Recruiting: Top JUCO offensive tackle Traore commits to LSU

The ship has landed at LSU. well, I should say “the destroyer.”

, the top rated junior college offensive tackle in the country, committed Thursday to the Tigers. LSU now has 19 pledges for the 2018 class.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron vowed to focus to players who could contribute immediately along the offensive line. Traore at 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, certainly has the physical skill to contribute in a huge way.

Offensive line coach Jeff Grimes was relentless in his pursuit of the Asa College product. The Brooklyn, NY native visited Baton Rouge on November 24-25, following the original May 3 offer from the Tigers.

Orgeron was also very instrumental in the process to land Traore.

LSU had to overcome a push from Auburn, Texas, Oklahoma and Ole Miss among his finalists. Ohio State, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Arkansas, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, Miss. State, Nebraska, West Virginia, TCU, Pittsburgh, Penn State and Oklahoma State were also suitors.

Traore, who missed the 2016 campaign with a knee injury, will have three seasons to play for the Tigers, if he so chooses.

Great feet, hands and extension in pass protecting are among Traore’s strengths. He pile drives his opponent, finishes his blocks, plays with balance and pulls out of his stance and leads interference.

Traore recently stated that he was a fan of the Tigers during his childhood and loved the football tradition. He will enroll in January in order to take part in spring drills.