LSU Tigers

Louisiana's Number One Player Talks LSU's Offensive Changes

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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When a school fires their head coach, you almost always see a pretty significant hit to that team’s recruiting efforts for the upcoming class. The guys that have been targeted by that school and either expressed interest or committed did so in part because of the head coach, so when he is no longer there it can sometimes leave them feeling disconnected.

As the new staff takes over, it is very important for them to make sure that communication with recruits is still there. They need to make sure they keep their targets with the program and on track to join them for the following season. If that is something they are unable to do, the recruiting implications can cause a major bump in the road.

So, when Ed Orgeron took over for Les Miles, he faced a difficult task. Miles was a huge part of the LSU brand, and he needed to convince recruits that this is still where they want to come play their college ball. It is vital to instill in them that not only is the team not falling off, but they are on a path to get even better and have even more success.

Orgeron and his staff appeared to do a pretty good job of that early on, as we didn’t really see the 2017 class spiral out of control. Many of the LSU commits publicly stated their support for the program and did not give any indication of a desire to jump ship.

On the field, one of the biggest things Coach O has been able to do is change the team’s offensive philosophy. He is calling plays and putting players in position to create an effective passing attack, and the field has really opened up as a result. The Tigers are having more success on that side of the ball, and it’s translating to wins.

But, that adjustment also seems to be having recruiting implications, as Louisiana’s top-ranked prospect, four-star receiver Devonta Smith, had some great things to say about the new-look Tigers. LSU receiver coach Dameyune Craig told Smith to stay with it after Les Miles was fired, promising some major offensive changes. Those promises have been met, and that appears to mean a lot to the talented receiver.

The Tigers will need to continue to bring in talent as they look to build the post-Miles era in Baton Rouge, and improving your chances with the state’s number one prospect certainly doesn’t hurt that cause. LSU’s offense is only going to keep getting better, and if that continues to have an impact in recruiting, an already dangerous team becomes even scarier on that front.

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