Scrambling for a quarterback this late in the recruiting cycle was not what the LSU coaching staff had in mind, but that’s where Les Miles and Cam Cameron find themselves.

After the Tigers lost QB Feleipe Franks to Florida, they haven’t managed a next-best option and are currently going after a Rutgers commit, Anthony Russo, and Maryland commit Dwayne Hoskins. Before that, they lost five-star QB Shea Patterson to Ole Miss, likely because of Franks’ commitment.

Yet the Tigers received a boost in the last week when 6-foot-6, 230-pound four-star WR Stephen Sullivan verbally committed to the Tigers over TCU and Mississippi State. The commitment vaulted LSU from No. 6 to No. 2 in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The Tigers could lose both starting offensive tackles. Vadal Alexander played the final game of his LSU career Tuesday night and third-year sophomore LT Jerald Hawkins could leave early for the NFL Draft.

Depth could be a concern at linebacker where LSU will lose starters Lamar Louis and Deion Jones with just one commitment, Ereck Fowler.

LSU, known for its defensive backs, has no shortage in this year’s class with two safeties and two cornerbacks committed, led by five-star CB Savion Smith.

ASSESSING LSU’S 2016 CLASS

Current commits or enrollees: 17 (avg. star 3.76; last year: 3.37)

Current big-name targets: DT Rashard Lawrence, OT Willie Allen, OT Jean Delance, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Lyndell Wilson, LB Keion Joyner

Biggest positions of need: QB, OT, LB

National/SEC rank: 2/1

NOTABLE COMMITS

Name Rting Pos. Hometown
Savion Smith ***** CB Bradenton, Fla.
Eric Monroe ***** S Houston
Edwin Alexander **** DT Hammond, La.
 Stephen Sullivan **** WR Donaldsonville, La.