Rashard Lawrence to LSU: Tigers Land 5-Star DT Prospect

The deep pool of defensive tackle recruits for 2016 has gotten shallower with reports that Louisiana high school star Rashard Lawrence committed to the LSU Tigers on Friday, per Shea Dixon of 247 Sports.

Defensive tackle is a position flush with talent at the high school level. Lawrence is the fifth-best player at his position, but he is 23rd overall, per 247Sports.

Tom Lemming of CBS Sports raved about this year's crop of players at the position, citing Lawrence as a standout:

The role of defensive tackle has evolved in recent years as the game has changed. It's no longer a position defined by the ability to stop the run and eat blockers so others can sack the quarterback, though Lawrence is no slouch in that regard, thanks to his powerful 6'3", 305-pound frame. 

Being able to break through the middle of an offensive line has become essential to finding success on defense. Lawrence is able to do anything the position demands with his combination of size, power and speed. His development should be swift, as the raw tools are all squarely in place. 

The Neville High School star will become one of the top defensive players on his team, possibly as a freshman, and he could become something more by the time his sophomore year rolls around. 

According to Craig Haubert of ESPN.com, Lawrence's multi-dimensional ability makes him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive linemen:

"

Lawrence is a big man with an excellent combination of height and bulk at this stage with very good playing strength and the ability to quickly get off the ball. With his combination of size and strength, he can help stuff the run, demonstrating the ability to fire off low and uncoil and anchor. Lawrence also flashes ability to take on and fight through double teams. 

"

LSU head coach Les Miles may have been on the hot seat late in the 2015 season, but there's no disputing his power as a recruiter. With the addition of Lawrence, the Tigers have the nation's top-ranked recruiting class for 2016 with 18 of their 22 incoming players rated at least four stars. 

Every coach dreams of finding a defensive lineman with the kind of skills Lawrence has. He will be a staple of this recruiting class and should be a foundational piece for at least the next three years as a college superstar. 

LSU has fallen short of its own lofty expectations in recent years, losing at least three games in each of the last four seasons since losing the BCS Championship Game in 2011.

The addition of foundation pieces like Lawrence on defense, to go along with returning offensive stars like running back Leonard Fournette and wide receiver Malachi Dupre, will make the Tigers instant contenders for SEC titles and national championships. 

Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.