LSU football: Grading Tigers 2021 recruiting class

Here are grades for the LSU football recruiting class for the 2021 period at Early National Signing Day, as the Tigers try to get the program back on track.

After dominating en route to the National Championship, LSU football has taken a precipitous step back from last season under head coach Ed Orgeron. But if Coach O knows one thing well, it’s recruiting. So it shouldn’t be surprising that his 2021 class through the early signing period is an elite group.

LSU currently has and is likely to finish with one of the five best 2021 recruiting classes in the country, bringing in two 5-star prospects in addition to 14 players who rank out as 4-stars.

So what do we think of the Tigers class? Let’s dive into the group and hand out a grade for LSU football through the early signing period. Note: All rankings are via the 247 Sports Composite.

Biggest LSU football commit for 2021: Maason Smith, DT

LSU already had a strong 2021 class coming to Baton Rouge but they likely cemented a top-five class with the addition of Maason Smith on National Signing Day. The 5-star defensive tackle is ready to see the field right away and can be a disruptive force in the middle of the defense with the versatility to move into different roles throughout his college career depending on where he’s needed.

Strengths, weaknesses of the 2021 LSU football recruiting class

Given the history in Baton Rouge, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the safety group — two of the top three players at the position — and the wide receiver group are strong in this 2021 class for the Tigers.

While they may look good there, it should be noted that they only have one offensive line recruit entering the fray here. Given recent classes, that’s not a deal-breaker, but it is something worth monitoring on offense.

Diamond in the rough of the 2021 LSU football class: Peyton Todd, P

By the simple fact that Peyton Todd is a punter, he’s going to be an unheralded recruit. Having said that, he’s the top-ranked player at his position in this class. LSU has a long history of great special teams play, especially from the kicking positions. So keeping Todd in-state and landing another stud is a big get for the Tigers.

Where does LSU football rank in the 2021 recruiting cycle?

Despite ranking third among SEC teams, LSU shouldn’t feel too bad about their positioning as Coach O and his staff currently have the No. 4-ranked overall class in the nation.

LSU football recruiting grade: A

Landing Smith on early National Signing Day to bolster a strong class puts the Tigers in a strong spot to get back into the National Championship mix.

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