National Signing Day 2013 brought in a plethora of fresh talent for the LSU football program.
LSU coach Les Miles recruited 27 total incoming players for the 2013 class, including 20 prospects who were given a four-star rating by ESPN.
The class ranked seventh overall in the nation, and now the talent has begun to contribute on the field.
Last season, LSU saw its 2012 class make its mark on Tiger Stadium.
Players such as the cornerback combination of Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins were effective in shutting down opposing receivers for the majority of the 2012 campaign.
Running back Jeremy Hill burst on to the scene, as he became a fan favorite after driving the dagger into the heart of the South Carolina faithful in Tiger Stadium.
Even defenders Kwon Alexander and Lamar Louis found time between the lines, ushering in a young linebacker corps.
The 2013 class is looking to follow in its footsteps, though not every recruit has lived up to his potential in his first season as a Tiger:
THE GOOD
Tre’Davious White (4-star recruit) — Cornerback
How many people guessed White would unseat sophomore cornerback Jalen Collins as the starter in the third game of the season?
Stats: nine games played, seven games started, 39 tackles, one interception
LSU’s top-ranked 2013 recruit is still trying to find a permanent home at a position on defense, but his versatility continues to impress.
Stats: nine games played, 10 tackles, one sack
Grade: B+
Anthony Jennings (4-star recruit) — Quarterback
Jennings has become a valuable asset for the Tigers in short-yardage situations, including his first career touchdown on a one-yard run against Florida.
Stats: six games played, 10 attempts / 23 yards, one touchdown
Grade: B+
Rashard Robinson (3-star recruit) — Cornerback
The former 3-star recruit has added even more youth to an already young LSU secondary, solidifying a cornerback corps for the next few seasons.
Stats: eight games played, 10 tackles, one pass deflection
Grade: B
Christian LaCouture (3-star recruit) — Defensive Tackle
Another 3-star recruit, LaCouture has found ample playing time on a veteran defensive line, including his first career sack against Mississippi State.
Stats: nine games played, seven tackles, one sack
Grade: B
THE AVERAGE
Ethan Pocic (4-star recruit) — Center
The fact that junior center Elliott Porter has blocked Pocic’s route to a starting job hurt the freshman’s grade, but the LSU coaching staff has raved about the Illinois native.
Stats: five games played, one game started
Grade: B-
Lewis Neal (4-star recruit) — Defensive Lineman
Neal started the season strong with seven tackles in three games, including a half-sack against UAB, but he hasn’t recorded a tackle since the Kent State game.
Stats: seven games played, seven tackles, 0.5 sacks
Grade: C+
Tashawn Bower (4-star recruit) — Defensive End
After LSU nabbed Bower on Signing Day, many fans had high hopes for the defensive end recruit. He has played in six of nine games to date recording a mere three tackles.
Stats: six games played, three tackles
Grade: C
THE UGLY
Maquedius Bain (4-star recruit) — Defensive Lineman
Believe it or not, ESPN actually ranked Bain higher than Bower. What does Bain have to show for his 2013 résumé? Absolutely nothing.
Stats: zero games played, zero games started
Grade: D-
Jeryl Brazil (4-star recruit) — Defensive Back
LSU’s second-best recruit according to ESPN has played in one game and has been arrested twice for two separate on-campus incidents. The grade speaks for itself.
Stats: two attempts / 10 yards, two arrests, 1 suspenion
Grade: F
