LSU Football: National Signing Day More Important Than Ever for Tigers

National signing day is monumental for every team in college football. But for LSU in 2014, it could be the deciding factor in the Tigers staying amongst the SEC's elite.

Seventeen LSU players over the past two seasons have declared for the NFL draft with eligibility remaining. The depth of the team has been depleted, and it is time to replenish.

In 2013, LSU's defense looked inexperienced and befuddled. But there also seemed to be a lack of talent. The Tigers need to find answers quickly, and it starts by bringing in more athletes. 

Bill Haber/Associated Press

Offensively, the Tigers lost their starting running back, quarterback, right guard and receivers this offseason. Where will the production come from next season? The answer could be all freshmen. 

Yet, LSU's biggest challenge might not be themselves, but the teams around it. The rest of the SEC is only getting better. 

Alabama will probably finish with the nation's No. 1 recruiting class again. Texas A&M, despite losing Johnny Football, has been raking in big-time recruits. Auburn only had one senior on its two-deep and will be bringing in a top 10 class this season. Ole Miss, a young team that outplayed and beat LSU last year, will be better in 2014. 

And that is just the SEC West.

The SEC's national championship streak may have been snapped, but the conference could be stronger and deeper now more than ever. 

LSU arguably had its most talented offense during the Les Miles era last season and still lost three games. 

The Tigers have stagnated. There is nothing wrong with back-to-back 10 win seasons, but the window to win another national championship could be fading.

If Leonard Fournette, Clifton Garrett, Trey Quinn and the rest of the LSU commits signs with the Tigers, the future looks fine. But if uncommitted players like Malachi Dupre, Kenny Young, Derrick Kelly Jr. and Travonte Valentine also jump on board, the chances of winning another title over the next few seasons dramatically increases. 

National signing day is Wednesday. LSU must keep the pace with the rest of the SEC by closing strong on the recruiting trail.  

All recruiting rankings provided by 247Sports. 

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