Benjamin: Tech won in the trenches on NSD
The game of football is won and lost at the line of scrimmage. On offense if you can run the ball consistently it will take pressure off of your quarterback and open up the passing game. It will assist the defense by keeping them off of the field. On the defensive side of the ball if you can stop the run and get after the quarterback your defensive line will help out the back 7 of your defense. What stands out the most to me about this class is that Louisiana Tech loaded up on offensive and defensive linemen this year with Taylor Fondal, Kennedy Madison, Drew Melancon, Josh Outlaw, and Kody Russey on offense and Willie Baker, Keonatye Garner, KaDerrion Mason, and Kalan Ritchie on defense.
The next thing I notice is the size and athleticism of our DBs. Reggie Cleveland (6-0), David Beasley (6-1), L'Jarius Sneed (6-1), Damarion King (6-1), and Dwayne Williams (6-0). Sneed and Beasley could’ve been signed as receivers and nobody would’ve questioned it. These are tall, athletic DBs who can and will catch the ball and score. Cleveland may be a candidate to bulk up and join Eric Kendzior and Devin Hamilton at linebacker.
At the skill positions Tech signed a pair of complementary backs with the power of Ladarrius Thomas and the speed and elusiveness of Israel Tucker. At quarterback Tech lucked out after losing early commit Keondre Wudtee. Tulane’s coaching changed allowed them to nab Jack Abraham whose intangibles are through the roof. The injury history of Jon Randall Belton allowed them to snag a second quarterback with tremendous upside. No receivers in this class but they did add a red zone target in tight end Zach Cousar, a former teammate of Abraham.
I like this class particularly because of what they did with the offensive and defensive linemen. I would’ve liked to have seen a bigger wide receiver and a JUCO linebacker who could start immediately. Perhaps they will address those positions with transfers.
Grade: B+
Most underrated: Josh Outlaw – A low-end 2-Star (5.2) on Rivals that I think starts immediately at guard or right tackle.