Arden Key to LSU: Tigers Land 4-Star DE Prospect

Arden Key, one of the top defensive ends in the 2015 recruiting class, has made his college decision. 

According to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, Key will be attending LSU:

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Four-star defensive end Arden Key announces for #LSU. http://t.co/mZdGzD0bwm @Sheadixon @Geaux247 @Sonny247 @jcshurburtt @SWiltfong247

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) February 3, 2015"

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Key is the No. 4 weak-side defensive end and 82nd-best player overall. He's been making the college rounds recently, providing an update on how things stood with his decision following a recent visit to South Carolina to John Whittle of 247Sports:

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I’ve been here plenty of times. I know a lot of the players and it was all about catching up and talking a little football. I’ve been here plenty of times and know a lot of people. I have the inside track on what’s going on in South Carolina football. It’s always good to reconnect with the boys you grew up with. I have a couple of players I played rec ball with who go to this school, so it was all good.

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However, that didn't really do much to clear up the battle for Key's services, as he was set to take one final visit to Auburn prior to national signing day that seemed to increase his interest in the program. 

New Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp could be a huge selling point to recruits, especially this year. In the end, neither team secured his services.

As far as what Key brings to LSU, Craig Haubert of ESPN.com had a detailed breakdown of what makes him such a highly sought-after recruit:

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He needs to continue to fill out his lengthy and lean frame, but he has begun to add some good size since his junior year and is wiry with better-than-expected strength for his build. At this stage he is best playing on the move and getting after the quarterback. The top 25 prospect possesses excellent first-step quickness and with his length can develop into a disruptive edge rusher. 

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In an era of college football where offenses are playing spread-out styles with multiple wide receiver sets and taking more chances down the field, finding a player who can get after the quarterback is essential to finding success. 

Key isn't a fully developed edge-rusher at this point, but he's got plenty of time to get there. His raw potential stacks up alongside many of this year's top defensive linemen. Finding speed and athleticism up front on defense is something every program dreams of, but the best ones are able to make it happen.