Though LSU didn’t have the success they were looking for at the Under Armour All-American game Thursday, it still received two prospects that significantly boosted its class ranking.
With the Tiger fan base collectively holding its breath before Fournette made his decision, the top-ranked recruit in the nation saved the day for LSU after sporting the purple cap.
The Louisiana native listed LSU, Alabama and Texas as his top three school choices.
Fournette’s addition will prove to be valuable for an LSU offense that will lose its share of weapons to the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 226-pound running back will join a Tigers backfield that could lose sophomore Jeremy Hill in the offseason, and with junior Terrence Magee being the next primary option, Fournette could challenge for carries early in the season.
The St. Augustine prospect brings a combination of speed, power and receiving ability out of the LSU backfield, and LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will likely use him in a number of different formations.
His addition could also take pressure off the next Tiger starting quarterback, as freshman Anthony Jennings and incoming freshman Brandon Harris, both dual-threat options, would likely appreciate a strong run game.
Defensively, the addition of Adams was exactly what the Tigers needed Thursday.
After losing four-star safety recruit Laurence “Hootie” Jones to Alabama last month — Jones proceeded to de-commit from Alabama, but he is apparently favoring Ole Miss — Adams was a key pickup for the Tigers.
LSU had only two safeties in its 2014 class prior to Adams’ announcement, as four-star prospect Edward Paris Jr. and three-star recruit John Battle IV both joined LSU coach Les Miles’ arsenal early in 2013.
The safety position in Tiger Stadium is currently a question mark, as the squad will be without senior Craig Loston in 2014. Sophomore Micah Eugene will not return to the team next season, leaving freshman Rickey Jefferson and sophomore Corey Thompson as two potential replacements on the current roster.
Sophomore defensive back Jalen Mills made the switch to safety late this season, and junior Ronald Martin will also be in the running for a starting job. Adams and Paris will both likely compete for playing time.
Though LSU nabbed two five-star prospects, it was still a disappointing day overall.
Noil and Willis both decided to attend out-of-state universities, as they chose Texas A&M and Florida, respectively.
Losing two New Orleans natives hurts for LSU, especially considering the athleticism both bring to the table.
Noil can play a variety of positions and ran a 4.40-second 40-yard time. With the potential loss of junior receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the NFL Draft, Noil could have competed for a spot as a burner at the wide-out position.
LSU junior defensive tackle Anthony Johnson declared for the NFL Draft Thursday, meaning the loss of Willis to Florida stings a tad more. Willis, who is the brother of Alabama safety and former LSU target Landon Collins, is the No. 21 recruit in the nation, according to 247 Sports.
Finally, the Tigers failed to land cornerback recruit Tony Brown after he committed to Alabama.
The 6-foot, 188-pound defensive back is the No. 3 cornerback prospect in the nation, according to 247 Sports.
LSU saw the emergence of freshmen corners Tre’Davious White and Rashard Robinson in 2013, and Mills and sophomores Jalen Collins and Dwayne Thomas are all expected to be on the roster next season.
Brown’s commitment to the Crimson Tide isn’t a devastating blow for a young LSU defense, but Miles can’t be happy about losing another recruit to Alabama coach Nick Saban. The Tigers also have No. 1 recruit in the nation Kevin Toliver, a cornerback, on their commitment list for the 2015 class.
Toliver is the brother of former LSU wide receiver Terrence Toliver.
There are still players who haven’t committed, including five-star John Curtis wide receiver Malachi Dupre who is not expected to announce his decision until National Signing Day.
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