Ask Farrell: Can LSU finish with the nation's top 2020 class?
LSU is rolling.
The Tigers not only are the top-ranked team in the College Football Playoff but they also own the No. 1 class in the team recruiting rankings heading into the early signing period.
There’s a good possibility LSU could be loading up even more to distance itself from other programs fighting and clawing for that team recruiting title.
In recent weeks, LSU lost commitments from four-star defensive linemen Jalen Lee, who has since made a pledge to Florida, and Alec Bryant, who is considering Oklahoma and others now with his recruitment open.
But that might have opened some space for even more elite prospects.
Five-star running back Zachary Evans has LSU high on his list along with Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama and others.
There is a chance the Tigers are moving higher for five-star Jordan Burch from Columbia (S.C.) Hammond School, although he doesn’t do interviews so there are a lot of unanswered questions and speculation around his recruitment.
New five-star linebacker Demouy Kennedy, an early Auburn commit who’s now pledged to Alabama, recently visited LSU and the Tigers are doing everything to flip him as LSU has always been high on his list.
Another linebacker to watch is high four-star Phillip Webb from Sugar Hill (Ga.) Lanier as this is shaping up to be an Alabama/LSU battle maybe to the bitter end. The Tigers seemed to have the edge, but a great visit to Alabama made his decision even tougher.
There is also the case of four-star defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, who had been committed to LSU but backed off that pledge early on. The Lucedale (Miss.) George County standout is back looking at the Tigers along with Alabama, Ole Miss now under coach Lane Kiffin and Auburn.
FARRELL'S TAKE
We ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell whether he thinks LSU can finish even stronger - maybe including Burch in the class and other five-stars - or if Clemson or Alabama could surge to the top with an even bigger finish to the class?
"It's going to come down the wire for sure, and a lot will depend on where Burch goes since he's looking hard at LSU, Clemson and Alabama. I've always felt Clemson would land the No. 1 class in 2020 and the Tigers will have a great shot if they land Burch and Justin Flowe.
"Right now, I'll go with LSU and the momentum the Bayou Bengals have. They will remain No. 1 because they are so hot on the recruiting trail and are involved with so many elite kids that weren't as serious about LSU before this season."