Recruiting: LSU eyes Indiana cornerback while in-state talent near final decisions for 2018

With the early signing period set to arrive December 20, the recruiting dominoes are falling more rapidly than past years. I expect decisions coming in the next week to intensify.

Programs may also redirect their attention to fill classes as well. It appears that’s happened for Ed Orgeron’s staff.

LSU has targeted a highly-regarded cornerback currently committed to Iowa late in the process. In fact, he Tigers just offered Donald “D.J.” Johnson (6-0, 170) this week. The Indianapolis, Indiana product pledged to the Hawkeyes on August 22. Notre Dame was the other finalist. He gained offers from Ball State, Duke, Illinois, Purdue, Syracuse, Minnesota, Bowling Green, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Indiana and Cincinnati.

Not surprisingly as a star athlete in the Hoosier state, Johnson excels on the hardwood as well as a point guard. Not blessed with blazing speed (4.65), he possesses superb football instincts, anticipates routes and displays a good first step. More of a zone coverage guy who truggles more with speedy receivers, Johnson transitions and flips his hips well.

Meanwhile, John Ehret safety Isaiah Windmon is headed to Louisiana Tech in what looks to be a major get for the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-2, 190 pounder had numerous offers to consider including UCLA, Arizona State, Iowa State, Arkansas, Colorado, ULL, ULM, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Oregon and Southern Miss.

Very fluid in the secondary, Windmon has good closing speed, takes good angles toward the ball and shows a knack for making big plays. He is the 31st ranked overall player in the state by 24/7 Sports and ranked seventh among senior safety prospects.

With early signing looming, here are a few uncommited Louisiana products who may be making their decisions within the next week to 10 days:

WR Terrace Marshall (6’3-192) Parkway
The top rated player in Louisiana has LSU, Texas A&M and Florida as his finalists with the Tigers holding a slight edge.

DB Kelvin Joseph (6’2-191) Scotlandville.
The recruiting efforts of Corey Raymond and Austin Thomas have LSU in great shape. Florida State, Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Auburn round out Joseph’s finalists.

WR JaMarr Chase (6’1-200) Rummel
The former University of Florida commitment has TCU and Michigan his top two. He has always eyed playing out of state in college ball.

WR Devonta Jason (6’3-211) Landry-Walker
Committed to Kansas and previously to LSU, Jason is still up for grabs. The Tigers have made up ground, but not as much as Mississippi State who looks to have inside track for a December 20 signing. Jason’s former high school quarterback Keytaon Thompson plays for the Bulldogs.

WR Lawrence Keys III (5’11-165; 4.35) McDonogh 35
Hotly pursued by LSU, Auburn, Hosuton, Nebraska, Notre Dame and TCU, Keys III may stay in state. Mickey Joseph is on the case for the Tigers.

RB Tony St. Julien (5’11-180) Vinton
The 3 star has Ole Miss and TCU at the top of his list. He likes LSU but hasn’t gotten an offer from Tigers. Tulane has been trying to make up ground.

DB Israel Mukuama (6’5-187) Parkway
South Carolina leads pack with Purdue, Indiana and Georgia also in the picture.

DB Joe Foucha (5’11-200) McDonogh 35
Joseph is also hotly pursuing Key III’s teammate, making it an interesting finish between LSU and Auburn.

WR Gregory Clayton (5’11-175) Lutcher
The younger brother of Jarvis Landry (LSU and Miami Dolphins WR) has offers from Idaho, Army, Iowa State, Northwestern, Purdue, South Alabama, Tulane, ULL and McNeese.

DB Dorian Camel (6’1-180) Scotlandville
The projected college safety has Marshall and Ole Miss as his favorites.

TE Glenn Beal (6’5-265) John Curtis
LSU remains in front with Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss and Florida as the other prime contenders.

DT Devin Phillips (6’2-305) Neville
TCU, Colorado State and Louisiana Tech are the top three.

WR Jared Miles (6’1-185) McDonogh 35
Superb threat on deep routes and speed sweeps, Miles gains good separation in routes. Oregon State is the favorite to sign him.