards and 10 touchdowns during senior season … Named the 2015 Class 5A Championship Most Outstanding Player after leading Catholic High to a 31-28 victory against Archbishop Rummel High School as he caught eight passes for a record 161 yards and rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown … Competed in the Red Stick Bowl at the conclusion of his senior season and scored the first touchdown of the game … Participant in Nike’s The Opening Finals in Oregon … Became the first freshman to play varsity football in head coach Dale Weiner’s 29 seasons at Catholic High School … Parents are Shannon and Tonge Helaire … Born April 11, 1999 … Coached by Dale Weiner.

 

Neil Farrell Jr. * DT

6-3 * 285 * Fr. *HS

Mobile, Ala.

Murphy High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Defensive tackle that boasts great size and strength … Skilled tackler that is gifted athletically and demonstrates great change of direction along the line …   4-star recruit per Scout … 3-star prospect according to Rivals, 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN … Rated as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the state of Alabama by Scout … Played center for the varsity basketball squad … Invited to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game … Selected to the 2015 and 2016 Class 7A First Team Defense All-State football team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … Voted to the All-USA Alabama First Team Defense … Two-time All-Coastal Alabama First Team Defense selection … Wrapped up senior season totaling 101 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries … Tallied 86 tackles and 17 tackles for loss during his junior campaign … Coached by Rick Cauley.

 

Todd Harris Jr. * S

5-11 * 180 * Fr. * HS

Plaquemine, La.

Plaquemine High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Nifty defensive back that can develop into a dominant collegiate player at either safety or cornerback … Has large size and frame to complement his ball-hawking skills … Possesses the ability to challenge any opposing receiver and has the proven ability to step up in run support… Consensus 4-star recruit and rated as the No. 3 prospect in Louisiana per 247 Sports and ESPN … Ranked No. 83 in the ESPN 300 … Regarded as the No. 1 safety in Louisiana according to Scout … Invited to the 2017 Under Armour All-America game … Became the third Plaquemine player to be honored as an All-American along with former LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and Plaquemine assistant coach Ja’Kouri Williams …  Selected to the 2016 All-USA Louisiana Second Team Defense … Invited to “The Opening” in 2016, a premier Nike showcase camp in the summer …  Voted to the 2016 All-State Class 4A Defensive Team by the Louisiana Writers Sports Association … Wrapped up senior season totaling 53 tackles, nine pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery …  Helped lead Plaquemine to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A State Championship … Coached by Paul Distefano.

 

Edward Ingram * OL

6-4 * 354 * Fr. * HS

DeSoto, Texas

DeSoto High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top offensive linemen in Texas … Played in the prestigious 2017 Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando … A member of the Texas 2016 6A-Division II State Championship team… Helped lead DeSoto to a perfect 16-0 record in 2016 … Helped team rack up 303 rushing yards and 525 total yards in 38-29 win over Cibolo Steele in championship game on Dec. 17 in AT&T Stadium … Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals, and Scout… Listed as the No. 11 rated offensive guard in the country per 247Sports and as the No. 3 overall prospect in Texas according to Scout … Coached by Todd Peterman.

 

Jontre Kirklin * CB

5-11 * 180 * Fr. * HS

Lutcher, La.

Lutcher High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Incredibly gifted and versatile athlete that is projected to make the transition from dual-threat quarterback to the secondary in college … Swift and elusive with exceptional running ability … Demonstrates impressive instincts and has shown the ability to properly diagnose plays as a defender due to his offensive background … Unanimous 3-star prospect by Scout, ESPN, Rivals and 247 Sports … Rated as the No. 30 recruit in Louisiana … Ranked as the No. 3 athlete in Louisiana by Scout … Voted to the 2016 All-State Class 3A Offensive Team by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association … Finalist for the Warrick Dunn Award, recognizing productivity on the field while displaying high-character, unselfishness and sportsmanship… Played three years at St. James before transferring to Lutcher his senior season … Helped lead the Bulldogs to repeat as Class 3A state champions … Accumulated 5,000 yards passing, adding 1,700 rushing during his sophomore and junior seasons, accounting for 92 touchdowns during that span … Finished his career with 147 touchdowns, over 7,500 yards passing and 3,000 rushing yards … Coached by Dwain Jenkins.

 

Racey McMath * WR

6-3 * 213 * Fr. * HS

New Orleans, La.

Edna Karr High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top receiver prospects in Louisiana as a senior … Combines the size and speed necessary to be a top receiver in the Southeastern Conference … Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, and Scout and listed as a Top 30 overall prospect in Louisiana by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN… Played football and ran track in high school… Led Edna Karr to state championship games as both a junior and senior … Caught a pair of TD passes in helping Karr to a perfect 14-0 mark and the 4A state title in 2016 … First team 4A in 2016 by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association … Helped relay team to a third place finish in the 4×200 relay in the spring of 2016 … Son of Pamela and James McMath… Coached by Brice Brown.

 

Aaron Moffitt * DE

6-2 * 253 * Fr. * HS

Baton Rouge, La.

Catholic High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Force on the strong-side of the defensive line … Sack machine that can overpower offensive linemen on his way into the backfield … Consensus 3-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 4 defensive end in Louisiana per Scout … Rated as the No. 43 player in the state according to Rivals … Bounced back from elbow and thumb injuries that cost him his first two seasons at Catholic … Broke out during his junior campaign, logging 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2015 … Earned Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State accolades his junior season, helping to lead the Bears to their first-ever state championship … Voted District MVP and was a 5A All-State selection his senior year … Son of LSU’s director of strength training Tommy Moffitt … Older brother, Clay, pitched LSU-Eunice to a NJCAA championship his sophomore season and his dad has helped LSU to 17 straight bowl appearances, four SEC titles and a pair of national titles since joining the staff in 2000 … Coached by Dale Weiner in high school.

 

Lowell Narcisse * QB

6-2 * 237

St. James, La.

St. James HS

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top quarterback prospects from the Class of 2017 … Earned four stars from ESPN, Scout and 247sports … Listed by ESPN as the No. 105 overall prospect and as the nation’s fifth-best dual-threat quarterback for the Class of 2017 … Ranked No. 227 overall by Scout.com and as the No. 15 quarterback and as the sixth-best prospect in Louisiana … Rated as No. 249 overall by 247sports to go along with a No. 9 dual-threat QB rating and as the 10^th-best prospect in Louisiana … Missed all of seniors season with a knee injury suffered in preseason jamboree … IAs a junior in 2015, connected on 23-of-36 passes for 296 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions … Injured prior to the start of the 2015 and returned late in the year … Rushed for 305 yards and 4 scores … In 2014 as a sophomore, completed 205-of-358 passes for 3,124 yards, 31 TDs and 13 interceptions … Rushed for 1,402 yards and 18 TDs … As a freshman in 2013, completed 122-of-235 passes for 2,013 yards, 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions … Added 637 rushing yards and 12 TDs … Named Homecoming King for St. James HS in the fall of 2016 … Coached by Robert Valdez.

 

Mannie Netherly * WR

6-3 * 185

Crosby, Texas

Crosby HS

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Versatile offensive threat who played quarterback at Crosby High School in Crosby, Texas … Passed for 1,634 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior … Added 612 rushing yards and nine touchdowns … Consensus four-star prospect as a wide receiver by ESPN, Scout, Rivals and 247sports … ESPN rated him No. 192 overall, No. 26 wide receiver and No. 29 prospect in Texas … Listed No. 254 by Scout.com and as the nation’s No. 37 wide receiver, while 247sports has him ranked No. 256 overall and the No. 37 wide receiver … Coached by Jeff Riordan.

 

Jacob Phillips * LB

6-3 * 226 * Fr. * HS

Nashville, Tenn.

East Nashville Magnet

 

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the nation’s top inside linebackers by 247 Sports, Scout and Rivals … Rated as a 5-star recruit according to Rivals and 4-star player by ESPN, Scout and 247 Sports … Ranked in the state of Tennessee as the No. 3 player by Rivals and No. 4 by 247 Sports … Nationally, ranked No. 29 by Rivals and No. 46 by 247 Sports … Surpassed 200 career tackles through two seasons of varsity football at East Literature High School … Averaged 12.3 tackles per game in 2016 and finished as the team leader in tackles for loss with seven … Returned an interception and fumble for a touchdown in the same game during his senior season … For his career, finished with four interceptions and a fumble recovery in 20 games … Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … Earned Tennessee’s Mr. Football Award in Class 3A to wrap up his high school career … Coached by Brian Waite.

 

Patrick Queen * LB

6-1 * 218 * Fr. * HS

Livonia, La.

Livonia High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

A four-year starter for Livonia who played both linebacker and running back … Selected as a finalist for the 2016 Warrick Dunn Award, which is presented to the high school player of the year in the Baton Rouge area by WAFB-TV … A 3A state champion and 2015 All-State selection … Totaled 1,487 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns … On the defensive side, finished with 66 tackles, including 42 solo, seven tackles for loss, and six passes broken up … Finished with 1,731 all-purpose yards his senior season after adding 255 receiving yards … Began his career with 1,887 rushing yards and a selection to the All-Metro team … Louisiana’s own four-star recruit who is in the top-300 of 247 Sports, Rivals and ESPN’s national rankings … In the state of Louisiana, ranks No. 8 by Rivals, No. 12 by 247 Sports, and No. 14 by ESPN … Coached by Guy Mistretta.

 

Tyler Shelvin * DT

6-2 * 380 * Fr. * HS

Lafayette, La.

Notre Dame High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Overpowering, stout interior lineman who can lineup at any position across the defensive front, but tailored made for nose tackle in LSU’s 3-4 scheme … Highly-touted prospect with tremendous strength … Transferred from Northside High School in Lafayette to Notre Dame in Crowley his senior season …  5-star recruit according to Rivals … 4-star prospect per 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN … Consensus No. 1 player in Louisiana … Ranked No. 24 in the ESPN 300 … Invited to the Under Armour All-America Game where he posted 5 tackles, including one for a loss … Voted to the All-USA Louisiana First Team Defense … Received an invitation to “The Opening”, a premier Nike showcase camp held in Oregon during the summer … Member of the boys basketball team at Notre Dame …  Coached by Louisiana High School Hall of Fame coach Lewis Cook at Notre Dame … Helped the Pioneers to a 13-1 record, including a 7-0 record in district in 2016 … Coached by former LSU standout Trev Faulk at Northside, who played linebacker for the Tigers from 1999-2001 … Faulk finished his career with 300 tackles and was a member of LSU’s 2001 SEC title team.

 

JaCoby Stevens * S

6-2 * 214

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Oakland HS

 

HIGH SCHOOL

The nation’s top safety prospect for the Class of 2017 … Listed as top-rated safety and the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of the Tennessee for 2017 by 247Sports … Ranked No. 24 overall by 247Sports … Five-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals.com …Rated as a four-star and listed as nation’s No. 3 safety and 45^th best prospect according to Scout.com … Under Armour All-America Game participant … Rated No. 3 overall at his position and No. 26 in the ESPN300 according to ESPN.com … Racked up 61 tackles, nine interceptions as a senior … Added 34 receptions for 689 yard and 12 TDs … Coached by Kevin Creasy.

 

 

Seth Stewart * OL

6-6 * 320 * Fr. * HS

Point Pleasant, W.Va.

Point Pleasant High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Massive lineman who is only going to improve with experience … Tremendous wing span to compliment his size and toughness … Consensus 3-star recruit … Rated as the No. 3 prospect in West Virginia per Rivals… Ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the state by Scout … Named to the All-USA West Virginia First Team Offense in 2015 and 2016… Voted to the Class 2A All-State First Team Offense by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association … Selected to the 2015 Ohio Valley Publishing Super 25 team… Helped lead his team to an 11-1 record his senior year… Parents are Carla and Jimmy Stewart … Born May 26, 1999 … Coached by David Darst.

 

Tyler Taylor * LB

6-1 * 235 * Fr. * HS

Buford, Ga.

Lanier High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

A 4-star recruit by Rivals, 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN who accumulated 239 total tackles and 185 tackles as a regular starter during his junior and senior seasons at Lanier High School … Totaled four interceptions and 11 sacks through 24 games … Also finished with two receiving touchdowns and 190 all-purpose yards … A member of the ESPN 300 list at No. 204 … At the inside linebacker position, ranked No. 8 by Rivals, No. 10 by 247 Sports and No. 16 by Scout … Coached by Korey Mobbs.

 

Justin Thomas * DE

6-5 * 264

Spanish Fort, Ala.

Spanish Fort HS

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Tremendous defensive line prospect … Consensus three-star status from ESPN, Scout, Rivals and 247sports … Listed as high as the No. 18 defensive end prospect from 247sports and No. 27 at his position by Rivals.com … Recorded 57 tackles and seven sacks as a senior … For career, totaled 152 tackles and 21 sacks for Spanish Fort High School … Coached by Ben Blackmon.

 

Kary Vincent Jr. * CB

5-10 * 178 * Fr. * HS

Port Arthur, Texas

Port Arthur Memorial High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL

Dynamic corner with great anticipation and closing speed … Can go stride-for-stride with opposing receivers … Showcases great bursts of acceleration … Agile and well-rounded with a playmaking skillset …  Can be lethal in the return game with great athletic and cutback ability …Four-star recruit per 247 Sports, Rivals, ESPN and Scout … Graded as the No. 12 player overall in Texas by Rivals… Rated as the No. 23 overall prospect and the No. 2 corner in the ESPN 300 … Invited to the 2017 Under Armour All-America game … Ranked No. 33 on the Austin American-Statesman’s 2017 Fabulous 55 … Named to the All-USA Texas First Team Defense … Recorded seven interceptions, returning three of them for four touchdowns his senior season … Also defended seven passes and a sack … Showed versatility by running for two touchdowns and hauling in a touchdown catch on offense … Garnered 51 tackles, picking off five passes and returning two kicks for touchdowns during his junior campaign … Coached by Kenny Harrison … Son of Kary Vincent Sr., who played wide receiver for Texas A&M and was drafted in the sixth round by the New Orleans Saints … Coached by Kenny Harrison.