LSU Football: Recruits React to Tigers' Elite Camp

LSU lost its grip on the No. 1 spot in the 247Sports team rankings for the 2016 class last week, but after hosting a ton of top prospects at its Elite Camp over the weekend, its time away from the top may not last long. 

As noted by Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, the event featured a ton of current commitments, top targets and sleeper recruits who emerged with strong performances in front of head coach Les Miles and his staff.

Some of the event’s prominent visitors included 5-star defensive tackle and the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2016 class, Rashan Gary, and 4-star quarterback and current Tigers pledge Feleipe Franks.

In the camp's immediate aftermath, the Tigers only netted one commitment from in-state 3-star wide receiver Da’Monte Coxie. However, there were plenty of positive nuggets that came out of the camp for Miles and the Tigers’ recruiting efforts.

Let’s take a look at some of the main storylines for Tigers fans to monitor in the coming months.

"

Better than coffee in the morning. Big O Ed Orgeron coaching up the d-line at the #LSU Elite Camp. https://t.co/YLYDrbCPfk

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) July 25, 2015"

2016 LB Commit Shows Out

Considering he plays defensive end for his prep squad, 3-star Tigers commit Rahssan Thornton came to his future home with the intention of proving to Miles and his staff he could play outside linebacker—which is the position they have recruited him to fill.

His ability to make that transition at the next level no longer appears to be in question following his performance at the camp over a three-day period.

“I have always been a fast learner,” Thornton told Bleacher Report. “So for me going out there and working at linebacker, once I knew what I was doing, I was good to go. I reacted to what was happening, and the coaches were very impressed by my performance.” 

Bartow singled Thornton out as the camp’s alpha dog on Thursday, thanks to his rangy frame, athleticism, and ability to work in pass coverage.

Thornton explained that he went home each night and wrote down areas he wished to improve in his game, and he submitted those topics and asked for feedback from his future coaches in linebackers coach Bradley Dale Peveto and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

“My dad, when he was walking around and watching me, the [LSU] coaches pulled him to the side and expressed how happy they are for me being there,” Thornton said.

Thornton also remarked on the atmosphere of the camp, which brought out intense competition among a loaded group of prospects in attendance. After spending time in a place he will call home for the next four years, the experience was something that has him itching to get back to Baton Rouge sooner than later.

“It was really live,” Thornton exclaimed. “When I got there, I was like, ‘Ah man, look at all of these people.’ I’m seeing the current players and my future teammates and just getting to know them and having a great time with them. I wish it never ended, honestly. Like, I’m kind of missing it right now. I just loved being there.”

Tigers Make a Move for Mullen

As Bartow noted, one of LSU’s top remaining targets in the 2016 cycle is 4-star corner Trayvon Mullen.

The Tigers already have a loaded group of defensive backs already committed, but Mullen seems to be a prospect defensive backs coach Corey Raymond is zeroing in on.

The trip to Baton Rouge marked Mullen’s second visit to campus over the last three months—which signifies how big of a threat LSU is to land one of the top corners out of the Sunshine State.

His relationship with Raymond is a primary reason why the Tigers are in a good spot with him.

"I can see myself there being coached by him,” Mullen told Bartow. “I like him as a person and as a coach. He can help me get to the next level and help be become a man and a better person."

Stud 2017 DE on Cusp of LSU Offer

The event also featured some of the nation’s top underclassmen making their way to Baton Rouge to compete in the camp.

One such prospect is 2017 4-star defensive end Zachary Carter, who hails from Tampa, Florida.

Carter—who has 15 offers from programs such as Clemson, Florida, Miami and Mississippi State, among others—said his first visit to Baton Rouge was an eye-opening experience.

“I wasn’t expecting the talent to be so elite, but LSU had some top guys there,” Carter said. “I think I matched up well at the camp. I think I did really good.”

The 6’5”, 240-pounder noted he got to speak with new Tigers defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, who made it clear that LSU would be coming after him hard in the future.

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4-star 2017 DE Zachary Carter from Tampa at the #LSU Elite Camp https://t.co/2Wkjmv7fUp

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) July 24, 2015"

“Coach Orgeron, he said he wants me to be a Tiger,” Carter said. “He’s recruiting me hard. I think they should be offering soon. I’m going to give them a call, but I think it will be soon.”

The Tigers made enough of an impression that a return trip is a possibility for Carter in the fall. 

“I really enjoyed LSU,” Carter said. “I thought it was a good atmosphere to be around. I liked the coaching staff there, too.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.