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Five commit to LSU at Junior Day
By Jason Dupuy
Another season, another top 10 recruiting class on the way. LSU picked up five solid verbals during Junior Day and begins the 2009 recruiting season on a very positive note. RB Michael Ford, OL Henry Orelus, DT Josh Downs, DE Michael Brockers and CB Janzen Jackson comprise the talented quintet of future Tigers.
Michael Ford, half of the two-headed running back machine of Leesville High, brings the solid runner to the program that was lacking in the last two recruiting classes. The 5’10” and 210 pound burner is projected to be a five-star recruit. LSU had just two five-star recruits in 2008 (one if you omit Deangelo Benton), and to receive a solid verbal from one this early in the recruiting campaign is a positive omen. During his 2006 sophomore season, Ford rushed for 1,334 yards with 18 touchdowns. His 2007 junior year was cut short due to a collarbone injury, but he finished with 468 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
“When you talk about LSU, you are talking about a great school and a great opportunity to have if you go there,” remarked Ford. “The other big thing is that I just wanted to get this off my chest and just move on and enjoy my life. They have a great program. I mean, you are talking about the defending national champions. The fact that they are so close to home and my family can come see me play quite easily was a big factor as well.”
Another Louisiana native, CB Janzen Jackson of Carencro High, is a prized recruit. One of the state’s fastest hurdlers, his most recent 40-yard dash time is 4.41 seconds. He had five interceptions during the 2007 season and, like Ford, is academically qualified. Considered a shut down physical corner in the vein of 2008 five-star recruit Patrick Johnson, he follows four cornerbacks taken in that ‘08 class.
Jackson’s comments on the matter are sure to impress Tiger fans.
“You’re going to have to play against the best anyway, so you might as well play with them than against them,” said Jackson. “I really don’t like playing against trash. I like playing against people that are as good as me, if not better. That is only going to make you better. I feel like I need to play with the best.”
The last Louisiana boy to commit on Junior Day is Bastrop DT Josh Downs, who has been an integral part of Bastrop High’s state title runs the past two seasons. Downs clocks in at 6’2” and 275 pounds and anchored a solid defense that gave up just under 11 points per contest.
LSU didn’t just recruit in-state. OL Henry Orelus and DE Michael Brockers hail from Florida and Texas respectively, and it’s always good to lure talent away from the top programs in those states. After signing just one guard in 2008, locking up Orelus, a talented lineman out of Glades Central High, early is a Godsend. Orelus measures 6’2”and 285 pounds.
“When I went to their camp over the summer they were very welcoming and made me feel like family,” Orelus said. “I think it’s a place where, if I work hard, maybe I can go in early and get some playing time and help the Tigers win.”
Brockers, of Houston, Texas, is an absolute specimen. He stands 6’6” and weighs in at 265 pounds as a junior, and is projected to be a solid four-star defensive end. The future Tiger standout was named to the 20-5A All-District team after his strong season at Chavez High. He looks to be the next in a long lineage of defensive line phenoms at LSU.
The 2009 recruiting season has only just begun, and LSU is well on its way to another remarkable recruiting class. With a start like this and a national championship in his back pocket, Les Miles could very well put together the top class in the nation in 2009.
Originally Published: February 27, 2008