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The newly ignited recruiting war between LSU and Alabama has taken another turn, this one detrimental to the Tigers.
Four-star quarterback Myles Brennan, an LSU commit since late April, withdrew his pledge in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. Brennan, the No. 10 pro-style quarterback in this year’s recruiting class, was set to fill a huge position of need for the Tigers.
https://twitter.com/mylesbrennan12/status/804033511858569221
Since his commitment, Brennan was believed to be the answer at a position of worry for LSU. But his status as the Tigers’ quarterback of the future was thrown into question Tuesday night when LSU extended an offer to Alabama commit Tua Tagovailoa, rated as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback for 2017.
Brennan, then one of two quarterback commits in the Tigers’ class, tweeted a cryptic message regarding the surprise offer to Tagovailoa. He received an offer from Oklahoma State shortly afterward, and now his recruitment is wide open once more.
Brennan’s father told Ross Dellenger of The Advocate that the Tagovailoa offer prompted more than just Oklahoma State to reach out to the pro-style quarterback.
Myles Brennan's father says that after #LSU offered Tua Tagovailoa yesterday calls poured in from OK State, Wisconsin, Ole Miss, Cal, etc.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 30, 2016
LSU’s move on Tagovailoa is likely a part of coach Ed Orgeron’s promotion to full-time head coach. In a meeting with university officials last week, Orgeron stressed hiring a proven offensive coordinator that could retool the offense into a spread attack.
The assumed target for that position is Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who has coached with Orgeron at a few stops in the past. 247Sports lists Kiffin as one of Tagovailoa’s recruiters, and it appears Orgeron is trying to poach both coordinator and quarterback from rival Alabama for his new vision in Baton Rouge.
During his introductory news conference last Saturday, Orgeron touched on his plans for the offense moving forward, which outlines “the transition” Brennan mentioned in his tweet.
Direct quote from Ed Orgeron about his offense and the QBs he wants at LSU – Lane Kiffin and Tua Tagovailoa fit the bill: pic.twitter.com/EN0sx6Ej2E
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) November 29, 2016
It sure sounds like Kiffin and Tagovailoa fit the bill. But that change of direction may cost Orgeron one of his highest-rated recruits at a position of need.
UPDATE: According to Dellenger, Brennan’s father has indicated his son has yet to officially decommitment from LSU, despite his Twitter statement strongly suggesting otherwise…
Myles Brennan's dad, Owen, says he read over his son's statement this AM. Says it is not a de-commit. Again, will visit others, though. #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 30, 2016
Brennan himself tweeted this out later in the evening:
https://twitter.com/mylesbrennan12/status/804095448797630464
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
