Odds on Where 5-Star DT Rashard Lawrence Commits

With a full beard and a massive frame (6'3", 305 lbs), Monroe, Louisiana's Rashard Lawrence looks more like a grown man than a 17-year-old high school senior. Those who line up against the 5-star defensive tackle on the football field see the grown-man side of him as well.

In short, he's a monster on the defensive line, someone who bullies offensive linemen and punishes quarterbacks and running backs. Lawrence dominates using his strength, quickness off the ball and overall aggressiveness.

He's everything college coaches want in a defensive lineman. Last year served as proof, as he helped Neville High School claim its third Louisiana state title in six years.

Lawrence, the No. 22-ranked overall player and No. 7-ranked defensive tackle in the nation, recently announced a top five of LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, UCLA and Washington.

Early predictions have the Louisiana standout playing college football in state at LSU, but Lawrence told NOLA.com's Andrew Lopez that taking official visits and witnessing game-night environments will be key in his final decision, which could come shortly after the 2015 season.

Here are some early odds on where Lawrence ends up.

LSU (2-1)

Of the five schools that made Lawrence's list, LSU is the closest from home—roughly a four-hour drive away. He's made multiple visits to the campus and has built a good relationship with defensive line coach Ed Orgeron.

The Tigers are imagining a dominating defensive line that would include Lawrence, 5-star tackle Edwin Alexander and the 4-star duo of tackle Glen Logan and end Rahssan Thornton.

LSU currently has the No. 2-ranked 2016 class in the country. It could move to No. 1 with a commitment from Lawrence, who would be the Tigers' fourth 5-star pledge.

Lawrence told Lopez that he's looking into an unofficial visit to watch LSU play Auburn.

Alabama (3-1)

If LSU isn't Lawrence's ultimate destination, Alabama could be the team in the driver's seat. Proximity-wise, Monroe is roughly a five-hour drive from Tuscaloosa compared to the four-hour drive from Baton Rouge.

Alabama is a team that's always in the race for a national championship, and its 2016 class is strong but can be stronger. The Crimson Tide are still looking to land a 5-star pledge, and Lawrence can be that keystone get. He's a player defensive line coach Bo Davis would love to work with.

If Alabama lands Lawrence, the class will include him and the 4-star trio of Kendell Jones Jr., Raekwon Davis and Khalid Kareem on the defensive line.

Credit: 247Sports

Ohio State (3-1)

It makes sense that the defending FBS champion and current No. 1 team in the nation has the attention of a player like Lawrence. Ohio State is a team that knows how to win games and, perhaps more importantly in this case, score top-notch recruits.

The Buckeyes currently have the top 2016 recruiting class, and their top two recruits are 5-star defensive ends Nick Bosa and Jonathon Cooper. By pairing them with Lawrence and 4-star defensive tackle pledge Malik Barrow, Ohio State could have one of its best defensive line classes ever.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has been working hard on getting a commitment from Lawrence, who last visited Ohio State in June.

UCLA (4-1)

Consider UCLA the team to keep a close eye on in Lawrence's process. Of the five schools, UCLA is the only one that he has yet to visit. But that visit is coming.

"It'll be a crucial visit," Lawrence told Lopez. "I'm going to take a visit there the week we have a bye week."

The Bruins could use a 5-star defensive tackle to go along with their talented defensive recruits in the 2016 class. Defensive line coach Angus McClure would love to have Lawrence team up with 5-star end Oluwole Betiku and 4-star end Breland Brandt.

Washington (4-1)

Lawrence visited Washington days after The Opening and enjoyed his time there. The good news about the Huskies is that they are the ones showing the most interest, Lawrence told Lopez. The interest is making Lawrence overlook the fact that the school is so far from home.

"They are far out, but they are showing me a lot of love. I talk to them all the time," said Lawrence, who would be the top-ranked player in Washington's 2016 class if he committed. Washington has 12 commits and is in need of a defensive tackle pledge.

Lawrence is being recruited to Washington by defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports. Follow Damon via Twitter @DamonSayles.