From the time Nick Saban arrived at LSU, the Tigers began to draw a line around their home state. Elite prospects began to leave the state less and less, to the point that now trying to lure one of them away from Louisiana is as difficult as, well, prying a raw steak away from Mike the Tiger.

That makes the 2016 recruiting cycle look like it could shape up to be a very good one for LSU. All of the factors are there. One of LSU’s biggest positions of need for the recruiting class comes along the defensive line. Over the offseason, the Tigers hired two noted recruiting experts, defensive line coach Ed Orgeron and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. And, most beneficial of all, the top two recruits in the state play along the defensive line.

Edwin Alexander (Hammond, La.) and Rashard Lawrence (Monroe, La.) are both five-star defensive tackles, part of a class that is loaded with defensive line talent. There are eight five-star defensive tackles in 2016, per 247sports’ industry composite, and another four five-star defensive ends. That kind of bounty for the rest of the country to pick from makes it seem more likely that the two elite DTs could stay home, as the rest of the country doesn’t have to try to steal away the best talent in Louisiana.

Both players already possess traits that would translate well to the college game. Scouting reports say they’re both explosive off the line, with instincts that get them past blockers and into the backfield in a flash. Alexander’s quickness has him projected as a possible pass-rushing phenom from the middle of the line, while Lawrence is a space-eating monster ready to gobble up ball carriers.

LSU currently has a nice pair at defensive tackle. Davon Godchaux went from backup to full-time starter as a freshman, flashing the potential to be a difference maker for the Tigers, something he’ll be counted on to be this fall. Alongside him, Christian LaCouture blossomed into a leader and a consistent performer. If the Tigers get Quentin Thomas back at full strength, they’ll have a strong defensive tackle rotation.

There isn’t much depth behind them as Orgeron and Steele would like. Greg Gilmore and Frank Herron struggled last year as redshirt freshmen, and Maquedius Bain is moving to defensive end, where he’ll likely be a starter. Herron and Gilmore could still develop, of course, but that won’t stop the staff from working to add elite talent.

Alexander and Lawrence would not only strengthen LSU’s stranglehold on the home state, but they are players who could come in and make an immediate impact. With Orgeron banging down their doors, it could be hard to say no to the Tigers. LSU has other needs on the defensive end, specifically at linebacker, but locking down the top two prospects in the state is going to be a priority.