Recruiting: LSU looks at more elite talent to keep 2023 momentum going

LSU hit the mother lode on the recruiting trail during the first two weeks in July.

From July 1-5, the Tigers pulled in an impressive eight pledges and now sit at 15 total for the 2023 class.

So who might be next to give their verbal to Brian Kelly and company? Several positions with elite hopefuls are targeted but interior linemen are a priority.

Here is a list of likely candidates:

OT Caden Jones (6-8, 300) De La Salle

The Tigers may hold a slight edge in the big Cavalier lineman over Florida State. Tiger assistant Brad Davis has been handling the recruitment. Jones also plays basketball for the Cavs, so he is light on his feet. His uncle Marcus Jasmine, who played at Texas A&M and in the NFL, was also a high school teammate of the late LSU and NFL defensive end Marquise Hill.

OT Chase Bisontis (6-5, 315) four-star from Don Bosco High School in Ramsey, NJ

It is currently a battle between LSU and in-state Rutgers with Texas A&M slightly trailing. Brad Davis is on the case for the Purple and Gold. Bisontis is a very diligent worker who spends time in the film room, shows good technique and displays impressive power as a blocker.

OT Zalance Heard (6-5 1/2, 305) four-star from Neville

A very high priority for the Tigers’ 23 class, the former linemate of current LSU starting left tackle and true freshman Will Campbell was a first team All District performer as a sophomore and junior as a right tackle. Davis is recruiting him with help from LSU QB coach Joe Sloan. Heard is a mauling, dominant blocker. He has an elite 38″ reach and great upper body strength. Still a work in progress in pass blocking, Heard has good feet and moves very well for his size.

OT D.J. Chester (6-5, 295) four-star from Conyers, Ga.

Another coveted lineman who has Davis giving him LSU’s sales pitch. The Georgia state champion in shot put and discus has Auburn with a slight edge over LSU. Chester shows great agility as a balanced prospect as a run and pass blocker.

DT Tyler Bailey (6-2, 290) three-star from Ponchatoula

The Tigers have a lengthy advantage of other programs pursuing. Bailey has a great motor, uses his hands well, and shows next=level strength at the point of attack. Auburn and Maryland are trying to make it a race.

DT Jameian Buxton (6-2, 265) three-star from Warren Easton

LSU has a comfortable lead over Auburn. Buxton runs a 4.85 and holds a 3.3 GPA. The All State selection in 2021 nicknamed “Big Baby” was a transfer from Thibodaux High School. He can line up at 1 or 3 technique. Buxton penetrates well into the backfield as a very active lineman who also beats double teams.

RB Parker Jenkins (5-10, 185) four-star from Houston, Texas

The Klein Forest High School star is perhaps a lesser priority now that LSU has a pair of running back pledges in the ’23 class. Frank Wilson is keeping tabs. Oklahoma State is also a prime candidate for the all purpose back.

FS Kylin Jackson (6-2, 196) four-star from Zachary

The ninth overall rated player in Louisiana and the state’s top ranked safety has Kerry Cooks and Matt House teaming him to sway him to the Tigers, and it appears LSU holds a hefty lead over Texas A&M. Jackson has a nose for the ball and is a good tackler in space. He covers a lot of ground. Jackson is the seventh rated safety overall in the class.

OT Tyree Adams (6-5 1/2, 285) four-star from St. Augustine.

A fine prospect who finishes his blocks with authority, Adams is highly coveted by LSU. Call him a “must get.” He has good extension, plays with balance, moves his feet well, good on combo blocks and flows quickly to the second level. Frank Wilson and Brad Davis are collaborating trying to keep Georgia, Florida and Ole Miss at bay. The Purple Knights have a long history of turning out players to LSU (Leonard Fournette, Tyrann Mathieu, Trai Turner, Malcolm Scott, Chad Jones, Raheem Alem and Marcus Quinn) but the program has cranked out enough NFL players overall to peak any coach’s interest.

WR Shelton Sampson (6-4, 181) four-star from Catholic-Baton Rouge

With coveted size and 4.35 speed, every recruiter wants him. Cortez Hankton and Mike Denbrock are on the case for the hometown Tigers. His father Shelton, Sr. was standout at Redemptorist High School before playing at both Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State. Sampson has explosive skills, tracks the ball well and uses his frame to be physical. LSU has a commanding lead for a talent who represents a player of need both for their roster quality and in recruiting circles overall for the Tigers.