LSU currently sits just outside the top 10 of the recruiting rankings as the Tigers have the No. 12 class for the 2018 recruiting cycle following the early signing period. If everything goes according to plan in Baton Rouge this weekend, there’s an excellent chance LSU makes a big jump into the top 10 come National Signing Day.

Why is this weekend so important? The Tigers are set to host four elite prospects, each at a position of need moving forward. Getting them all on campus at the same time is a major coup for LSU and certainly won’t hurt the Tigers’ efforts to land each and every one of them come the first Wednesday in February.

The biggest name on the list for LSU is, of course, five-star Patrick Surtain Jr. The nation’s No. 1 cornerback prospect and the No. 5 overall recruit in the nation according to 247Sports Composite Rankings, Surtain has long been considered a Tiger lean and even named the team his favorite back in October. LSU needs to make a strong impression on the elite defensive back in case he’s having any last minute doubts before signing.

https://twitter.com/SurtainJr/status/950903203683553280

The one position that’s been holding back LSU for years also needs to be addressed, as the Tigers don’t have a quarterback signed for 2018 as of yet. While the program loaded up with two four-star prospects last recruiting cycle, LSU simply can’t afford to look past the position and adding a prospect with the potential of James Foster would be a huge get for Coach O and company.

Rated as the No. 14 dual-threat QB in the nation and the No. 9 overall prospect from Alabama by 247Sports Composite Rankings, the Tigers are currently fighting Alabama, Florida State and Texas A&M for Foster’s services. Being able to add another arm to the competition next fall won’t hurt, and as we’ve seen in recent seasons, more and more true freshmen QBs are making an impact immediately in college football.

Another crucial visitor this weekend will be four-star receiver JaMarr Chase. Orgeron has indicated that another top receiver is expected to join the class, so Chase appears to already be a silent commit but impressing him could be paramount to getting him to sign in February. He’s the No. 4 overall prospect from Louisiana for 2018 and the No. 15 receiver in the nation by 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Last but not least is four-star athlete Mario Goodrich. Built in the mold of Donte Jackson, who just announced he was leaving school early for the NFL, Goodrich could fit on either side of the ball and/or special teams. He’s ranked as the No. 4 athlete in the nation and the No. 110 overall prospect for 2018 by 247Sports Composite.

For LSU to close strong, this likely will be the most important recruiting weekend of the season for the Tigers. Interestingly enough, they didn’t wait until the final weekend before National Signing Day to hold these visits. It will be interesting to see if the strategy pays off but if these recruits were already leaning toward LSU, getting them on campus as soon as possible could prove to be a great tactic.