Coach Brian Kelly is once again looking to lock down the state of Louisiana, this time for the LSU class of 2025. Today, momentum continued to move in a positive direction for the Tigers in the recruitment of elite Louisiana-based running back James Simon.
LSU trending for a second elite class of 2025 Louisiana-based running back
In early January, LSU football landed their running back of the future, as five-star Harlem Berry announced his commitment to the Tigers. However, in an age of running back by committee, it’s not uncommon to see multiple pledges at the position in a class, and the purple and gold may be trending in that direction.
Over the last two cycles, coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers have shown no hesitation when it comes to recruiting Louisiana. In the 2024 cycle, they signed an impressive 17 players from in-state, and with seven already committed in the class of 2025, they’re very much on track to make it happen again.
If this does end up being the case, it could also mean they’ve landed two elite Louisiana-based running backs in the process. Within the top-five in-state recruits, there just so happens to be multiple elite ballcarriers, as four-star James Simon sits at No. 3.
Notably, things are trending in a very positive direction for this to end up happening for LSU. Earlier today, Shea Dixon of On3 released a prediction for the Shreveport, LA, product, expecting him to land with the Tigers in Baton Rouge.
With Simon ranking among the top-200 in the country, this could be a massive land for the program. Standing at 6-foot, 200 pounds, he ranks No. 123 nationally, according to On3, as well as No. 8 among running backs.
Even better, when compared to Harlem Berry, he differs significantly from a playstyle perspective. While Berry is much more of a speed-based running back, Simon almost searches for contact, consistently running over and through defenders.
Along with LSU being a program to watch, Alabama, Miami, Texas and Texas A&M all appear to be making a strong push for the elite class of 2025 running back.
There’s plenty of time until pen hits paper for the 2025 cycle. Still, momentum is very much leaning purple and gold, so this could be a player to keep a close eye on over the coming months.
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