The 2017 recruiting cycle has come and gone, but analysis of how the recruiting year played out is ongoing. Today, we examine which programs successfully pursued prospects from the state of Louisiana - and which struggled.
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STATE CHAMPION: LSU
A few of the targets the Tigers wanted slipped out of state, but when it comes down to it, LSU still landed the state’s top player, Tyler Shelvin, and a handful of other elite players to go with him. Linebacker Patrick Queen (No. 8 in state) will have a chance to play early and defensive back Todd Harris (No. 5) elected to say home despite a hard push from Alabama. Three-star prospects like Racey McMath and Jontre Kirklin are also highly thought of by the staff.
HONORABLE MENTION: ALABAMA
The Tide have made Louisiana a priority over the past handful of years and once again they were able to raid the state for three of the top five players from The Boot. The group was highlighted by Rivals100 wide receiver Devonta Smith and Rivals250 defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis. Add in versatile linebacker Chris Allen (No. 9 in state) and three of the top nine players are leaving home to head to Tuscaloosa.
SURPRISINGLY WEAK: MISSISSIPPI STATE
It’s harsh to call the Bulldogs efforts in the state weak, especially since they nabbed the No. 3 player and the top quarterback in the state in Keytaon Thompson. But the only other player the school landed from Louisiana was two-star guard Josh Cooper and the state has been a reliable supplier of talent in recent years. Thompson should be considered a win, but in a talent-rich state like Louisiana, with Starkville so close by, there should be more elite players headed east instead of west to schools like TCU and Houston.
OUT-OF-REGION THREAT: TENNESSEE
Schools from all over the country recruit Louisiana and this past year programs from the ACC, SEC and Big 12 all nabbed prospects. But Tennessee came away with three of the state’s top 32 prospects, including four-star defensive back Terrell Bailey (No. 12). Running backs coach Robert Gillespie has strong ties to the state and helped recruit Bailey, as well as three-star defensive back Cheyenne Labruzza (No. 23) and three-star running back Trey Coleman (No. 32). After success this year it will be interesting to see if the Vols can up their efforts and land a top 10 player in the state next year.
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