Tiger Rag Dirty Dozen

Unveiling Tiger Rag’s Top 12 Louisiana Prospects for 2009; Second Dozen included

by Matt Deville
Tiger Rag Senior Editor

When Steve Myers founded Tiger Rag back in 1978, he created one of the oldest traditions in regards to LSU Football Recruiting.

“The Dirty Dozen,” which we present for the 30th time, spotlights the top 12 high school prospects. The tradition has become synonymous with Tiger Rag for over three decades.

Here we salute a dozen of Louisiana’s top prep athletes and their accomplishments on the gridiron. We also point out where they will play football at the collegiate level. In addition to the Dirty Dozen, we offer the “second dozen,” which spotlights 12 more of Louisiana’s top prospects making 24 in all.

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(Tiger Rag’s Dirty Dozen was selected by Tiger Rag senior editor Matt Deville, assistant editor Matt Reynolds and recruiting analyst Daniel Mingea III. Mingea compiled the following capsules on each player.)

TIGER RAG’S DIRTY DOZEN

CARNEAL AINSWORTH
(6’4, 300)
Parkview Baptist HS
Offensive Line
(Baton Rouge, La.)
Ainsworth is not going to have to go far when he reports to LSU in the summer. A four-star prospect by Rivals.com, the nation’s No. 17-rated offensive guard was a Class 3A All-State selection in 2008. Ainsworth attended the Tigers’ first camp of the summer empty handed with only a dream of one day getting the opportunity to suit up for the purple and gold. By camp’s end on June 11 coach Les Miles proved to Ainsworth hard work and effort do make dreams come true. “I arrived at the camp on Sunday when it began and it finished today at noon,” Ainsworth explained. “Once it was over coach Miles called me in to speak with him and said he wanted me to go to school there and to play football. He asked if I wanted to be a Tiger. It was an easy decision for me because I’ve always wanted to go to school there. I’ve pretty much just been waiting for them to offer me. It feels great!” According to Ainsworth, it was even beyond a great feeling. LSU gave him a sense of belonging. “LSU is home,” Ainsworth stated sincerely. “It’s where I was raised. All of the schools in the SEC and on the West coast were nice, but they just didn’t feel the same to me.”

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KENNY BELL
(6’1, 170, 4.5)
Wide Receiver
Rayville HS
(Rayville, La.)
Bell is the No. 40-rated wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.com, a four-star prospect, and one of Louisiana’s top offensive prospects for the class of 2009. A Class 3A All-State team member, Bell committed to LSU on Aug. 4. Prior to making his final decision the Rayville product was considering Alabama as well as LSU, but claimed his feelings for the in-state Tigers were just too strong to deny. “I felt at home at Alabama and I thought Alabama was a good school, but I guess I just felt more at home at LSU,” Bell admitted. “I have Chris (Tolliver), Richard Murphy and a few other guys who are my friends that are already at LSU. I felt like I connected better with them than the guys at Alabama.”

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MONTRELL CONNER
(6′2, 210, 4.4)
Running Back
Ouachita Parish HS
(Monroe, La.)
Conner was considered as one of the state’s top running backs for the Class of 2009 and was ranked as the No. 34-rated back in the nation by Rivals.com. The 3-star prospect earned Class 5A All-State honors after rushing for 1,961 yards on 247 carries including 19 touchdowns during his senior campaign. Conner committed to Mississippi State on Aug.1. The elite back chose the Bulldogs over the likes of Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee among others. Heading down the final stretch of the recruiting trail there were talks that perhaps Conner would revoke his verbal pledge to Mississippi State after Sylvester Croom stepped down as head coach, but Conner elected to honor his initial commitment to the Bulldogs.

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CHRIS DAVENPORT
(6’4, 311, 5.2)
Defensive Tackle
Mansfield HS
(Mansfield , La.)
The No.4-rated defensive tackle in the nation, Davenport is a 5-star prospect by Rivals.com, and Louisiana’s second ranked defensive prospect in the class of 2009. The U.S Army All-American committed to the Tigers on July 22. All along Davenport knew LSU was the place for him and it seemed his short delay in making his college decision fooled no one because his feelings towards the Tigers were obvious to everyone including the LSU staff and his parents. “I guess I wanted to just go ahead and get it over with because I had been thinking about doing it for a while now,” Davenport said. “I told my recruiter (D.J. McCarthy) first, but before I said anything he knew I wanted to commit just by looking at me. And then I went into coach [Les] Miles’ office and told him. He just yelled. I don’t know what he yelled, but he yelled in excitement. We were all excited and even shed a few tears together. I told my dad and then I tried calling my mom at home, but no one answered, so I figured my dad would just tell her. They both knew that’s where I wanted to go from the start and they were both happy for me.”

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JOSHUA DOWNS
(6’3, 270, 4.9)
Defensive Tackle
Bastrop HS
(Bastrop, La.)
Rivals.com’s No. 14 ranked defensive tackle committed to the Tigers on Feb. 23. The four-star prospect and 2008 Class 4A All-State selection played a huge role in leading his Bastrop team to consecutive state championships. While Downs may be one of the quieter recruits off of the field, his performances on the field are blaring to anyone that has seen him play including Rams head coach Brad Bradshaw. “He’s an old school football player; he’s just meaner than a lot of the guys on the field,” Bradshaw commented to The Times Picayune concerning Downs. “I always knew he was tough enough to play at the next level.” Unlike some of the other prospects, once Downs committed to the Tigers he knew there was no looking back. “I have no doubts, LSU is where I want to go,” Downs admitted. “I’m not looking for anyone else. I told my coach back then LSU is where I wanted to go and he helped make it happen.”

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CHRIS FAULK
(6’6, 305)
Offensive Line
Northshore HS
(Slidell, La.)
Faulk is the No. 4-rated offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com, a four-star prospect, and Louisiana’s top offensive lineman in the Class of 2009. Following his senior season Faulk took home All-State and Parade All-American honors as well as being invited to participate in the U.S Army All-American Bowl. Growing up as a kid Chris Faulk and his father shared the enjoyment of watching the LSU Tigers play on television together and ever since he was a little boy Faulk dreamed of one day wearing the purple and gold. On May 21 his dream became a reality. “My family and I are all excited,” Faulk expressed. “I wanted to wait at first because it seemed like everything was going by so fast and I wanted to talk some about it before I made it official. Last night I talked it over with my parents and I told them LSU offered and so I wanted to commit. It feels great! I told the LSU coaches today and they all seemed to be pretty excited too. I can’t wait until I get to start playing football for the Tigers. It’s official, I’m LSU bound!”

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MICHAEL FORD
(5’10, 200, 4.5)
Running Back
Leesville HS
(Leesville, La.)
Ford was arguably the state’s top running back and was rated the No. 7-ranked running back overall by Rivals.com. The four-star prospect suffered a collarbone injury during his junior campaign causing him to miss most of the season. Heading into his senior season, however, Ford had a bit of a chip on his shoulder. “School started up again and I’m excited,” Ford informed. “I’m ready for football season to start. I’m trying to make a name for myself all over again. People knew who I was until I got hurt last year. So this season I’m out to prove I’m still the best back in the state.” It appeared as if Ford made his best attempt at fulfilling his goal as he rushed for more than 2,900 yards including 29 touchdowns during his senior season while earning Class 4A All-State honors.

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JANZEN JACKSON
(6’1, 185, 4.44)
Defensive Back
Barbe HS
(Lake Charles, La.)
Jackson was the state’s top defensive prospect and was rated the No. 2 corner back in the nation and a five-star prospect by Rivals.com. Known as a defensive back that plays with the mentality of a linebacker, Jackson committed to LSU on Feb. 23. Jackson informed Rival’s.com he believed it was his aggressiveness on the field that was attracting all of the big named programs. “A lot of schools like me because I’m real fast and I have good feet and good hands and stuff but I’m really physical,” he explained. “That’s why they want me at corner. They want a physical corner that’s big. I think I bring aggressiveness to the game, speed. My intelligence is a factor because my dad’s a coach.” The Class 5A All-State selection racked up 57 solo tackles and assisted his teammates on another 37 while snatching five interceptions. While there were rumors of late claiming Jackson may have been browsing around at other universities, there was never really any doubt. “I’m originally from here,” Jackson explained to Barton Simmons of Rival’s.com last February. “It’s close to home. They’ve got the best facilities and then they won the national championship so I mean how can you turn that down?”

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BENNIE LOGAN
(6′3, 235, 4.7)
Defensive End
Red River HS
(Coushatta, La.)
The No. 33-rated weak side defensive-end in the nation, Logan is a three-star prospect by Rivals.com. Logan was a Class 2A All-State selection in 2008 after recording over 100 tackles and six sacks. Leading into 2009 it appeared as if Logan was headed out of state to play college football because it seemed the only offer coming from LSU was of the “gray-shirt” variety and Logan believed his time was now. Shortly after breaking down Logan’s film footage and spending some one-on-one time with the talented defensive end, coach Miles agreed with the Red River standout. In turn, Logan committed to LSU on Jan. 26. “That was an option at first,” Logan said. “Les Miles told me not to think about gray-shirting. He told me to work hard and prepare and get ready to play my freshman year. He told me I would have a chance to compete for a starting job. All their ends graduated. I took my chances.”

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BARKEVIOUS MINGO
(6′5, 209, 4.55)
Linebacker
West Monroe HS
(West Monroe, La.)
Mingo is the No. 9-rated outside linebacker in the country by Rivals.com, a four-star prospect, and one of the most talked about uncommitted Louisiana prospects. Oddly enough Mingo’s career in football did not begin until his junior campaign because he was primarily focused on track and basketball. After giving football a try Mingo earned Class 5A All-State honors during both his junior and senior seasons while racking up 125 tackles and 13 sacks over the two year span. Mingo’s senior season performance also granted him Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year honors. Mingo’s college decision will come on signing day at West Monroe High School with his primary schools of interest being LSU, Alabama, Michigan and Connecticut.

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RUEBEN RANDLE
(6′3, 195, 4.5)
Wide Receiver
Bastrop HS
(Bastrop, La.)
Randle is Louisiana’s most highly touted prospect for the class of 2009 and is regarded as Rivals.com’s No. 2-overall prospect in the nation. The five-star prospect is also listed by Rivals.com as the No.1-rated wide receiver. The Class 4A All-State selection’s fame began years ago as he helped lead the Bastrop Rams to three consecutive state titles. By the end of Randle’s junior season and heading into his final year he was listed as the No.1 prospect at his position after hauling in 55 receptions for 1,058 yards and 11 touchdowns. It was a ranking Randle kept even after being asked to play quarterback during his senior campaign in an effort to provide his team with a better opportunity to win. As a signal caller the unselfish Randle passed for 2,461 yards and 20 touchdowns with another 683 yards on the ground including 12 additional scores. Randle is blessed to have the opportunity to attend the university of his choosing and on Signing Day the mysterious Randle will announce where he will be spending his college days. The remaining finalists for his signature are LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Miami.

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DARRINGTON SENTIMORE
(6′3, 270, 4.6)
Defensive Tackle
Destrehan HS
(Destrehan, La.)
Destrehan High School won back-to-back state championships over the past two years largely due to the amount of talent on the Wildcats’ team including that of Rivals.com’s No. 13-ranked defensive tackle, and four-star prospect. As difficult as it was for many LSU fans to swallow, the Class 5A All-State selection committed to coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide on Oct. 5th after a Tigers’ offer took longer than Sentimore anticipated. As expected though, an offer did eventually arrive from LSU, but Sentimore informed Rivals.com it was a little too late. “Coach (Larry) Porter came by my school right at the beginning of the year and he said they had a scholarship for me if I wanted it. I listened to what they had to say, but I knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” said Sentimore. “My heart is with Alabama now. Coach Saban wants me to be a part of something special at Alabama, and I can’t wait to get there. I am excited about Alabama being my home in a few months.”

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THE SECOND DOZEN

DJ BANKS
(5’9, 170, 4.45)
Athlete
West Monroe HS
(West Monroe, La.)
Banks a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com earned Class 5A All-State honors in 2008 as an athlete. While playing quarterback for West Monroe as a senior he threw for 1,471 yards and added another 874 yards on the ground. Banks committed to Tulane on Aug.1.

LAMIN BARROW
(6’2, 209. 4.65)
Linebacker
John Ehret HS
(Marrero , La.)
Barrow is the No. 22-rated inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com, a three-star prospect, and one of Louisiana ’s best in the Class of 2008. A Class 5A All-State selection from the New Orleans area, Barrow committed to LSU on Nov.20. In eight games during his senior season the headhunter recorded 70 tackles including 13 for a loss.

KENNY CAIN
(6’1, 200, 4.6)
Running Back
John Curtis HS
(River Ridge , La.)
Cain was a standout player and helped lead his John Curtis team to yet another state championship in 2008 while rushing for 78 yards on 15 carries including three scores in the title game. Cain is a three-star prospect as ranked by Rivals.com and is the 61st-rated running back in the nation. He finished his senior season with over 1,200 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns while earning Class 2A All-State honorable mention honors. Cain committed to TCU on Jan. 23.

MORRIS CLAIBORNE
(6’0, 180, 4.45)
Athlete
Fair Park HS
(Shreveport , La.)
The No. 58-rated athlete in the nation, Claiborne is a three-star prospect by Rivals.com. With expectations of seeing his first opportunity for playing time as a cornerback, Claiborne committed to LSU on Nov.11. The dynamite athlete earned Class 4A All-State honorable mention honors at the end of his senior year after racking up over 1,000 yards both on the ground and through the air including over 30 touchdowns.

DEQUINTA JONES
(6’4, 305, 4.92)
Defensive Tackle
Bastrop HS
( Bastrop , La. )
While Randle and Downs get much of the credit for the Rams’ recent success, Jones was right there with them making a name for himself on the gridiron. Jones is the No. 25-rated defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com, a four-star prospect, and was the district 2-4A Defensive MVP as well as a Class 4A First Team All-State selection. Jones committed to the Michigan Wolverines on July. 21.

TAHJ JONES
(6’2, 205, 4.6)
Sulphur HS
( Sulphur , La. )
Jones is the No.40-rated outside linebacker in the country and a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com. He was voted to the Class 5A All-State team for the second consecutive year in 2008 after tallying 80 tackles (11 TFL) and seven sacks. The biggest concern for Jones is whether he will be a part of the 2009 class or will he have to accept a gray-shirt and enroll with the class of 2010. His work ethic in the classroom over the coming months will ultimately determine his future. Jones is showing high interest in LSU, but also holds offers from Ole Miss, Minnesota , and TCU.

EDDIE LACY
(5’11, 210, 4.4)
Running Back
Dutchtown HS
(Geismar , La.)
A preseason MCL sprain followed up with an in-season ankle sprain caused Lacy to have to dig deep during his senior campaign. Lacy’s heart and determination were revealed as he recorded 1,046 yards and 17 touchdowns in only seven games earning him Class 5A All-State honors. The No.13-rated running back in the nation, Lacy is a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, and is regarded as one of the best backs in the state. Other than overcoming injuries, Lacy has worked relentlessly as of late to improve his G.P.A in order to qualify. If all goes as planned, Lacy will be a member of Alabama’s class of 2009.

PATRICK LEWIS
(6’2, 293, 5.35)
Offensive Line
East St. John HS
( LaPlace , La. )
Lewis is the No.4-rated offensive center in the nation by Rivals.com, a four star prospect, and one of Louisiana ’s elite offensive lineman. Lewis was a participant in the Sportsman’s Paradise Bowl while being voted to the Class 5A All-State team. Lewis committed to the Texas A&M Aggies on July 26.

BLAKE MATHERNE
(5’10, 180, 4.5)
Athlete
Belle Chasse HS
(Belle Chasse, La )
Matherne put his name on the map during his senior campaign. Rivals.com’s two-star prospect led his Belle Chasse squad to the Class 4A state title as well as to a stellar 12-1 record. As the signal caller for his team, Matherne threw for 2,673 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for another 1,288 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was named Mr. Football for 2008 by the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association and was also voted as a Class 4A All-State selection. Matherne committed to Nicholls St. on Jan. 27.

ALEX SINGLETON

(6’0, 235, 4.6)
Fullback
East St. John HS
( LaPlace , La. )
Singleton served as the backbone for the East St. John offense over the past two seasons. As a Class 5A All-State selection during his junior year, he rushed for 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns. His senior season numbers dipped a little while dealing with a minor injury, but he still managed to gain 788 yards on 158 carries including six touchdowns. Singleton a three-star prospect is the No 11-rated fullback in the nation by Rivals.com. He committed to Tulsa on Sept. 18.

TRAVANTE STALLWORTH
(5’10, 180, 4.4)
Wide Receiver
Leesville HS
( Leesville , La. )
Although he will likely be a receiver at the next level, Stallworth served as the signal caller for his Leesville squad during his senior campaign. Rivals.com’s three-star prospect earned Class 4A All-State honorable mention honors while passing for 1,339 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 130 times for 546 yards and 15 touchdowns. Stallworth committed to Auburn on June 15.

RIDGE TURNER

(5’10, 170, 4.5)
Athlete
South Plaquemines HS
(Port Sulphur , La. )
Turner was a Class 1A All-State selection while helping lead his team to the state championship in 2008. Turner’s senior season was just as successful as his junior campaign as he put up over 4,000 yards of total offense for the second year in a row. The speedster completed his senior season in style passing for 3,240 yards and 35 touchdowns to go along with 1,039 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. He also added another 138 yards receiving including five touchdowns. Turner holds an offer from McNeese St.