LSU landed two new faces for 2004 — one on the coaching staff and another to its top-tier recruiting class.
Offensive lineman Herman Johnson, who announced his decision in Denton, Texas on his birthday on Thursday, chose the Tigers over Oklahoma. Johnson, a 6-foot-8, 350 pound tackle said his decision came down to which team won the Sugar Bowl.
Johnson is rated as the No. 3 offensive lineman prospect on Rivals.com, a national recruiting Web site and No. 30 in Rivals’ Top 100. ESPN.com recruiting expert Tom Lemming rates Johnson the No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 39 in his Top 100.
“[Johnson is] the biggest player in the country, Herman shows exceptional run blocking skills, possesses long arms, quick feet and a nasty disposition,” Lemming said of the prospect in his ESPN Insider breakdown. “When he puts it all together, look out! This past season he played both OG and OT showing the ability to pull and trap and really started putting it together in the second half of the season. He shows good initial quickness and can come out of his stance with authority.”
Johnson is LSU’s 28th committment for 2004. The Tigers only can sign 25 players on Feb. 4, but some players may enroll in January and count toward 2005’s scholarship numbers. Heading into the final week of recruiting, LSU’s class is ranked No. 2 in the country by several reputable recruiting sites.
Smart replaces Walton as DB’s coach
LSU coach Nick Saban announced Thursday that Kirby Smart will replace defensive backs coach Tim Walton, who left for a similar position with the Miami Hurricanes.
“First of all, it’s an honor to even be considered for a coaching position here at LSU,” Smart said. “Coach Saban is known as one of the best defensive coaches in all of football and to be able to coach alongside him and learn from him is something special.”
Smart, a 1998 Georgia graduate, had worked with the DBs at Florida State for the past two seasons. Before his stint at FSU, Smart was the defensive coordinator for Valdosta State, which finished 11-0 in 2001.
“Kirby is one of the brightest young coaches that I’ve had the opportunity to meet,” said LSU coach Nick Saban. “He comes highly recommended from the coaches at Florida State and he brings a great deal of enthusiasm and defensive knowledge to our staff.
“I’m very impressed with what Kirby will bring to our organization in terms of character, his ability to recruit as well as that of helping our players develop both on and off the field.”