Gunner Kiel Decommits: 5 LSU Recruits That'll Make Tigers Fans Forget No. 1 QB

LSU was hit with another disappointing blow earlier today when the Tigers realized that the No. 1 quarterback prospect was on his way to Notre Dame. Quarterback Gunner Kiel, who recently gave his verbal commitment to LSU, is now trading his yellow and purple uniform for the tradition that the Irish have to offer.

This was a big commitment for the Tigers, as they finally had a traditional quarterback that was capable of making all of the throws. It was a big improvement from the recent quarterbacks they've had. They still have a solid quarterback prospect in Zach Mettenberger, but it's always nice to have two solid options at the quarterback position.

Sure, Tiger fans may be upset with the news, but with this recruiting class, they have plenty of reasons to be excited. Here are five players who will be in an LSU uniform next season that fans can be excited about to help them forget about that quarterback they had for less than a month.

TE John Thomas

LSU may not have the No. 1 quarterback prospect, but they do have one of the top tight ends in John Thomas. He's a big target at 6'5", 225 pounds and is extremely difficult to tackle when he gets in the open field. He's very athletic and has extremely great hands to where he can snag balls out of the air.

Whichever quarterback ends up starting for the Tigers will have a great and reliable target in Thomas. 

LB Torshiro Davis

When it comes to the Tigers, you know the defense is going to be the No. 1 priority. That's where one of the top linebacker prospects comes in. Davis is 6'3", 220 pounds and is an absolute speedster at the linebacker position. He runs the 40 in around 4.5 seconds, rushes the quarterback extremely well and will be a difference maker on this defense.

With his speed and playmaking ability, he'd fit in well in this defense.

CB Derrick Raymond  

With Morris Claiborne on his way out, Raymond may step right in to be his replacement. He's another defensive player that has a ton of speed and can cover any wide receiver in the country stride for stride. There are very few players in the country that can keep up with him, and he's a shutdown cornerback.

Raymond will really help this defense out and could even make plays in special teams as a return man as well.

DE Danielle Hunter

Another defensive player. What a shocker, huh? We've heard enough about the speedsters, Hunter is all about being physical and absolutely ruining somebody's day. He has a motor that doesn't stop and is about as violent on the football field one can get. Needless to say, his last name really fits his style of play well.

LSU fans are going to love this kid, especially when he makes a play and lays an opponent completely out.

WR Avery Johnson

We had to leave this list with an offensive player, as we know we could talk about LSU and their defense forever. Johnson is 6'1", 185 pounds and may be one of the most underrated commitments to date for the Tigers. What stands out with him is his yards after the catch, as he's great at catching in traffic. He isn't exactly a speedster, but he runs very well and can make plays with the ball in his hands.

This isn't a player that many will talk about, but with a little more improvement and experience, he could blossom into something special. 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]