LSU Football 2012: 5 Recruits to Watch in the Under Armour Game Thursday

With the Under Armour all-star game kicking off Thursday at 6:30 on ESPN, LSU fans will want to tune in to see potential future stars.

The LSU Tigers have been a hotbed for NFL talent for the past decade, and in a game that features the best high school football players in America, there’s five players that could shine in purple and gold next season.

Two of these players have already committed to the Tigers, and the other three have a good chance of playing for the Tigers in 2012.

These are the players that Tiger fans should keep an eye on.

Avery Johnson

He’s the brother of Patrick Peterson, and if Avery Johnson’s career as a Tiger resembles anything like Peterson’s, it’s going to be special.

Johnson has already committed to LSU out of Pompano Beach, Fla., and like Russell Shepard did for the Tigers when he committed in 2009, Johnson is doing everything he can to persuade fellow recruits to come to LSU.

This hot prospect is a 6’2" receiver that embodies everything it takes to be a great player. He’s a 4-star recruit composed of speed, strength and athleticism.
 
Johnson can make incredible catches and is a great blocker downfield. There’s no doubt in my mind that Johnson has what it takes to be an LSU great just like his brother.

Vadal Alexander

Vadal Alexander is another 4-star commitment that has verbally committed to the Tigers.

He’s a 6’6", 310-pound offensive lineman that could be a force to be reckoned with at LSU. Alexander is better fit to play guard, but he’s a versatile lineman that can play guard or tackle.

The Buford, Ga., native needs to work on his flexibility and improve his pass blocking, but his run blocking is phenomenal.

He uses his size to his advantage to drive opponents down the field and win the battle in the trenches with his technique.

Landon Collins

The BCS national championship isn’t the only thing LSU and Alabama are battling for these days.

Both teams are high on Landon Collins list, and he’s expected to announce whether he’s going to be a Tiger or with the Crimson Tide at the game on live television.

Collins is a 5-star safety that can lay the wood and intercept the ball. The 6’0" safety from Dutchtown High School has impressed scout after scout, and both LSU and Alabama are hoping they can land him Thursday night.

I like LSU's chances.

Mario Edwards

Mario Edwards gave Florida State a soft verbal commitment, but LSU is still in the runnings for the 5-star defensive end.

Edwards uses great technique and strength to move blockers out of his way and make tackles in the backfield. The Denton, Texas native is a 6’4", 280-pound end with a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash.

His best attribute is his rush defense, as he has shown great ability to get off blocks and make the tackle at the high school level.

Edwards has Texas and LSU high on his list and is set to visit LSU later this month.

Tracy Howard

Tracy Howard is a stud.

Howard is a 5-star shut-down corner from Miramar High School in Florida. Howard is set to visit LSU soon, and LSU has a great chance to land the potential elite cornerback.

Howard is a 6’0" corner with great hands and great speed that is capable of changing directions very quickly. He needs to improve his tackling and jamming ability for the next level, but his potential looks promising.

It would be huge for LSU to replace Mo Claiborne with another cornerback that has as much potential as Howard does.