Collins continues trend of LSU securing top local talent, in this case the best player from the state of Louisiana.
After a phenomenal 2011 in-state class that saw
Kenny Hilliard,
La'El Collins,
Anthony Johnson, and
Jarvis Landry head to Baton Roudge, LSU fans were spoiled last season with the Tigers' local recruiting hall.
The cupboards are certainly not bare for the class of 2012, though it likely won't be as deep as last year.
The cream of this year's Louisiana crop by a wide margain is
Dutchtown (Geismar, La.) safety
Landon Collins, who is the nation's best defensive back according to Tom Lemming.
"I really like him," Lemming said of Collins. "Physically, he looks like an NFL guy already. He's a great playmaker, a difference-maker.
The muscular, 6-foot, 200-pound Collins was on the National Junior of the Year watchlist after leading Dutchtown to an impressive 12-1 record.
In addition to his punishing hits on receivers, Collins also flourishes stopping the run game, as he's a sure-handed tackler who wraps up after initial contact.
He is explosive in blitz packages, and uses his leaping ability to disrupt passes both downfield and in the backfield.
"I don't think there's anybody better than him," Lemming said, likening Collins to 2011 recruit
Karlos Williams, who committed to Florida State University.
Collins doesn't appear to be in any rush to make a decision, but the Tigers, with Les Miles doing a superb job of landing local players, should be high on his list.
Tom Lemming's 2012 Top 100 will be released on Wednesday.
