LSU Football Recruiting: Everything You Need to Know for National Signing Day

LSU head coach Les Miles is looking to put together one of his strongest recruiting classes ever in 2014. The grand finale of the recruiting season will be national signing day on Feb. 5th. 

This year's class is critical for the future success of LSU football. Miles knows this, so he even "sub-tweeted" recruits to help the process. 

The SEC has never been deeper and as talented, so the Tigers must keep the pace by raking in elite talent. If not, the Tigers could drop back to a pre-Saban lull. 

Also, LSU's roster has been drained by the NFL. The Tigers had 17 underclassmen declare for the NFL draft with eligibility remaining in the past two seasons.

LSU currently has the No. 5 overall recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. But LSU has the fewest number of commits currently in the top five schools, which gives the Tigers plenty of wiggle room for more talent. 

Note: All stats and rankings via 247 Sports unless otherwise noted.

Top Remaining Targets

Malachi Dupre

With the recent news of LSU receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry going pro, the pressure on Les Miles to land Malachi Dupre grows exponentially. 

The Tigers already have some talented commits on the outside, including national record-setting receiver Trey Quinn. But Dupre has the best size and speed combination of any wide receiver prospect in the country.

LSU has no receivers returning next season that caught more than one pass in any game. The Tigers need to replenish the talent at the position. Dupre will immediately fill that need.

Adoree' Jackson

LSU lost out on 5-star cornerback Tony Brown, as he committed to Alabama on national signing day. Fellow 5-star defensive back Adoree' Jackson could change the tide for the Tigers at corner if he signs with LSU.

The Tigers already have a promising young corner duo of Rashard Robinson and Tre'Davious White, but there can never be too many defensive backs in defensive coordinator John Chavis' exotic defensive schemes.

A freak athlete like Jackson would immediately boost the playmaking ability of the Tigers, possibly as a special teams returner.  

Current Commits

5-star DB Jamal Adams

3-star LB Donnie Alexander

4-star DB John Battle

4-star OL Garrett Brumfield

3-star WR D.J. Chark

4-star OL William Clapp

4-star DE Deondre Clark

5-star RB Leonard Fournette

3-star PK Cameron Gamble 

5-star LB Clifton Garrett

4-star DE Davon Godchaux

4-star QB Brandon Harris

4-star DB Ed Paris

4-star WR Trey Quinn

4-star WR Tony Upchurch

4-star ATH Devin Voorhies

4-star TE Jacory Washington

4-star RB Darrel Wiliams

For more information and full list of potential targets, visit Geaux 247.  

Players Who Could Contribute as Freshmen

Leonard Fournette

No recruit in the country has probably dealt with as much pressure as Leonard Fournette. After committing to the Tigers at the Under Armour All-American Game, the hype and expectations have only grown. 

Fournette is being tabbed as the best running back recruit since Adrian Peterson. His illustrious career at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans speaks for itself. He had over 7,000 total yards and 88 touchdowns. 

LSU's leading rusher, Jeremy Hill, declared for the NFL draft. LSU's top backup, Terrence Magee, is a serviceable returning talent, but Fournette has a far higher ceiling. He must make plays immediately next season.

Brandon Harris

Anthony Jennings looks as if he will take over as starting quarterback heading into his sophomore season. But do not count out Brandon Harris.

Nothing is official for who will be under center next season in Baton Rouge. Harris has all the tools to be a great quarterback. He will be in the mix, especially as an early enrollee.  

Jamal Adams and Ed Paris 

Jamal Adams and Ed Paris are elite safety prospects that will immediately compete for playing time. 

LSU's safeties underachieved last season. Senior Craig Loston will be out the door, so that leaves Ronald Martin, Rickey Jefferson and Corey Thompson competing for two slots. 

Adams and Paris could eventually start as freshman, much like former LSU headhunter Eric Reid in 2010. If not, expect both to play special teams. 

Clifton Garrett

LSU's linebackers were average last season. The Tigers will get a much-needed boost at the position with 5-star prospect Clifton Garrett.

Garrett has the capability to play outside or inside. His versatility will, at the very least, push returning linebackers D.J. Welter, Kwon Alexander and Deion Jones to make major strides in the offseason.  

Storylines to Watch

Will LSU's Top Commits Actually Sign?

College football fans nationwide are buzzing about Leonard Fournette's bright future in Baton Rouge. But nothing is set in stone until he officially signs.

The same goes for the rest of LSU's star-studded commitments. There are always a few surprises when prospects flip school choices on national signing day. Hopefully for LSU fans, those surprises do not come at the expense of the Tigers. 

Can LSU Steal Any Elite Recruits Committed to Other Schools? 

Les Miles and his coaching staff always feel they can lure in any recruit they want to Baton Rouge, even if the prospect is already committed to another university. 

LSU always makes a late push for players who are committed to other schools. Sometimes the Tigers are successful.  

There can be any kind of surprises on signing day, including off-the-radar prospects making a last second decision in favor of LSU. Former LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery shocked the country when he chose the Tigers over Michigan in 2009. The South Carolina native was a terrifying force off the edge for the Tigers while he was in Baton Rouge.

Fun Facts

Doug Benc/Getty Images

LSU receiver commit Trey Quinn pitching in the 2008 Little League World Series.

Flamethrower 

LSU receiver commit Trey Quinn tossed a no-hitter in the 2008 Little League World Series. Quinn gave up baseball in high school to focus on football.

Quinn participated in the U.S. Army All-American Game. Steven Helwagen of 247 Sports explained in a tear-jerking feature why the game meant so much to the star receiver.   

Future Olympian?

LSU cornerback target Adoree' Jackson told ESPN he wants to compete in the long jump at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. 

Jackson says a school's track and field program could be the difference in where he wants to play. LSU track and field has had 22 Olympians under head coach Dennis Shaver.