LSU football recruiting: The 10 highest-rated signees in Tigers modern history
LSU football has long been known as one of the elite programs in college football, producing top-tier talent year after year. With the program’s tradition of excellence, LSU has consistently attracted some of the best high school players in the country, ensuring the team stays competitive within the rigorous Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. The Tigers’ ability to recruit and develop players has been a key factor in their sustained success over the years. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the 10 highest-rated signees in LSU football’s modern history, showcasing the most impactful recruits who have donned the purple and gold.
1. JaMarcus Russell (2003) – Quarterback
JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2003, is arguably the most high-profile signee in LSU football history. As a 6-foot-6, 260-pound quarterback from Mobile, Alabama, Russell had all the physical tools needed to be a game-changing signal-caller. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility made him a highly sought-after prospect. Russell committed to LSU, where he would go on to have a standout career that ultimately led to him being selected first overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Russell’s time at LSU was marked by his powerful arm and ability to make all the throws. He led the Tigers to a national championship game appearance in 2003, although LSU fell short in the final. Regardless, his legacy at LSU remains prominent as he helped set the stage for the program’s success at the quarterback position.
Although his NFL career did not live up to expectations, Russell’s time in Baton Rouge remains unforgettable, making him one of the most significant recruits in LSU football history.
2. Leonard Fournette (2014) – Running Back
Leonard Fournette, a five-star recruit out of New Orleans, Louisiana, arrived at LSU with a great deal of fanfare. Widely regarded as one of the best running back prospects to come out of high school in the past decade, Fournette was a physical marvel with elite speed and power. As the No. 1 recruit in the country in 2014, Fournette was a perfect fit for LSU’s power-run offense and quickly became one of the most dominant running backs in college football.
Fournette wasted no time making an impact at LSU, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his freshman season and establishing himself as one of the most feared runners in the SEC. His sophomore year saw him put together a historic season, rushing for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns, including a memorable 287-yard performance against Ole Miss. Fournette’s time at LSU was brief but electrifying, as he left for the NFL after his junior season, where he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Fournette’s legacy at LSU is cemented as one of the program’s greatest running backs, and his recruiting ranking only added to the already high expectations surrounding his career.
3. Patrick Peterson (2008) – Cornerback
Regarded as one of the most dominant cornerbacks in college football history, Patrick Peterson was a standout recruit in 2008. Peterson, a five-star cornerback from Pompano Beach, Florida, was one of the highest-rated recruits in LSU history, and his combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him an immediate impact player for the Tigers. Peterson was ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the country by most recruiting services and was the second overall recruit in the nation.
In his three years at LSU, Peterson was nothing short of spectacular, earning multiple All-American honors and leading the Tigers’ defense to new heights. Peterson was known for his ability to shut down top receivers, as well as his ability to make plays in the return game. His 2010 season was particularly memorable, as he earned the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top cornerback.
Peterson was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and he went on to have an illustrious NFL career, further enhancing his legacy. His recruitment marked a turning point for LSU in terms of recruiting elite defensive talent.
4. Derrick Stingley Jr. (2019) – Cornerback
Derrick Stingley Jr. was another highly rated cornerback recruit that LSU successfully landed, and his arrival in Baton Rouge was a major win for the Tigers. The No. 1 cornerback in the 2019 recruiting class, Stingley was an immediate contributor in his freshman year, and his performance on the field quickly proved why he was so highly sought after. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back was regarded as a generational talent and an elite playmaker from the moment he set foot on campus.
Stingley played a crucial role in LSU’s national championship run in 2019, earning multiple All-American honors and finishing the season with six interceptions. His ability to shut down top receivers and make critical plays in clutch moments was a testament to his elite skills and understanding of the game.
Stingley’s legacy at LSU will be remembered as one of the best cornerback careers in school history, and he went on to be drafted third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
5. Joe Burrow (2018) – Quarterback
While Joe Burrow was not a high school recruit originally bound for LSU, his decision to transfer to Baton Rouge in 2018 proved to be one of the best moves in LSU football history. Burrow came to LSU as a graduate transfer from Ohio State and quickly turned the Tigers’ offense into an unstoppable juggernaut. In his two seasons at LSU, Burrow went from being an overlooked transfer to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Burrow’s senior season in 2019 was one of the most memorable in college football history, as he led LSU to an undefeated season and a national championship, earning the Heisman Trophy in the process. Burrow’s record-breaking season, including 60 touchdown passes and over 5,600 passing yards, cemented his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Though Burrow wasn’t originally recruited by LSU, his time in Baton Rouge left an indelible mark on the program and forever changed the trajectory of LSU football.
6. Bert Jones (1969) – Quarterback
Before Joe Burrow, there was Bert Jones. The legendary quarterback from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was one of LSU’s earliest highly-ranked recruits. Jones, a 6-foot-3 quarterback, was a highly touted recruit in 1969 and quickly became the face of LSU’s offense. His career at LSU spanned from 1969 to 1972, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history.
Jones led LSU to multiple bowl games and had a stellar career, earning All-American honors and finishing as a top-10 Heisman finalist in 1972. His time at LSU paved the way for future quarterbacks and solidified LSU’s reputation as a top destination for signal-callers.
Jones was drafted by the Baltimore Colts with the second overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft, and he went on to have a successful NFL career. His recruitment helped elevate LSU’s standing as a quarterback powerhouse.
7. Glenn Dorsey (2004) – Defensive Tackle
One of the best defensive linemen in LSU history, Glenn Dorsey was a highly-rated recruit in 2004. A 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle from Louisiana, Dorsey quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. His combination of power, quickness, and football IQ made him an immediate contributor to the LSU defense.
Dorsey’s greatest achievement came in 2007 when he helped lead LSU to a national championship, earning numerous All-American honors along the way. He was a dominant presence on the defensive line and was known for his ability to disrupt the run game and get to the quarterback.
Dorsey’s success at LSU helped him become the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, where he went to the Kansas City Chiefs and had a successful NFL career.
8. Tyronne Mathieu (2010) – Cornerback
Tyronne Mathieu, also known as the “Honey Badger,” was another high-profile recruit who left a lasting impact at LSU. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound cornerback was ranked as one of the top recruits in the 2010 class. His aggressive style of play and incredible ball-hawking abilities made him an instant fan favorite.
Mathieu’s career at LSU was nothing short of spectacular, as he earned multiple All-American honors and helped lead the Tigers to a national championship game appearance in 2011. Known for his ability to make game-changing plays on special teams, in the secondary, and even as a returner, Mathieu became one of the most electrifying players in college football during his time at LSU.
Mathieu went on to have a successful NFL career, becoming one of the top safeties in the league.
9. Kerry Vincent Jr. (2016) – Cornerback
Kerry Vincent Jr., a standout recruit in 2016, was a highly rated cornerback who helped bolster LSU’s secondary. Known for his quickness, agility, and ability to make plays on the ball, Vincent made an immediate impact upon his arrival at LSU. He was a key part of LSU’s defense during his time in Baton Rouge, and his excellent coverage skills and playmaking ability made him one of the best cornerbacks in the country.
Vincent’s time at LSU helped solidify the Tigers as one of the most dangerous defensive teams in the nation, and he was drafted by the NFL as part of his continued success at the collegiate level.
