There’s been a lot of discussion about how much of an impact LSU’s decision to fire Les Miles might have on recruiting.
Will it help the Tigers' rivals? Can they hold this year’s class together? And what about the prospects themselves?
We take a look at the five players whose recruitments could be impacted the most by Miles’ dismissal and how things could play out going forward.
RELATED: Farrell: The right move | LSU recruits react | Who should replace Miles?
Background: Moses started picking up scholarships as a middle schooler and ever since then it’s been a likely battle between LSU and Alabama for his services. He was a longtime Tigers commitment, but when things got shaky with Miles last year, Moses opened back up his recruitment. Since then several schools have jumped in the mix, but the Tigers have remained the favorite up until this weekend.
Most likely to capitalize: Alabama
Moses has always had an affinity for the Tide, even moreso since he’s shifted his focus to playing solely linebacker at the next level. With changes likely coming to LSU’s staff once a new coach comes in, Alabama could make a serious move leading up this Moses’ December decision.
Background: The one-time Alabama commit was very high on LSU prior to the start of the season and seemed like he could be in line to take over for Leonard Fournette in 2017. But the change in Baton Rouge could open the door for several programs to make a renewed pitch to Akers. This weekend he’ll visit Georgia, and Florida State, Auburn and Tennessee are also working to get him back on campus.
Most likely to capitalize: Ole Miss
If there’s one thing for certain when it comes to Akers, it’s his love for his home state. Assuming the Rebels can continue navigate the investigation related to Laremy Tunsil and come away without major infractions, they could be in prime position to land Akers.
Background: Stevens originally committed to LSU as a junior last fall, but it didn’t take long for him to back off that commitment. When Miles originally came under scrutiny, Stevens decommitted and completely reset his recruiting process. After nearly committing to Georgia and then Alabama, he ended up back in the fold with the Tigers last month.
Most likely to capitalize: Alabama
Up until the weekend before he announced his decision last month, Stevens was still weighing his options between the Tide and the Tigers. Late in the summer, Alabama even sent five coaches to a satellite camp in Nashville just to get some extra time with Stevens. If the new coach in Baton Rouge doesn’t retain assistant coach Corey Raymond, Alabama could move into prime position.
Background: Shelvin is the longest standing commitment in the class of 2017 for the Tigers and has been committed since March of 2015. He took the news of Miles dismissal hard, even going as far to call the news “devastating.” Interim head coach Ed Orgeron has also been involved with Shelvin’s recruitment over the past year, but it’s clear Shelvin and his family had a bond with Miles.
Most likely to capitalize: It’s tough just to pick one school here as Shelvin has been so locked in with the Tigers for so long. He’s already set an official visit to Alabama for the Auburn game, but Nebraska, Florida State and Texas A&M have all been making a push to get Shelvin on campus as well.
Background: It was a busy offseason for Ausbon, who left his Texas home to finish his high school career at IMG Academy in Florida. But before he kicked off his senior year he committed to the Tigers over a group that included Texas A&M, Auburn, Baylor and others. Despite his commitment, Ausbon has talked openly about taking other visits and he is expected to start doing so sometime next month.
Most likely to capitalize: Texas A&M
The Aggies recruited Ausbon heavily while he was in Texas and didn’t give up just because he committed to the Tigers. With the schools going in opposite directions on the field so far this fall, Texas A&M could be gaining some traction with Ausbon. He’s expected to visit College Station next month and now could be the time for the Aggies to make a move.
