Offense

Bo Wallace is a stud: I’ve given Bo Wallace some flak from time to time regarding his rollercoaster play in 2012. But Wallace is certainly one of the team’s offensive studs, and he didn’t even practice this spring. His backups Barry Brunetti and Maikhail Miller were non-factors over the last two months. Brunetti, the former West Virginia transfer, had an opportunity to put a hint of doubt in Hugh Freeze’s mind about Wallace as the starter, but he didn’t exactly accomplish that feat this spring. Both quarterbacks struggled through 15 practices, and it was disappointing even finding a backup to Wallace. Hopefully Wallace returns 100 percent after his shoulder surgery.

Replacing Randall Mackey: The Rebels have three replacements for the former do-it-all back Randall Mackey, and they have several options to do so. I’Tavius Mathers, Jaylen Walton and Mark Dodson all look like future impact players. Mathers and Dodson specifically look like future stars. Jeff Scott is injury prone, and it was very important for the Rebels to find Scott’s backup. It looks like they found three.

Missing Mosley: The biggest hole on offense could be at tight end with Jamal Mosley’s departure. Arshad Jackson, Evan Engram and Christian Morgan (knee injury) are the three to keep an eye on exiting spring. Tight end isn’t crucial in Hugh Freeze’s offense, but picking up third and shorts without a weapon at tight end will prove to be tough. These three will battle it out during fall camp for playing time, and hopefully one of the three emerges as a player in fall camp.

Defense

The return of the DT: Remember DT Shackelford? Well, he’s missed the last two years recovering from a terrible knee injury, but now, he looks like he’ll be an impact player this fall, which is huge news to a team that needs a vocal defensive leader. Okay, so he may not start, but his presence alone will help younger players develop and help keep them accountable. Good for Shackelford.

Channing Ward hasn’t clicked yet: I really thought this spring we’d see Channing Ward take a giant step forward and develop into the player who’s ready for a major season in 2013. And while he may not have done that this spring, fall bodes well for Ward to be a breakout player as a former five-star blue chip recruit who has loads of potential. Coaches urged Ward to ‘turn it loose’ this spring and become a trusted player this fall. Ward is one to watch.

Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: Oxford, MS
Time: 1:00 PM CT
TV: CSS

What you won’t see: Starting QB Bo Wallace has been out all spring recovering from shoulder surgery, and defensive end CJ Johnson broke his leg early in spring. Wallace’s development would have been so key this spring, and Johnson’s would have been, too. Now, both players will continue rehabbing over the summer to get right to work in fall camp. QBs Barry Brunetti and Maikhail Miller will be running the show in Wallace’s absence.

All banged up: Not only is Wallace and Johnson out for spring, but Donte Moncrief, Aaron Morris, Patrick Junen, Chase Hughes, Korvic Neat and Christian Morgan have all been injured on offense. Morgan’s injury required surgery, but he should be ready for fall camp. Additionally, Isaac Gross, Carlton Martin and Dehendret Collins have all missed time on the defense. Spring is a great time to have the injuries, and let’s just hope this isn’t a continual progression on into the 2013 season.

One player worth watching: Ole Miss made major upgrades to last year’s defensive line with the addition of tackle Lavon Hooks and Robert Nkemdiche, who’s coming in the summer. But returner and former five-star end Channing Ward is one I’m interested in watching. Ward has the make, athleticism and size to be a big-time player for the Rebels, and it’s time he breaks out of his shell. The Ole Miss staff has been pushing Ward all spring to finally turn it on.

One position worth watching: Several have mentioned that returner Jeff Scott could have a dogfight to keep his starting running back job. He’s competing with I’Tavius Mathers, Mark Dodson and Jaylen Walton this spring. And Scott has been injury prone throughout his career, so it’s important that one or two other backs steps up. Mathers looks more than capable, and I look for him to have a big season. But Dodson has been turning heads this spring. This is certainly one position group I’ll keep my eye on Saturday.

Position of concern: Exiting 2012, the one position most concerning is the defensive backs. After cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff left for the Saints’ job, it became even more of an issue. The Rebels finished 11th in pass defense in the SEC, and this position will continue to be under the microscope come fall camp.

Photo Credit: Chuck Cook – USA TODAY Sports

1. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida

Before everyone starts worrying about all the talent Florida loses on the defensive line, just know that Will Muschamp is building an animal in the trenches. And Jonathan Bullard is a massive part of Muschamp’s big-picture plan. Bullard will combine with Dante Fowler to provide bookends for the Gators. The North Carolina native has tremendous upside and showed flashes last season as a freshman despite being overshadowed in overall production by Fowler. Bullard registered 27 tackles and five tackles for loss, and he’s primed for a big year, being thrust into the starting lineup.

2. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

How do you know Landon Collins? Most everyone knows Collins from his Under Armour announcement, picking Alabama and overriding his mom’s desire for him to go to LSU. Just get used to the fact that all Nick Saban does is develop first-round defensive backs. I know Collins is slated behind HaHa Clinton-Dix at safety, but his potential is so great Saban will be forced to put him field in some capacity. Could you imagine a safety-tandem of Clinton-Dix and Collins? Now that’s nasty.

3. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri

The former overall No. 1 player in the country, Dorial Green-Beckham, was hampered in production last season because of such a weak offense. DGB didn’t start really coming into his own as a player until the latter portion of the season, just in time for it to come to an abrupt end without a bowl game. He did register 28 catches for 395 yards and five touchdowns, but that’s not even scratching the surface of his potential. And with a new offensive coordinator and a more productive passing game, DGB should make his mark. He looks like a Baby Lebron running routes.

4. Josh Harvey-Clemons, DB/LB, Georgia

Expectations are soaring for the potential-packed hybrid player Josh Harvey-Clemons. JHC runs like a receiver, has the wherewithal of a safety and hits like a linebacker. There’s a whole lot to like. JHC will hold down Todd Grantham’s Star position and will play some outside linebacker and safety. He’s long and athletic, and his potential is through the roof. I look for JHC to emerge in 2013 in some facet for the Bulldogs’ inexperienced defense.

5. Channing Ward, DE, Ole Miss

All everyone wants to talk about regarding Ole Miss is the blue-chip defensive linemen who will arrive in 2013, but there’s already one on campus who just needs to break out of his shell. Channing Ward is the former top overall player in Mississippi, and he got his feet wet with playing time as a freshman. He played in 12 games, making 21 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, but Ward could be the jelly to fellow end CJ Johnson’s peanut butter. Certainly don’t sleep on Robert Nkemdiche and Lavon Hooks, but Ward has a chance to be just as good as either player.

Photo Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

SEC West

Alabama: C Ryan Kelly
2012 stats: Played in 9 games
Buzz: Ryan Kelly’s rare ink within the media in 2012 centered around whether or not Barrett Jones’ foot would be healthy enough to play against Notre Dame. In the weeks leading up to the national championship, it was Ryan Kelly, not Jones, taking the first-team snaps. Now, all the attention turns to Kelly to replace one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the history of college football. The rising sophomore is a lot like Jones because he’s very versatile, and the Ohio native is looking to become the Tide’s next great center. This spring is crucial for his furthered growth and development, as the Tide loses three starters along the offensive line.

Arkansas: RB Jonathan Williams
2012 stats: 45 carries, 231 yards; 8 rec. for 208 yards, 2 TDs
Buzz: Amidst all the uncertainty at the offensive skill positions, rising sophomore running back Jonathan Williams will be a staple. Both Dennis Johnson and Knile Davis are gone, and the talented running back emerges as the starter this spring. The one player Bret Bielema is known for more than any other is former Wisconsin running back Montee Ball. Ball was talented, but Williams has more talent and a higher ceiling. Bielema brings a toughness to the offense, and he wants to feed his hawse in the backfield. It’s Williams’ time to shine for the Hogs.

Auburn: LB Kris Frost
2012 stats: 5 tackles, 1 QBH, 1 FF
Buzz: The former five-star linebacker Kris Frost looks to replace last year’s MLB Darren Bates. The 6-2, 230-pound Frost has to emerge for the Tigers’ defense. One of Auburn’s biggest worries is the development of the second level on defense, and Frost emerging as a star this spring would bode well for an improved season and position corps in 2013. New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson should work wonders for Frost in his 4-2-5 scheme.

LSU: DE Jermauria Rasco
2012 stats: 10 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 QBH, 1 FF
Buzz: Rising junior defensive end Jermauria Rasco’s time to shine is now. With bookends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, along with primary backup Lavar Edwards, now gone, Rasco looks to become the Tigers’ next star in a long line of strong front-four play in LSU history. Rasco needs to give John Chavis a presence off the edge attacking quarterbacks, and he certainly possesses all the athleticism to do so.

Mississippi State: CB Jamerson Love
2012 stats: 25 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 2 BU, 3 PD
Buzz: The one position group all MSU coaches, players and fans are watching is the secondary. With the loss of corners Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay, coupled with safety Corey Broomfield, candidates must emerge to replace the three this spring. The returner with the most experience is corner Jamerson Love. He racked up 25 tackles and one INT in ‘12, and he should be the one veteran certainty this position group can count on. Love is one of the fastest players on the team.

Ole Miss: DE Channing Ward
2012 stats: 21 tackles, 1.5 TFL
Buzz: Rising sophomore and former five-star Channing Ward possesses all the characteristics of a standout defensive end in the coming years. With CJ Johnson, Ward and talented newcomer Robert Nkemdiche, the Rebels have one of the brightest groups of young ends in the SEC. Ward has a chance to be great, not just good, and taking his game to the next level and developing this spring really bodes well for a much improved defensive line in 2013.

Texas A&M: DE Brandon Alexander
2012 stats: No stats recorded
Buzz: Brandon Alexander is a former top recruit from the ‘11 class, but he couldn’t work himself into the rotation in 2012. Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder needs Alexander to emerge yesterday to replace future NFL star Damontre Moore. The Aggies’ offense is more than capable of putting together a championship run, but the defensive front seven must step up. Alexander could be a key cog to helping Texas A&M’s defense return to championship caliber.

Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Very rarely do offensive linemen and even defensive linemen have much success as freshmen, but skill position players seem to have the quickest crossover from high school to college in terms of immediate impact. But I’m going to go against the grain here, with two defensive linemen who enter into programs starving for impact players at their position.

Here are five freshmen in the SEC West who will be heard from this year:

Quay Evans, DT, Mississippi State

One of the top players in the country on the defensive line was Quay Evans, and he becomes State’s biggest recruit in quite some time. He is a mountain of a young man, and he will be tasked with replacing Fletcher Cox as quickly as possible. That will be a very tough task indeed, but Evans looks to hold his own against opponents’ offensive linemen. He should be the starter alongside senior Josh Boyd. Evans is big, quick and explosive off the football. Once MSU’s staff is able to bridle his raw athletic ability and teach him technique, he will be an All-SEC caliber athlete.

Channing Ward, DE, Ole Miss

Ward became the marquee signee of the 2012 class for the Rebels, and he has potential through the roof. He has the size, speed and athletic ability to see the field from day one, and I look for him to really be an everyday starter for the Rebels before the end of the season. We know how drained this roster and talent level is for the Rebs. Ward will be a dominant end once he figures everything out at this level. But his presence will be felt in year one.

Eddie Williams, WR, Alabama

This was a little bit of a stretch for me because the coaching staff isn’t even sold on Eddie Williams playing receiver. He is the best looking prospect in last year’s class at 6-4, 215lbs, and he can be a big physical receiver or a safety that knocks you into tomorrow. He will likely get his first look on offense because Duron Carter is officially off the Alabama roster. Carter was slated to be one of Alabama’s top receivers, and since his official departure, the position needs more depth and better playmakers. Williams is the freak who can give them that in year one.

Trey Williams, RB, Texas A&M

There are question marks as to how current TAMU running back Christine Michael recovers from his knee injury. Either way, if Michael recovers well or does not, expect to see Trey Williams on the field in year one. Williams is a dynamic athlete and explosive running back from Texas who is too special to keep off the field. He’s drawn comparisons to – gasp – Barry Sanders. Williams gets to top speed in about three steps, with a very quick first step and a burst through the hole to get to the second level in a heartbeat. With a few added pounds of muscle, Williams will be an impact player as long as he’s suiting up for the Aggies.

TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama

I was quite hesitant about adding TJ Yeldon to this list as a impact player in year one, but he very well could be. Yeldon was an early enrollee who showed up very well at A-Day this spring. While others looked to be running off four to six cylinders, Yeldon had eight cylinders pumping in another gear. He’s physically ready at 6-2, 216lbs. He carried the ball 16 times for 88 yards and caught five passes for a game-high 91 yards. Nick Saban is very high on Yeldon. With starter Eddie Lacy returning from a toe injury in the spring, there are some question marks to his health. Yeldon could be the best running back on the roster in year one, but time will tell as to whether he will pick up the offense quick enough to play several snaps or just a few packages.

Defensively, the Rebels were young, and it showed.  Ole Miss ranked 90^th in the nation in total defense, and even though only a few guys leave, they still need more help.  The biggest losses to this defense come up front with the graduation of DE Kentrell Lockett, DT Justin Smith, and DE Wayne Dorsey.  All of these players led the defense in some capacity, and it is difficult to replace depth up front.  Safety Damien Jackson also was a senior, and he was third on the team in tackles.  All in all, the Rebels return a lot of experience next year, and they can hope that some young guys provide a needed spark in Coach Hugh Freeze’s first season.

Needs Met: Needs are met for the short term.  Offensively the Rebels needed some help up front, and they signed four offensive linemen.  However, three out of the four guys signed are JUCO transfers.  I think most will agree that Darone Bailey, Ben Still, or Pierce Burton will play next year, but they will not be on campus for that long.  The Rebels did fill some huge needs in the backfield by signing three quality backs.  I think Kenno Loyal at FB is going to be a load, and I look for RB I’Tavius Mathers to be a nice compliment to starter Jeff Scott next year.  Again, Ole Miss looked to the JUCO ranks to sure up QB help by signing Bo Wallace, and I think he could compete for the starting job in 2012.  The Rebs rounded out their class by signing a couple of receivers, but with the guys already on campus, I look for them to redshirt.

Defensively Ole Miss managed to keep DE Channing Ward in-state, and he is easily the best player in this class.  Look for Ward to come in and play immediately over the other three defensive linemen brought in.  The Rebs signed a couple of defensive backs, and most look for JUCO CB Dehendret Collins to come in and play immediately.  However, Safety Trae Elston is a bit of a sleeper prospect from the state of Alabama.  Elston has huge upside, and I would not be surprised to see him push for playing time next year.

Biggest Get: Channing Ward.  The teams in Mississippi have struggled to keep the top talent in-state, and Ward was a huge get for Hugh Freeze and his staff.

Biggest Miss: Anthony Alford.  The Rebels need a long term solution at QB, and they let Southern Miss get this guy.  That was a shock to say the least.

Final Evaluation: Ole Miss signed 17 players, but five of the 17 are JUCO guys that are only short term solutions.  While some teams have success doing this, the coaches are already having to recruit the JUCO replacements.  Also, outside of Channing Ward, there are not a lot of sure bets in this recruiting class.  Ole Miss fans better hope for a lot of sleepers in this class.

Final Grade:  C

The Under Armour All-America Game did not provide a whole lot of excitement on the field, but for SEC fans, it provided intrigue all night.  The first two recruits to make an announcement chose not to stay in the Southeastern Conference, but from that point on it was all SEC.  We’re going to take a look at all six recruits, where they are going, and what it means for the SEC teams involved.

Lucas Thompson (S) – As we thought, Thompson had not visited Miami or South Carolina, so I figured that he would pick East Carolina.  If he stays committed to East Carolina, he could be the biggest recruit in a while to pick the Pirates.  However, Thompson is still planning to give an official visit to Miami and South Carolina, so East Carolina still has a little more work to do to make sure they hang on to the gem of their class.

Wes Brown (RB) – Even though Brown was considering multiple schools, as is the case so many times in recruiting, mama called and he chose to stay home and play for the Maryland Terrapins.  Unfortunately for Vanderbilt, staying home was more appealing to Brown than playing in the SEC.

Channing Ward (DE) – After the dismal season that the Rebels had last year, Ole Miss needs help all over the field.  Not only is Channing Ward probably the biggest recruit in the Rebels’ 2012 class so far, he is a huge get for first-year head coach Hugh Freeze.  Expect Ward to come in and have an immediate impact as a true freshman and he should play early and often starting day one.

Chaz Elder (S) – Well, as many predicted, Elder snubbed the in-state Bulldogs to join the South Carolina recruiting class.  Elder immediately becomes the best defensive back of the Gamecocks’ recruits. It seems the Gamecocks’ recent success on the field is turning into great recruiting success off the field.  Unfortunately for the Dawgs, Elder continues the recent trend of big-time in-state prospects leaving the state of Georgia.

Cyrus Jones (ATH) – In the case of Cyrus Jones, distance was not a factor at all.  Alabama has yet to replace Julio Jones this year, and they are losing Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze.  Jones is a huge pickup for the Tide, and if he can come in and be consistent, he may see the field quick in Tuscaloosa.  Jones, along with Amari Cooper, gave Alabama fans a peek into the future of their offense during the Under Armour game.

Landon Collins (S) – It seems that the two women in Landon Collins’ life will have a tough time the next month battling out where he attends school.  It has been well-documented that Collins’ girlfriend is an Alabama fan and she will attend there in the fall, but clearly his mother wants him to attend LSU.  Collins is a perfect fit for both defenses, but at this point, even with the verbal commitment, it’s not clear at all if Collins will attend LSU or Alabama.  Tell us where you think Collins will end up.

As discussed in this article, there are some big announcements today from future SEC football players. I want to highlight 4 of them that are announcing during the Under Armour Game. They are shown in the image above. DirectSnap.com has live streams for real-time updates on each of these recruits. Here are links to their pages:

Landon Collins - Choosing between Alabama & LSU

Cyrus Jones - Choosing between Alabama, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State

Channing Ward - Choosing between Alabama, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss

Chaz Elder - Choosing between Georgia, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt

Even though no big-time bowl game is on Thursday night, the Under Armour All-American game will provide us with good football, and a look at our future teams.  The game also provides us with some suspense because six high-profile recruits will make verbal commitments during the game, and all six have SEC teams in their list of finalists.

Landon Collins – Everyone knows about the National Championship battle between LSU and Alabama next Monday, but the two teams have been battling fiercely off the field for this five star Safety.  Collins is a Louisiana native, and if Saban can pull him out of the Bayou, he might be the biggest recruit to leave the state since Joe McKnight left for USC.

Chaz Elder – Chaz Elder is another big time Safety, but he is out of the state of Georgia.  Elder is choosing between UGA, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt.  Some are predicting Elder to leave the Peach State, and if he does, Richt needs to put up a wall to keep other guys from leaving.

Channing Ward – Ward is a big time DE that hails from the Magnolia State.  Ward is the number one prospect in Mississippi, and he will be deciding between Alabama, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.  It will be interesting to see if Mullen or Freeze can keep Ward in-state.

Cyrus Jones – The Maryland native has narrowed his list of schools to Alabama and Virginia Tech.  Jones was listed as an Athlete, but it has been highly documented that he wants to play receiver.  Both teams need big time playmakers, and both are perennial powerhouses in their respective conferences.  There is some buzz that he may go to Alabama, but Blacksburg is a lot closer to home than Tuscaloosa.

Lucas Thompson – Thompson is the third Safety that will make a verbal commitment during the game.  Thompson is from Winter Garden, FL, and he is considering East Carolina, Miami, and South Carolina.  The only school of those three that he has visited officially is East Carolina, so it’s hard to think he will be playing anywhere but there.

Wes Brown – The only other offensive player announcing tomorrow is also from Maryland.  Brown is a four star RB that is considering two SEC schools (Florida and Vanderbilt) among others.  The consensus view is that he stays in-state.  However, for all that have followed recruiting for any length of time, it is impressive to see the job that James Franklin is doing at Vanderbilt.  Vandy has never even been on the radar of some of these big-time recruits, but Franklin has gotten the Commodores into a finalist position for two of the six on this list.  I don’t really think he will get either guy, but things are changing in Nashville.

Let us know where you think these players will end up, and after the game, we will follow up on the impact of their decisions.

You can follow live updates on the announcements and the Under Armour Game throughout the day and tonight at DirectSnap.com

B, let’ talk about the gifts Santa’s elves have already delivered to LSU and who might be showing up in the stockings at the recruiting bash.

Who is still on the wish list for LSU? Any chance to see them in purple and gold next year?

LSU is currently sitting on 21 commitments, so they are going to be very picky on who gets the next four spots.

1. Landon Collins is on top of LSU’s wish list and he will probably not decide until signing day. I would say he is 75% to LSU right now. His family wants him to go to LSU, but his girlfriend is going to Bama and he might not be thinking with the head on his shoulders.

2. Lorenzo Phillips - LB from Patterson should commit soon.

3. Jeremy Hill - RB from Redemptorist has said he will sign with LSU…..as long as his legal issues have been resolved.

4. QB Gunner Kiel is still a possibility. Contrary to reports, this will actually be a fight between Vandy and LSU. Distance is a factor and his Papa Kiel went to Notre Dame. But, his family is not high on the Irish coaching staff. Actually, the family is very high on the LSU staff and if Miles and company were in South Bend, Gunner would already be committed to the Irish. Anyway, everyone knows the Irish are about a decade and new coach away from being a national championship contender. Miles always has an ace in the hole on signing day, so expect a commitment from someone that the experts say we should not get (Anthony Alford or Channing Ward are also two other possibilities).

Which prospects are ready to go, batteries included and should make an immediate contribution like the Honey Badger or Freak Johnson?

With the talent in the last 2 classes, it looks like the 2012 freshmen will have an uphill battle.

But, the one guy I am looking at it is DE Torshiro Davis. He is a fierce pass rusher and could move into Ken Adams spot in the 2 deep. The only hope is that LSU can hold on to him. He has said that he wants to play early and says that the depth LSU has long the defensive line is a concern for him (and the other coaches in the SEC). Imagine, Barkevious and Torshiro sacking the QB. There is no way Verne Lundquist gets both those names right in one sentence.

Who are some players, that with some assembly required, could come in and make an immediate difference such as Odell Beckham?

Kavahra Holmes and Avery Johnson will both get big opportunities if Rueben Randle goes pro as expected. Holmes is probably the fastest player in the state and who can argue with Johnson’s blood line (PP7′s little brother). My sleeper is LB Lamar Louis, he just reminds me of former Rebel and current San Francisco LB, Patrick Willis…in purple and gold of course.

There were some players from last year’s class that weren’t the shiniest of the bunch, but still were fun to watch. Guys like Jarvis Landry on special teams and Jemauria Rasco on the DL. Who are some of the current Tigers and prospects that could work their way into the two-deep next year?

If Josh Dworaczyk does not get another year from the NCAA, Trai Turner or Corey White could start at guard. Look for La’El Collins to step into the starting line-up as well.

The recent OL talent that LSU has attracted (Austin, Collins, Turner & White) is just impressive. All are big, physical men who fit our offense style that will make our ground game even better next year. Elliot Porter will also move into the back-up center role behind Lonergan. Zach Mettenberger will be the starter at QB next year but look out for Jerrard Randall. He will be situational for us, but wow, he is lightening quick.

About last year’s class, any broken parts yet? Guys who should’ve been competing, but aren’t?

There are unconfirmed reports that Trevon Randle was released from the team this week. Miles rarely speaks about players who have left the team, so we will probably never get the whole story. Inside sources say he had an attitude about being red shirted and constantly broke minor team rules that when added up, Miles had no choice but to remove Randle from the team.

Where do you think this class will rank?

LSU is currently ranked 5th in Rivals class ranking. I think we end up third, behind only Texas and Bama.

*B BRUBECK – This lifelong Tiger fan was born and raised in the Deep South and is married with 2 future Tiger girls. If his house caught on fire, the first thing he would grab would be his LSU football tickets. Like their father, his children also have deep hatred for all things not purple and gold. A dedicated Tiger fan, B, has immersed himself in Tiger lore and boasts a wardrobe and Tiger den that would make most fans envious. In addition to being a season ticket holder and Traveling Tiger, he will be also be attending his 8th consecutive LSU recruiting bash this February.