LSU’s latest signing class was met with mixed review. Despite the transition at the top of the program, new head coach Ed Orgeron was able to maintain a Top 10 class and signed 15 four or five-star prospects. But at the same time, LSU managed to miss out on seven of the state’s nine highest-rated prospects, failed to land out of state prospects Cam Akers and Marvin Wilson, and lost six elite in-state prospects to Alabama.

Orgeron’s staff is now dealing with reported issues from local New Orleans coaches after demoting running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and the dismissal of receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Dameyune Craig. Both moves happened immediately after National Signing Day. Juluke has since left the program for Texas Tech.

Soon after the moves, Kansas, believe it or not, landed commitments from 2018 four-star recruits Devonta Jason and Corione Harris from New Orleans high school Landry-Walker. Both players had LSU offers and are among the Tigers top targets for the next recruiting cycle. Their lead LSU recruiters were Juluke and Craig.

Fellow Louisiana natives and 2018 recruits JaMarr Chase, Anthony Williams, Aaron Brule, and Nelson Jenkins have also committed to Kansas.

Then came news from the Commercial Appeal that Memphis receivers coach David Johnson had turned down a move lucrative offer to join Orgeron’s staff at LSU.

“I just think Memphis is the best place for me right now, for me and my family,” Johnson said. “(Memphis head coach) Mike Norvell is the key. ”

Johnson would have been a good fit with the Tigers, the New Orleans native has experience coaching high school and college football in NOLA. In fact, he was Tyrann Mathieu’s high school coach.

While Robinson may have said no to LSU, the Tigers did land New Orleans native Mickey Joseph from Louisiana Tech. Joseph has pledged to mend any and all fences that may have been perceived to be damaged in recent weeks, and given his history with the area, he may be the best man for the job.

However, following the announced coaching additions of Joseph and Tommie Robinson from USC, Robinson was recently named Pac-12 Recruiter of the Year, two elite LSU targets took to Twitter to suggest the Tigers are not currently in their plans.

Four-star quarterback Justin Rogers, No. 11 dual-rated QB in the nation and No. 8 Louisiana prospect according to 247Sports (this tweet has since been deleted):

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Five-star receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., No. 2 WR in the nation and No. 1 Louisiana prospect according to 247Sports (this tweet has also been deleted):

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There’s plenty of time for LSU to bring each and every one of these prospects into the fold by next signing day, but it’s clear the Tigers could be starting the marathon toward 2018 National Signing Day with some better in-state momentum. Orgeron’s claim to fame is his recruiting prowess, now will be the time to prove it as he has a full recruiting cycle to see what he can do at the helm of the state’s flagship program.