After enduring a slow start to the 2010 recruiting season, the LSU football program plans to spice things up this weekend when they welcome a man of the Word.
 
That’s no misprint — Ray Drew, a four-star defensive end from Thomasville, Ga., is a licensed minister and regularly preaches in his hometown.
 
The senior at Thomas County Central is scheduled to make his official visit this weekend when LSU squares off against Tennessee — and he could make for a fascinating combination on the field.
 
“He’s an interesting kid,” said Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com. “A real level-headed, straight-shooting kid.” Dixon said. I think him and [LSU] coach [Les] Miles get along really well with their values and whatnot.”
 
Miles’ connection with Drew, the No. 18-rated prospect in the country by Rivals.com, could be crucial this weekend because Drew has yet to name any favorites in the recruiting race or rule out any programs.
 
Prospects are normally asked to name a top-5 or top-10, but Drew doesn’t have one. Rivals currently lists 29 teams in the running for his duties.
 
Georgia is the early favorite to receive a pledge from Drew, while LSU’s current standing remains a long shot.
 
“It’s going to be tough to beat an in-state school for a kid like that,” said Dean Legge, publisher of Georgia’s Scout affiliate DawgPost.com. “But Ray has said over and over again that he’s open.”
 
At 6-foot-5-inches and 243 pounds, Drew has drawn early comparisons to Dallas Cowboys defensive end turned outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Drew used his lengthy frame to notch 72 tackles (16 for loss) and six sacks during his junior season.
 
“He’s not fully developed yet — that’s the scary thing,” Legge said. “He really has the potential to be very, very good.”
 
HUGHES RESCHEDULES
 
Travis Hughes, a four-star linebacker from Virginia Beach, Va., was scheduled to make his official visit with Drew but backed out in the past week. When Hughes scheduled his visit earlier in the year, he was unaware he had a game for Kempsville High School the same weekend, and he canceled.
 
Hughes has every intention to reschedule, which may be a good thing for the Tigers.
 
“His dad wasn’t supposed to come on this trip, but now that he’s rescheduling he might be able to make it,” Dixon said. “That might be something that works out for LSU.”
 
BECKHAM COULD COMMIT SOON
 
Dixon said Odell Beckham Jr. out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans could be the next recruit to give a verbal commitment.
 
“I think he’s going to commit to LSU in the next months or few weeks,” Dixon said. “Just given the relationship he has with the guys of this class and the coaching staff, sooner or later … he’ll be a part of this class.”
 
Beckham, a four-star athlete who is rated as the sixth-best player in Louisiana, also lists Miami as a contender.
 
ROBINSON DOWN TO TWO
 
LSU is also in the sweepstakes for Greg Robinson, the No. 4-rated offensive tackle in the country from Thibodaux. Robinson has expressed a high interest level in both LSU and Auburn and will make his official visit to Tiger Stadium on Nov. 6 for the Alabama game.
 
“Greg had a great trip [last weekend for the West Virginia game],” Dixon said.
 
“It’s still one of those things where Auburn has a little bit of a lead and whatever they can do over these next couples months in terms of getting him in town.”
 
 
 
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]