Despite Louisiana’s reputation as a hotbed for football talent, recruiting top-tier in-state linebackers hasn’t been an easy task for LSU.
Derek Ponamsky, recruiting analyst and publisher of BayouBengalsInsider.com, said the 2012 class may change that.
“In the last couple years, there really hasn’t been those big time guys at linebacker,” Ponamsky said. “What you have had are guys that are good players, but maybe not the superstar type, whereas the 2012 class has a couple elite level guys.”
Three of the five LSU 2012 commitments — Shreveport native Torshiro Davis, Edgard native Ronnie Feist and Thibodaux native Trey Granier — are local linebackers, and all are listed on the Rivals.com Top 250 watch list for next year.
LSU has reached far to reel in big-time linebackers in the past.
Former Tigers Kelvin Sheppard and Perry Riley hail from small Georgia towns, while senior Ryan Baker and former Tiger and All-American linebacker Ali Highsmith are both Florida natives.
“Picking up linebackers in Louisiana is finally a reality this year,” said Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com. “They’ve already picked up a couple guys. … They’re going after a few more.”
Ponamsky said the lack of legitimate linebackers can be chalked up to the style of play and strategies of most Louisiana high schools.
“At the high school level, if you’ve got a guy who can run and cover, you put him at safety. And if you’ve got a guy who’s physical and can get up the field, you put him at defensive end,” Ponamsky said.
Dixon said many prototypical linebacker-sized recruits often play running back in high school.
He said the addition of defensive coordinator John Chavis to the staff three years ago changed the recruiting strategies for the position.
“It’s Chavis’ style on defense getting the speed guys both at defensive end and at outside linebacker,” Dixon said.
Chavis’ scheme has brought changes each year. Tiger fans watched defensive back Harry Coleman — recruited as a linebacker in 2004 — convert to his old position his senior year.
In similar fashion, former defensive back Stefoin Francois was transformed to an outside linebacker last season, filling in for Coleman. Senior Karnell Hatcher is expected to do the same next season.
“You just see so many guys that are not just linebackers but a lot of those outside linebacker types that are a fast hybrid,” Dixon said. “Some are big enough to play defensive end, and some can play safety.”
To account for newly converted linebackers, many LSU linebacker recruits, including sophomore Barkevious Mingo, have made the switch to the defensive line.
Ponamsky said Davis has the size and ability to follow in the footsteps of former linebackers.
“If you watch his film, he’s explosive,” Ponamsky said. “He is a physical guy who plays with an aggressive streak. … If you put him on the end, he’ll go get the quarterback for you.”
Granier, who most think will remain at linebacker throughout his college career, said he would trust his coaches if he was ever asked to make the move.
“You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” Granier said.
“Chavis will make the best moves for the best situations at the right time.”
 
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]