Ed Orgeron: LSU has 'big-time advantage' in recruiting

Even though he’s on his way out, Ed Orgeron has already stated he will continue recruiting, coaching and leading his team to the best of his ability through the season. On Thursday, Orgeron spoke on the recruiting advantage LSU has being the only Power Five school in the state.

“It’s a huge advantage. I mean, that’s what makes LSU LSU,” Orgeron said. “There’s some other schools here that are great schools and guys can go to, but we’re the only Power Five school. Now, there’s some guys that come try to poach our players. I’ve spent the last five or six years trying to keep ’em out of here. And for the most part, we’ve done a good job.”

Orgeron conceded LSU hasn’t been able to keep all the in-state players home, but that it’s a testament to the talent in the state.

“You’re not gonna get ’em all,” he said. “It’s very tough because people want Louisiana players. They’re great players. They’re tough. But it is a big-time advantage here.”

Under Orgeron, LSU has recruited at an elite level. Since his first cycle as the head coach, the Tigers have never had below a No. 15-ranked recruiting class. The Tigers have had three top five recruiting classes under Orgeron.

Orgeron has done an excellent job keeping the best in the state home. Among the top in-state recruits Ed Orgeron and his staff have landed include Derek Stingley, Ja’Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall, John Emery, Kayshon Boutte, Maason Smith and Sage Ryan, among others. The staff has also developed lower-rated in-state prospects like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Justin Jefferson in their time at the program.

LSU’s recruiting success under Orgeron culminated in an undefeated national championship season in 2019. That team is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, college football team of all time. Though things have gone down hill for Orgeron and the Tigers since then, it hasn’t been for a lack of talent.

This wasn’t the first time Orgeron has spoken on recruiting since the news that LSU and Orgeron reached a separation agreement. On Monday, while addressing his role in recruiting for the rest of the season, the national championship-winning head coach acknowledged he can’t do anything about the relationship aspect when it comes to recruiting but there’s still a lot LSU has to offer.

“There’s a lot of things that LSU can sell,” Orgeron said. “When you come to LSU, you’re going to get a great education and you’re going to network, none of that’s going to change. You have a chance to play in the SEC, none of that’s going to change. You’re going to come here and compete against some of the best players in the country, so none of that changes.”