LSU focused on final targets for 2019 football recruiting class

With LSU sitting at 18 verbal pledges already in their 2019 football recruiting class, I do not anticipate that the current list will stay static. There will be some twists, turns and changes. A couple may drop off the list while more will be added as we head towards December early signing time.

Currently, we assume the Tigers can add seven more recruits until proven otherwise. Here are the targets.

RB John Emery (6-0, 191) 4 star from Destrehan

It may come down to an LSU-Miss. State final. Georgia has crept in among the favorites with an outstanding recruiting pitch and he wants to take a look at USC. Florida and Tennessee are on the edge while Mississippi State is the one to beat. Emery was set to make a decision on July 7th, but that date looks to be pushed back.

RB Noah Cain (5-11, 210) 4 star from IMG Academy in Fla.

Right now it looks like LSU will have to close the gap on Texas for Cain. Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State are all in the mix. He is a Baton Rouge native.

RB A’Montae Spivey (6-1, 205) 3 star from Phenix City, Ala.

LSU is competing with Arkansas. Tommie Robinson (RB coach) is trying to seal the deal in his home town for the Tigers.

WR Devonta Lee (6-2, 212) 4 star from Amite

Alabama holds the edge with LSU a close second. Ole Miss ans Texas A&M complete the field.

WR Trey Palmer (6-0, 180) 4 star from Kentwood

The Tigers have a better chance of landing Palmer, who was at an LSU camp June 17, than Devonta Lee. Palmer visited Arizona State June 1. Alabama is nipping at LSU’s heels but Tigers assistant Mickey Joseph has done a remarkable job.

WR Jalen Curry (6-3, 197) 4 star from Houston

LSU, Tennessee, Auburn and Ole Miss occupy top spots with Auburn a slight edge.

OT Ray Parker (6-4, 280) 4 star from Ruston

LSU has been leader from the get-go.

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (6-5-240) 5 star from West Lake Village, Calif.

USC, LSU, Alabama, Florida State and Oregon are the top five. Thibodeaux’s family hails from Louisiana, but the Tigers have some ground to make up.

DE Byron Young (6-4, 280) 4 star from Laurel, Miss.

He recorded 14 sacks and 22 TFL in 2017. Alabama is the heavy favorite while Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and Mississippi State trail.

DT Ishmael Sopsher (6-4, 330) 5 star from Amite

A “must get” in-state target for Ed Orgeron, who will have to battle Alabama, Florida State and Ole Miss to get the signature. LSU has done a superb job making up ground the last two months. Dennis Johnson and Dave Aranda are on the case for the Purple and Gold.

DT Jared Harrison-Hunte (6-4, 286) 3 star from New York

LSU is competing with Penn State and Baylor. The Nittany Lions look to be the odds-on favorite.

ILB Donte Starks (6-1, 225) 4 star from John Ehret

He is set to make his commitment this weekend, and LSU looks to be in great shape thanks to Dave Aranda and Mickey Joseph. Auburn is just a couple of steps behind. Starks is prototypical insider ‘backer who played at St. Martin’s in Coastal, Mississippi before he moved back home.

ILB Ja’Len Sims (6-1, 210) 3 star from Birmingham, Ala.

He made unofficial visit to LSU June 16. It’s a dead heat between LSU and Ole Miss. Memphis and Auburn may be closing the gap.

OLB Ke’Shun Brown (6-0, 215) 3 star from Montgomery, Ala.

LSU, Alabama, Pittsburgh and Florida make up the finalists but the Crimson Tide might be the team to beat.

CB Devin Bush (5-11, 190) 4 star from Edna Karr

A one time LSU lock, Bush has slid recently with the addition of current commits at the position. I still think there will be a shakeup in commitments later. Clemson and Tennessee offer the stiffest competition for Bush.

CB Chester Kimbrough (5-11, 168) 3 star from Warren Easton

Having visited LSU June 22, he will visit Florida July 27. Florida, LSU and Alabama are the top three now, and the Tigers have made up ground recently.

CB Isaiah Rutherford (6-2, 170) 4 star Carmichael, Calif.

Colorado, California, Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame and Alabama sit at the top. The Tigers have maintained their spot among favorites.

Trikweze Bridges (6-3, 175) 4 star from Lanett, Ala.

LSU and Florida State are battling for the 14th best prospect in Alabama with Oklahoma, Oregon and Penn State in the mix.

DB Bertrand Carrell (5-11, 180) 3 star from Madison Prep

He loves LSU but it is up in the air whether there will be room available.

Who do I think LSU has the best chance of landing from the group?

Noah Cain, Trey Palmer, Ray Parker, Donte Starks, Ishmael Sopsher and Chester Kimbrough.