LSU Football Recruiting: The Top 2013 In-State Recruits That Can't Slip Away

LSU has to reclaim its iron grip on recruiting in Louisiana and keep the top talent in the state.

For a team that normally dominates in the recruiting department, the Tigers brought in the 14th-ranked recruiting class by ESPN a month-and-a-half ago.

It was the Tigers worst recruiting class in seven years, and when the Tigers' top Louisiana prospect, Landon Collins, chose the University of Alabama over the Tigers, fans started to panic.

To avoid such a panic in 2013, these are the top talents in the state that the Tigers can't let slip away.

7. Noel Ellis, CB, Edna Karr

LSU might as well be renamed "DBU" for the talent it produces at defensive back, and Noel Ellis could certainly add to that legend.

Ellis out of Edna Karr High School stands at 5'10", 175 pounds, but he has the raw talent to become a special player at the collegiate level.

Despite his size, Ellis has received offers from Auburn, Florida State and Texas A&M. As a fan of LSU, I can't help but ask myself if Ellis could be another Tyrann Mathieu.

6. Jeryl Brazil, ATH, Loranger

Jeryl Brazil reminds me a lot of former LSU Tiger Trindon Holliday.

Brazil can play any skill position on the field, and his speed is off the charts. Brazil is a 5'10", 178-pound athlete that can run a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash.

Coming out of Loranger High, Brazil has already committed to the Tigers. I can see the Tigers coaching staff having a lot of fun with Brazil offensively.

5. Larry Cage, LB, Zachary

What Larry Cage lacks in size, he certainly makes up for in speed.

Cage is a 6'2", 186-pound linebacker from Zachary that can run the 40 in 4.4 seconds.

If the Tigers are able to land the prospect, expect him to put on a lot of muscle with their second-to-none weight-lifting regime.

4. Rickey Jefferson, WR/HB, Destrehan

Before we go any further, I'll go ahead and let the cat out of the bag by saying that Rickey Jefferson is Jordan Jefferson's brother.

But don't let that lead you into thinking that he's not a good football player, because that's just not true.

Jefferson is a 6'0", 180-pound wide receiver from Destrehan that has received offers from LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Houston, Mississippi State, Tennessee, USC and Florida State.

He's a great runner that has a knack for juking the opposition.

3. John Diarse, QB/WR, Neville

John Diarse from Neville High School reminds me a lot of Russell Shepard.

The way he uses his speed and athleticism to evade defenders in the pocket and run downfield is awfully impressive. The one thing that he has that Shepard didn't have coming out of high school is the size it takes to be an effective receiver.

Diarse is a 6'0", 202-pound athlete, and as you can tell by his highlight reel, he's one exciting player to watch.

2. Standish Dobard, TE, Edna Karr

National Upperclassmen has Standish Dobard rated as the top high school prospect in Louisiana, and he may very well be that.

Dobard is a 6'5", 235-pound tight end that has the talent to be a key element in the Tigers passing game.

With Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the New England Patriots showed just how valuable tight ends can be to an offense, and Dobard has enough talent to one day stand on an opposite sideline from the two.

1. DeSean Smith, TE, Barbe

While Dobard is impressive, I personally like DeSean Smith as the best high school prospect from Louisiana.

Smith is a 6'4", 222-pound tight end that can go up and get the football. Smith has received numerous offers from all around the country and is definitely going to be one of the most heavily recruited players in the country.

Just sit back and watch this guy in action on this amazing Barbe High School highlight.