Spiegelman's takeaways from Louisiana playoffs

We are gearing up for the final stretch of the season -- that's right ... the championship drive.

Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman has attended three postseason games in Louisiana over the past two weeks featuring some of the nation's best and most in-demand recruits. Here are his takeaways from games featuring five-star quarterbacks Walker Howard and Arch Manning, Rivals100 defensive end Quency Wiggins and wide receiver Shazz Preston, and electrifying 2023 running back Kaleb Jackson.

Howard fractured his fibula and made an improbably return to the starting lineup for Lafayette (La.) St. Thomas More. Since returning a month earlier than anticipated for the regular-season finale against East St. John and threw seven touchdowns in his first game back. In four games back as the starter, Howard threw 16 touchdowns compared to one interception, propelling his team into the Division II state semifinals and impressing in the process yet again.

Howard has masterful command of his offense and although he was only a two-year starter for St. Thomas More, he followed a sensation first season in 2020 amid CoVid-19 that culminated with a perfect record capped by a title with arguably a more impressive campaign -- one beleaguered by injury and without All-State receiver Jack Bech. Nonetheless, Howard didn't miss a beat; he is quick to diagnose coverages and has an attacking approach, and more so is wired like a winner. He throws so sharp on the move and reminds me some of Kyler Murray's style.

Ole Miss and Notre Dame continue to pursue the five-star quarterback, but with Brian Kelly now on-board with LSU Howard will stick with his commitment. This offense should have a whole new look with Kelly and Howard in the plans.

If 2020 was Wiggins' breakout season, then 2021 was his opportunity to face double and sometimes even triple-teams on a week-to-week basis. Nonetheless, the intriguing defensive end accounted for 13 sacks, which included a two-sack game against St. James in Round 2. Wiggins moved inside and had success off the edge flashing great speed to the sideline and using his length to disrupt plays on several occasions.

Wiggins is down to LSU, Alabama and Florida, and the top-50 prospect intends to return to all three schools over the next few weeks before settling on a decision. There's a sense, however, it's really down to LSU and Florida. Will a familiar name, Billy Napier, in place in Gainesville the Gators could have another angle to reel in Wiggins. There's also plenty of reasons compelling Wiggins to keep LSU and the interim staff has continued to keep him engaged.

Preston's senior season came to an end in the second round against aforementioned Wiggins and Baton Rouge Madison Prep. In the game, Preston saw action at receiver, at safety, in the return game; despite battling through a handful of lingering injuries that have piled up throughout the season.

Much of Preston's success came underneath, where he was physical after the catch, breaking multiple tackles and creating yardage -- even hurdling defenders to move the sticks. He's a bonafide playmaker without the stats, but the gritty effort speaks volumes.

There's a sense that as Preston's recruitment winds down, it's shaping up to be a race between Georgia, Alabama and LSU. Much of LSU's chances might hinge on which coaches will or won't be carried over on Kelly's staff, namely Mickey Joseph; Georgia and Alabama are both legitimate landing spots for the playmaker.

Jackson had an absolutely brilliant season for Baton Rouge Liberty as the driving force of their offense. He amassed more than 2,000 yards rushing, averaging almost 15 yards per clip and 185 per game. He added another 400 yards and four scores receiving via 21 receptions.

It's a vast comparison, but he's built in the same mold as Jonathan Taylor -- a swollen 5-foot-11, 215-pound back with high-end track speed. Like the NFL MVP candidate, Jackson is a tackle-breaking machine that can explode for big plays and be an absolute workhorse on any offense.

LSU, Texas A&M and Georgia are early offers for the Rivals250 running back, but he's expected to make several more out-of-state visits to campuses nationwide beginning this spring. He'll have a national offer sheet as a top-five back in this class.

After a first-round bye, Manning opened the postseason with a three-touchdown performance in New Orleans Isidore Newman's 37-6 win in the Division III quarterfinals. Manning passed for 164 yards with touchdown passes of 23 and 28 yards. He added another 46 yards on the ground, including an 8-yard touchdown run.

Manning saw a familiar foe in the semis on the road at Lafayette Christian. His offense was plagued by dropped passes and faced one of the state's best defenses, but Manning broke through with a signature series which included several key third-down conversions and penalties. Manning capped it with a touchdown run to tie the game at 7 in the first half.

Two plays earlier, Manning absorbed a late hit and limped off the field, missing a play before returning to the field and scoring on the ensuing play. After the fact, he flashed some emotion after breaking through a fierce defense that's been stout all season long.

If you ask me, I like Manning's competitiveness.