Recruiting: LSU updates on 2019 defense targets

After our look at the latest on LSU’s recruitment of top talent on offense, it’s time for an update on some 2019 defensive targets on the trail for the Purple & Gold.

Edge prospect Brandon Mack (6-4, 220), a 3 star from Montgomery, Alabama, was offered May 13 by LSU and has since named the Tigers his leader. Pittsburgh, Ole Miss, Louisville and Kentucky are other finalists.

Defensive end Kyvon Thibodeaux (6-5, 235) from West Lake, California is a 5 star prospect with Louisiana ties. USC, LSU, Alabama, Florida State, Oregon and Cal are all jockeying for his signature.

Seminary, Miss. defensive lineman Nathan Pickering (6-4, 286) bears watching. The 4 star talent has Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia and Mississippi State as his favorites.

LSU is trailing in the chase for Houston prep defensive end Marcus Stripling (6-3, 265), who has Florida, Texas A&M and Oklahoma as his top three.

Laurel, Miss. defensive end Bryan Young (6-4, 280) has Alabama as his leader with Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss closing the gap.

Amite’s Ishmael Sopsher (6-4, 315) is the best defensive tackle in country. LSU has closed lately, while Alabama, Florida State and Ole Miss are bunched together as contenders. Sospher is a “must get” for the Tigers.

Jared Harrison (6-4, 275) is another LSU defensive tackle target but located nowhere near their back yard. The Middle Village, New York product has LSU, Penn State and Baylor as favorites.

The cornerback position is headlined by Dunham’s Derek Stingley (6-0, 193), a 5 star talent set to make his official announcement June 20. All arrows point to LSU. He just visited Florida last week and includes Texas as part of a three-horse race. He has formed a great relationship with Corey Raymond and Tommie Robinson.

Other linebackers and defensive backs on LSU’s radar:

LB Donte’ Starks (6-1, 225), 4 star from John Ehret, has LSU as clear leader over Auburn.
LB Daniel Heimuli (6-2, 220), an inside ‘backer from Menio Park, California, has LSU in battle with USC (favorite), Washington, Oregon and UCLA.
LB Ja’Len Sims (6-1, 210) from Birmingham, Alabama appears to be a LSU-Ole Miss dead heat but watch out for Auburn.
LB Christian Harris (6-1, 225) from University Lab has Dave Aranda and Mickey Joseph on the case for LSU, trying to hold off Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.
ILB Kendall McCallum (6-3, 245) out of Oxford, Alabama has LSU as the perceived leader. Ole Miss and Missouri have his attention. In track and field, he throws the shot put and javelin, as well as runs 200 meters.
OLB Ke’ Shun Brown (6-0, 215) from Montgomery, Alabama has Pitt, LSU, Alabama and Florida at the top of his list.
CB Devin Bush (5-11, 190), an Edna Karr product, has made three unofficial visits to LSU. The Tigers are the anticipated leader. Mickey Joseph and Corey Raymond are handling recruiting with Tennessee and Clemson pushing hard.
CB Bobby Wolfe (6-1, 180), 4 star from Houston, may have Texas A&M as the favorite. He knows the DBU history at LSU as a plus, and the Tigers are joined by Oklahoma trying to close. Raymond has made an impression with his diligence.
CB Joey Porter, Jr. (6-2, 185), the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter, is a Wexford, PA product who has LSU, Penn State, West Virginia and Pitt as favorites.
CB Marcus Banks (6-1, 170) out of Houston lists LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas as his preferred options.
CB Ryan Payne (6-1, 195) out of Pleasant Hill, Calif. is currently at Diablo Valley JUCO, and this 3 star talent loves LSU. He could play safety as well.
Safety Trikweze Bridges (6-3, 175), 4 star from Lanett, Alabama, has Florida State, LSU, Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee as top options.
Safety Ishmael Burdine (6-1, 175) at Slidell High recorded 36 tackles with four interceptions last season. He finished an impressive skills demonstration at LSU camp last week. An offer from LSU should be forthcoming but currently Kansas State, Miss. State and Missouri make up his top three.