Gary Laney

  (1:58 PM)

One thing I've been amazed with, in regards to LSU football, is how there always seems to be something to talk about. Doesn't matter that April is about to turn to May, it seems like there is a lot of LSU news to talk about. So let's get started.

Gary Laney

  (1:59 PM)

And I know links don't work here, but if you paste this in your browser -- http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/lsu/post?id=9182 -- you'll see my latest LSU 10. Did I get it right? Who's your No. 1 player on the team right now? Would you have included Hill?

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Out of all the LSU Tigers that got selected in the 2013 NFL Draft,who do you think will be the best in the NFL?

Gary Laney

  (2:01 PM)

I'm thinking Eric Reid. Love the fit in San Francisco and he can make a quick impact on what's already a good, young team. I can see him doing well for a long time there.

Virginia (Charlotte)

Gary,I am ready to kick Jeremy Hill to the curb for good. I do not care what someone may have said to him. He is a timebomb and lord knows we have had enough of those. Who is coming in as a freshman that could shore up the running game?

Gary Laney

  (2:03 PM)

Unfortunately for LSU, it did not sign a single running back in the 2013 class. The thought process was to leave the position open for the 2014 class, led by Leonard Fournette. But now with a numbers issue at the position, I'm wondering if LSU wishes it would have taken Adam Taylor, the running back out of Katy, Texas who was interested in LSU -- really tried to commit -- but LSU backed off on him. He wound up signing with Nebraska.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Good afternoon Gary,Let's play a hypothetical game. Say LSU loses Hill for the remainder of the season, who are the remaining RBs? Anyone incoming freshmen that may switch to RB?

Gary Laney

  (2:04 PM)

LSU would have three scholarship running backs: Kenny Hillard, Alfred Blue and Terrence Magee. The best candidate to be switched to RB out of the freshman class is Jeryl Brazil, who was a high school QB who was really good running with the ball.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

With the off the field troubles that have occurred lately, will Ricky Jefferson even get a chance at LSU?

Gary Laney

  (2:05 PM)

Jefferson was a sideline guest at the spring game, so I figure he's still in good standing with LSU as of now.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Has there been any further word on the status of Leslie? Is he set to be an eligible Tiger this summer?

Gary Laney

  (2:07 PM)

The last I spoke with people around Leslie was a few weeks ago. He was doing well in school and was on course to finish the semester well and graduate. The class giving him the most trouble is college algebra (I'm sure many can relate). But he was passing the course. Now, it's a matter of waiting until the spring semester is over and seeing if he passed and graduated. If he does, he'll be 100 percent eligible. If not? Then I guess summer school would be next.

coolranch1 (Houston)

The suspension of Jeremy Hill is very disheartening, I was really looking forward to watching him flourish as a fulltime starter.. That being said, if LSU does have to go without Hill for a portion or possibly the entire 2013 season, the backs still on the roster seem more than capable of carrying the load. Thoughts?Also, Do you think this makes it more likely that the coaches put Jeryl Brazil at running back to start his LSU career? Personally I would love to see him as a DB more so than a RB..?

Gary Laney

  (2:09 PM)

There are those who like Brazil more on offense than CB, where he looks like a natural at first blush, but some feel he might lack the instincts of an elite corner. These folks feel like, on the other hand, his instincts with the ball in his hands are fantastic, so he needs to be on offense. I would be opposed to "starting" Brazil at RB simply to fill the short-term need. If Brazil's future is at DB, he should play DB and find another solution for your fourth RB.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

What would the offseason be at LSU without some off the field drama? Will Jeremy Hill join Tyrann Mathieu as the latest superstar talent Les Miles will have to permanently cut ties with?

Gary Laney

  (2:11 PM)

It's getting close to that, Tony. LSU did not have to take him after his legal issues in high school. He had to be on a short leash. This has become an issue for LSU -- welcome to the SEC, right? -- and there will be some scrutiny on how LSU deals with Hill.

Jais (ATL)

So what's the deal with bar fights and LSU football players? Geez, this movie is getting old.

Gary Laney

  (2:13 PM)

Indeed. Of course, old timers will tell you "that's nothing compared to what we did" back in the 50s-70s. But back then, there were no smart phones, social media, etc. Discretion is a big part of the equation now. This isn't the wild west any more. If you get into a bar fight, it's a matter of minutes before social media lets everybody in the world know about it. Didn't these guys get that memo?

Jim (NELA)

What is wrong with the youth these days to keep risk losing so much by continually getting in trouble?

Gary Laney

  (2:15 PM)

I'm no sociologist, but there is that part of me that thinks that they think it'll be taken care of. We've had several bar fights and at least two recent cases of a recruit and a departing player getting in trouble with police on the street -- not for doing anything terrible, but just for the interaction with the officer. That's a troubling trend.

Ivan (San Francisco)

What is your thought on LSU power house Cardinals?

Gary Laney

  (2:17 PM)

The Cardinals were smart to pick up defensive guys from LSU, right? I love that Mathieu will play with Peterson, who's sort of the anti-Mathieu. Peterson was always the straight arrow who did everything right on and off the field and he has a big brother relationship with Tyrann. That could work well.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Out of all the players that left early, how many were either drafted or signed as free agents?

Gary Laney

  (2:20 PM)

All 11. 8 were drafted, 3 signed as free agents. I'd say the ones who really were hurt by leaving early were Ford and Faulk, but both have free agent deals.

Sean (Crappy Alabama)

Who do you think wears #7 in the secondary this year?

Gary Laney

  (2:21 PM)

Wow. Haven't really thought about it. If Loston continues to have a solid summer, I think he might earn it through persistence. He's had injuries and he keeps hanging in there and now he may have a break-out year. That also makes him potential No. 18 material.

Jim (NELA)

Do you see Cam using any special packages this year to get Jennings on the field?

Gary Laney

  (2:23 PM)

Yes. It's been discussed. I think LSU likes the idea of a mobile QB in the spread option because the matchups it creates. Cameron, as a passing guy, understands what it does to coverages. If you have a talented slot receiver -- and LSU has two potential talented slot guys in Landry and Beckham -- then having a mobile guy who's a threat to run tends to get that guy isolated 1-on-1 with a safety in coverage. It's the reason why LSU recruits safeties who can cover. That's a matchup that everybody is trying to exploit these days.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Who wasn't drafted that you felt should have been drafted?

Gary Laney

  (2:24 PM)

LSU had a good draft. I like Ford's skill set and was a little surprised somebody didn't take him, but I won't go so far as to say he should have been drafted.

Ben (Richmond, KY)

Who were you most surprised to see go undrafted? Faulk was a projected 1st rounder before his injury (wish the Saints would have taken him in a late round); Ford had a phenomenal workout at the combine, I thought for sure some team would fall in love with his skills; and Wing was rated by nearly every service as the top punter.

Gary Laney

  (2:26 PM)

Sort of repeat question, but I'll elaborate on your specific asks. Faulk never looked "right" to me. I don't think he was healthy enough. I agree on Ford. I don't think it matters much for a punter like Wing. Kicker/punters aren't usually draft guys. I know another punter (at least 1) was picked, but I think Wing was in better position not being picked so he could negotiate to the team with the biggest need.

Les Miles (Baton Rouge, LA)

Hey Gary, do you think Leonard Fournette can reclassify like they do in basketball, and suit up for me this fall? :)

Gary Laney

  (2:27 PM)

If that were true, first play of the Cam Cameron OC era would be toss lead up the middle with the freshman running back ... and it would be a good call.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

How much did Tharold Simon's brush with law impact his draft stock?

Gary Laney

  (2:29 PM)

Not the least bit at first blush. The third-round talk I heard early on sounded overly optimistic. He looked like a mid-late round guy and he went in the fifth round. Sounds about right. Now, would he have gone higher had he not been arrested? I can't say that with confidence.

Scott (Los Angeles)

I think I brought up off-field issues last chat and what they can do to curb them. Well, after Hill's arrest I now put the blame on the coaches. To some degree it's the players' own choices, but three years in a row of some sort of arrest/suspension shows the coaches aren't making any impressions. It's gone from inconvenient to embarrassing. How hard is it to convince these players that nothing that happens off the field or campus is worth endangering their eligibility and possible career?

Gary Laney

  (2:31 PM)

I tend to agree. I've always been of the opinion that any one action is accountable to the individual involved but trends are accountable to culture and leadership. Jeremy Hill's arrest, if the charges prove true, would be Jeremy Hill's fault. But several off-field issues in relatively short order reflect leadership and team culture which starts with coaches.

Anthony (Tampa, FL)

Do you see any chance of Hill getting reinstated onto the team before the start of the season if found not guilty?

Gary Laney

  (2:32 PM)

If he's cleared of charges, he'll be reinstated faster than the judge can bang his gavel.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

How much do you think Sam Montgomery's comments hurt him in the draft? Looking at his production and numbers, he far exceeded those of Mingo yet...

Gary Laney

  (2:35 PM)

I think it hurt him a little. You're right about his production but he's a guy whose production allowed you to overlook some apparent flaws. He's not the quickest guy off the ball, for example (though he's hardly slow). I think his words allowed the focus to move from what he does well to what his flaws were. If he were a 100-percent, can't-miss, slam-dunk (Clowney-like), he could have said he tends to drift off to sleep just before the snap and he still would have not been hurt.

Ivan (San Francisco)

With so many LSU players in NFL, its will getting harder to keep up with all of them. I hope they leave a mark in the league. Which NFL team with LSU players do you think will be among the best next year?

Gary Laney

  (2:36 PM)

You're wanting me to say Niners now that Eric Reid is their No. 1 pick, don't you Ivan from San Francisco? And yeah, the Niners are my answer. Super Bowl team. Young. I'm hoping Lattimore can get healthy in a year or two, so when the tread on Frank Gore's tires wear out, he'll be ready to step in.

Kevin (Houston)

I know there have been a lot Hill questions but I don't think anyone has straight up asked you if you think he'll be on the team come fall?

Gary Laney

  (2:38 PM)

My gut says yes. From what I can see, he punched a guy in a bar fight. I think there may be penance for this -- even in light of past transgressions -- that likely won't involve permanent dismissal. The key is getting to quick resolution so he can get to whatever penance that is.

Anthony (Tampa, FL)

Are there any top recruits close to committing right now?

Gary Laney

  (2:40 PM)

Don't know if you call him a "top" recruit, but I think defensive end Deondre Clark has to be close. So is tight end Anthony Jones. Right now, it seems like the top guys on LSU's board are wanting to go through the process, take visits, etc. I can't think of an ESPN 150 guy who I expect to commit before summer.

Ivan (San Francisco)

Do you feel there is a drop off in LSU special teams in 2012 after McGaughey replaced Joe Robinson?

Gary Laney

  (2:42 PM)

I thought LSU continued to be dominant in special teams. Remember, McGaughey was the guy in charge in 2011 and that was one of the great special teams seasons in LSU history, wasn't it?

Scott (Los Angeles)

I saw you think Loston is No. 18 material. I think they will give it to Anthony Johnson. But is 7 becoming a secondary prize, literally? Matheiu wanted it because of PP, but there's no lineage before that is there?

Gary Laney

  (2:43 PM)

The importance of "7" only goes back to Peterson. You are correct. Could be Mills too, right? I like Mills at corner and "7" has gone to cornerbacks up to now. Another potential 18 could be Barrow. Or Blue coming off the injury. Lots of guys.

Mike the Tiger (BR)

Who hasn't gotten into a fight or some sort of troubles at Reggie's? No biggie, next story.

Gary Laney

  (2:45 PM)

Isn't that why Reggie's is there? For LSU students to get into fights? But Mike, here's the question: How many of these guys are on probation?

Sean (Crappy Alabama)

I feel like a lot of people are counting LSU out this year because of all the players we lost. Yet I see all the players coming in and the existing players we have, and I think we could be dangerous.... What do you think ?

Gary Laney

  (2:45 PM)

Discounting LSU is a bad idea because the consistency of talent LSU attracts and its track record in getting young talent prepared to play quickly.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Of this upcoming year's juniors and seniors, who looks like a potential first round draft pick?

Gary Laney

  (2:46 PM)

Johnson, Collins, possibly Barrow (might be a reach). Hill if he comes back, stays out of trouble and has a big year.

Ben (Richmond, KY)

I heard a rumor that LSU is in discussions with Wisconsin about playing a game at Lambeau Field for the 2014 season. I really like the idea and hope it happens, but they say it's unlikely if the SEC switches to a 9 conference game schedule. Have you heard anything lately on the possibility of playing 9 conference games in the future?

Gary Laney

  (2:48 PM)

It's been reported, so it's not just a rumor. LSU does like a big early game to help create urgency in August preps. LSU was a really focused team early in 2011 because the opener against Oregon. It's part of the reason you see TCU on the schedule this year. The 9-game schedule will be discussed at the SEC spring meetings next month. I wouldn't say it's likely, but it'll be a key discussion.

Ivan (San Francisco)

I think next upgrade to LSU football facilities is sports bar with extra security, which will be the only authorized option if players want to go to bars :)

Gary Laney

  (2:49 PM)

Nothing could possibly go wrong with that idea... :)

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

After the spring game, did any recruits move LSU to the top of their board?

Gary Laney

  (2:51 PM)

I think LSU left that weekend in very good shape with ILB Clifton Garrett, who raved on LSU after coming in for the spring game weekend. I don't know if he has called LSU his leader, but it just looks like he's loving some LSU right now.

treyTrey (Florida) [via mobile]

Is lsu on the outside looking in for jebrill peppers now?

Gary Laney

  (2:52 PM)

I'd say yes. He didn't get blown away from Baton Rouge and left still a Michigan lean, best I can tell. LSU is probably unlikely for him.

Michael (Picayune)

Is bama in the lead for Cam robison?

Gary Laney

  (2:55 PM)

It's close right now. LSU offered Ronnie Clark, an Alabama ESPN 150 safety who is originally from Robinson's home town of Monroe and knows Robinson well. Recent LSU commit Garrett Brumfield is friends with Robinson. Those things help LSU. I think the depth of quality in Louisiana will help LSU with in-state prospects. The more Louisiana guys continue to commit to LSU, the more their peers may want to be part of it too.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

After seeing the spring game, where do you think LSU SHOULD (not will) be ranked in the preseason?

Gary Laney

  (2:57 PM)

Somewhere between 10-15, I'd say. I think LSU is potentially better than that, but there are two issues: 1. Schedule, and 2. There is talent that needs to prove it. For example, I think LSU has a dominant end, maybe 2, on its roster. But somebody is going to have to prove it on Saturdays because I give the Tigers credit for having one.

Jim (NELA)

How much better will the offense have to be this year to help compensate for all of the lost players on defense?

Gary Laney

  (2:59 PM)

Significantly better. I think the big-picture strategy might be tweaked. In recent seasons, the apporach has been to play defense and field position, meaning the offense might be conservative. This year, the tendency might be to be aggressive offensively, especially early. That's a significant burden for the offense to have to carry.

Gary Laney

  (2:59 PM)

Significantly better. I think the big-picture strategy might be tweaked. In recent seasons, the apporach has been to play defense and field position, meaning the offense might be conservative. This year, the tendency might be to be aggressive offensively, especially early. That's a significant burden for the offense to have to carry.

Michael (Picayune)

Do you think lamin, anthony johnson, lofton and ego will be high draft picks this next year?

Gary Laney

  (3:00 PM)

Loston, you mean. I think the last two have work to do on their stock. The first two I think have a great chance.

Henry (Montgomery, AL)

Has anyone gauged where LSU sits on Dylan Moses board? Never too early right?

Gary Laney

  (3:01 PM)

He's already committed to LSU .... at least LSU's on-campus high school, University Lab. Dad's a fan, I think. That gives LSU a nice edge.

Michael (Picayune)

How is LSU looking with Hootie Jones?

Gary Laney

  (3:02 PM)

Work to do. Alabama is still there with them. Right now, rule of thumb is that LSU has work to do with Monroe guys and, with some exception, is in pretty good shape with I-10 guys.

Dave (Lagos, Nigeria)

What are your thoughts on Mickey Johnson getting more playing time and in the mix at DT with AJ and Ego

Gary Laney

  (3:03 PM)

Work to do. Lots of quality freshmen will be pushing Mickey and Quentin Thomas for a spot on the 2-deep. But Johnson had a solid spring. He has some physical limits -- he is simply short and not very long -- but Mickey's solid.

Rob (Texas)

Could LSU's class of 2014 could be best recruting class ever at LSU?

Gary Laney

  (3:03 PM)

If they get most of the top guys on the board within 200 miles of campus, it would definitely be in the discussion.

Michael (Picayune)

If Zach has a stellar year could he be a first rounder?

Gary Laney

  (3:04 PM)

He'll be a draft guy I suspect. A first-rounder? That would take a lot of work, especially with the NFL trending even more toward mobile QBs.

Gary Laney

  (3:04 PM)

He'll be a draft guy I suspect. A first-rounder? That would take a lot of work, especially with the NFL trending even more toward mobile QBs.

Glen (New Orleans)

Do you think Cam Cameron will allow a RB to have a season like Charles Scott had? We never give our backs a chance to gain 1,000 yards and I think in the end it always hurts us.

Gary Laney

  (3:05 PM)

Glen, you are forgetting Ridley, who dominated the carries in his one season as starter and put up big numbers. I think if Hill is cleared, he'll start the year as the featured back and will remain that unless he gets banged up or is ineffective.

Gary Laney

  (3:07 PM)

Guys. Great chat, but running late. There are some leftover questions I'll get to in Friday's mailbag. If you have any more questions, email me at @glaneyespn@gmail.com or tweet me your question at @glaneyespn and I'll get them into Friday's mailbags. And I'll be back, same time same place next Tuesday!