The Tigers’ defensive line will need some assistance in 2013.
Four key members of the 2012 defensive front, including Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Bennie Logan and Josh Downs, departed after the squad’s poor finish against Clemson, meaning the program will have to turn to a number of key recruits to get solid pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Defensive tackle Maquedius Bain is one of those key prospects.
“He’s the type of person that college coaches label as “The Creature,” and I think he’s going to do some extraordinary things [at LSU],” said Roger Harriot, Bain’s coach at the University School of Nova South in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Bain finds himself among several defensive line recruits in LSU’s 2013 class. Kendell Beckwith, Greg Gilmore and Bain, all four-star recruits, each received praise for their individual talents, but Bain’s play didn’t garner much attention until his official commitment in early January.
“[LSU is] excited about him playing defense,” Harriot said. “He was actually the player of the year in South Florida for basketball, so all the athletic talent is there.”
Bain towers above his competition, as his 6-foot-5, 285-pound frame should prove to be effective in the Southeastern Conference.
ESPN ranked him the No. 13 defensive tackle in the nation, and he’s considered the No. 26 prospect from Florida. He is featured on the ESPN 150 list as the No. 130 recruit.
Bain possesses several qualities seen in former Tigers Mingo and Montgomery, as the incoming recruit is known for his disruptiveness, strength and pursuit off the line.
“He’s going to be a great asset at LSU,” Harriot said. “He’s not really that concerned about where the team wants him to play next season. He’s a team player.”
Bain’s athletic ability could be seen through his versatility while at Nova South. Not only was he the state basketball player of the year and a top defensive line recruit, but he was also capable of dominating on the offensive line.
“He made the sacrifice to play offensive line for our spring football squad,” Harriot said. “That was a selfless act by him, and it shows the quality of a man he is and the character he has. He made it work, and he had a great year on the offensive side of the ball.”
“He’s the type of person that college coaches label as “The Creature,” and I think he’s going to do some extraordinary things [at LSU].”
