LSU Football 2012: 5-Star Recruits Considering the Tigers

Louisiana State University has established itself as not only one of the premier programs in the SEC and all of the country, but also as a recruiting juggernaut off the field.

It's expected year after year for LSU to finish with an elite level class and this year the Tigers are back at it.

Les Miles has caught the eye of several uber-talented, five-star recruits and the Tigers are big game hunting.

Which five-star players are looking the hardest at LSU?

4. Channing Ward, DE/OLB

The 6'4", 240-pounder doesn't seem to care much for press work, so his recruitment is a bit hush. However, fellow SEC foes Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi State are the competition.

LSU is also very high on Ward's mind and likely will bring him to Baton Rouge soon for a visit. The competition is steep, but I think the Tigers have as good a chance as any.

3. Zach Banner, OT

Banner is not a natural knee-bender, and for me that's a problem—especially if you want to play left tackle. At 6'9", 305-pounds, he's a solid athlete but I feel he's better suited for the RT spot.

Nonetheless, Banner has a bevy of offers, a list that includes Washington, Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Cal, Michigan, Florida State, Oregon, Notre Dame and, of course, LSU.

The Dawgs are the home state school, but Banner could easily leave. LSU will have to work to get him in for a visit and really sell the program while he's in Baton Rouge.

2. Kwon Alexander, OLB

Alexander is a premier defensive recruit and one of the most athletic players in the nation. He's a 6'2", 210-pounder that plays with excellent speed, instincts, quickness and amazing range.

He just narrowed his list down to a top five consisting of Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Oregon and LSU.

Alexander says he has never been to LSU, but does want to get to Baton Rouge to give the Tigers a serious look.

1. Landon Collins, DB/OLB

Collins has shot up recruitment boards since being named MVP at The Opening this past summer. He's an athletic, hard hitting SS-OLB type that stands 6'0" and weighs 210-pounds.

He's a hot name on the trail and has schools like Tennessee, Texas, Miami, Auburn and Florida all after him.

However, Collins has said several times that he will pretty much decide between LSU and Alabama, and has already pretty much made his decision.

He's a Louisiana native, but loved his time in Tuscaloosa while camping at Alabama this past summer.