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COMMENTS FROM LSU COACH LES
MILES ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
2014 Signee Profiles
COACH
MILES: William Clapp, a 6 foot four, 270 pound, Brother
Martin High School, New Orleans. Louisiana native.
Very similar, consensus four star recruit, comes with an LSU
background. His father played offensive line at LSU, named to
the All State team as both a junior and a senior. Again, very
athletic, has, great size and mobility, and will allow him to play a
number of spots.
Malachi Dupre, rated the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, consensus
five star recruit, played in the All Star games. 34 catches
for 607 yards, 6 touchdowns, a tremendously capable athlete, very
explosive, great speed for his size. Great catching radius,
has the ability to get to the ball. And just a tremendous
play maker.
Trey Quinn, a wide receiver in the 2014 class, consensus 4 star
recruit, broke the state record for career receiving yards.
Had 197 yards receiving this year, and 28 touchdowns.
Tremendously capable athlete, a guy that can make plays after he
catches the ball. His run after catch will be significant.
D.J. Chark, a 6 foot 1, 180 pound Alexandria Senior High School,
Louisiana native, and caught 48 passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns,
just really a tremendous prospect at the wide receiver spot.
Tony Upchurch, a 225 pound, 6 foot 2, Glenda Dawson High School,
Pearland, Texas native, just a very versatile athlete. Can
play a number of spots. Caught 62 passes for 897 yards, six
touchdowns. He rushed the ball for 347 yards, three
touchdowns as a senior. A very strong, physical back that can
catch the ball and will give us a great opportunity to use his size and
skill set.
Darrel Williams running back, 5‑11, 203 pound John Ehret High
School. From Marrero, Louisiana native. From
Marrero, Louisiana. He's a tough physical running back,
pushing defenders, displaying great balance and vision and he is a
tremendous running back.
Tight end Jacory Washington, 6 foot 5, 223 pound out of Westlake High
School, Westlake, Louisiana. A guy that really is a receiving
tight end, can really stretch the field vertically. Again,
very talented. He went to the Under Armour All American game
in Orlando, where he won the skills competition. Again, very
talented guy.
Defensive ends, we took take Sione Teuhema, a 6 foot 3, 211 pound, out
of Keller, Texas. U.S. Army All American out of San
Antonio. Tallied 96 tackles and 19 tackles for loss, and ten
sacks as a senior, will play with his hands on the ground or play
standing up and just to me is a tremendous prospect for the Tigers.
Trey Valentine is one of the premier tackles out of Florida.
A consensus four star recruit. Played in the USA Army All
American game, had 85 tackles, 16 sacks as a senior, big
body. Really will clog up and push the pocket. Just
what we need when you turn and take away eagle Ferguson and Anthony
Johnson.
Davon Godchaux, 6 foot 4, 271 pounds from Paquemine High School in
Plaquemine, Louisiana. He's a four star recruit, USA Army All
American, but the guy had a major knee injury that he's recovered from
in his senior year, but he is a very high motor and very athletic, and
we look forward to him playing with us in the middle.
And again Trey L, because I believe it is Lealaimatafao, and until I
get that right, and I'm going to try for a couple of years, but you
guys will have that one to throw at me just at any point in time that
you need to. But for right now I'm going to call him Trey
L. Again, 6 foot 1, 300 pounder out of Earl Warren High
School in San Antonio, Texas, four star recruit. A USA Army
All American. Again, in San Antonio, 7 sacks, 3 forced
fumbles. He would remind you of Drake Nevis, a little taller,
a little wider, maybe a little faster. But he has a very high
motor and a real acceleration on the field.
Went to Illinois and took the No. 1 player in the state, Clifton, C.J.
Garrett. Linebacker, 6 foot 3, Plainfield South High School,
Plainfield, Illinois. Again, a big, physical, fast, forced
fumbles, sacks. Going to give us a tremendous presence inside.
Donnie Alexander, Junior, 207 pounds, from Edna Karr High School, New
Orleans, Louisiana, one of the top linebackers in the state.
Extremely athletic, four star recruit and ESPN. Amassed 97
tackles and 6 sacks. 2 interceptions on defense as a
senior. He will fit into our package very comfortably out to
the field. And he'll be great in space. He is a
very vicious tackler.
Quarterback Ed Paris, on campus, 6 foot 1, 201 pounds, Timberview High
School in Arlington, Texas. The top prospect in the
country. Consensus four star recruit, and participated in the
USA Army, All American game in San Antonio, a very talented guy, and
again I say that he is already on campus and has an opportunity to
compete this spring for playing time.
Russell Gage, Junior, a 6 foot 1, 180 pound, Redemptorist High School
out the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, played offense, defense, and special
teams. He had 65 tackles, 8 interceptions as a senior, a
multi‑sport athlete, displayed toughness and physicality and
speed. Was very competitive in our camp. And we
know him best and he'll be with us as a corner.
Jamal Adams, 6 foot, 204 pounds, 4‑48 in the 40. Lewisville,
Texas, Hebron High School. One of the elite safeties in the
country, five star recruit, Under Armour All American game
participant. Seven interceptions in his final two seasons,
multidimensional athlete. Played offense, defense, will be a
special teams return man, very tough, physical player, ran track for
Hebron, just ‑‑ reminds you of Eric Reid, maybe a little bit better
ball skills, maybe a little bit more explosive.
John Battle, 6 foot 1, 180 pounds, Hallandale High School, Hallandale,
Florida. One of the 4 star recruits. But a very
bright guy. 195 tackles, two interceptions. Very
high character man. Track athlete and a 4 point
student. Very hard hitting safety. Very talented
guy. We'll look forward to lining him up in our secondary.
Devin Voorhies, Wilkinson County High School, Woodville,
Mississippi. Was the Mississippi Gator player of the year of
2013, and really rated consensus four star recruit. He played
quarterback and defense, just very versatile athlete and with good
size. We will enjoy him in our secondary, as well.
And Cameron Gamble, a 5‑11, 180 pound out of Flower Mound High School
in Texas. A big leg, 19 kick offs.
Anytime that you have the No. 2 ranked class inspect the country a lot
of people perform. And first of all our players, our players
on campus did a great job representing what is their
experience. Anytime that you have a great class, they come on
campus and they talk to the guys on campus, and they ask them, what's
it like going to school at LSU? What's it like playing
football in Tiger stadium? What's it like? Tell us
about the experience. Our players revere this place, and they
are having an experience second to none. And they tell the
prospects. And I can tell you that when you look at our
staff, Sharon Lewis, Tommy Moffitt, Gary Solly, virtually donates every
Saturday to come over and talk about his school. Talk about
football, and talk about his school. And the business school
it is. And Miles comes down and represents the service that
will be rendered by an extremely efficient academic center.
And it's a tremendous opportunity for young people. Our
coaches wives say good‑bye to their husbands on Sundays sometimes and
don't see them again until Friday. And it's just the
necessity of recruiting.
Frank Wilson, our recruiting coordinator, may not be a finer recruiting
coordinator in the country. Just represents the school
extremely well. His family is professional, is what you want
from anybody that would represent this quality institution.
It could not be done without their efforts. And our assistant
coaches are competitive. And competitive means get up early
and be there early. It means go to the school, see the coach,
go to the home, make sure that you answer their questions.
You don't leave a stone unturned. If they want kinesiology,
if they want criminal justice, if they want law, if they want medicine,
you make sure that you take the opportunity to represent
that. Sam Nader, among a number of people that I have not
mentioned are due a tremendous amount of credit for the success of this
class.
In the last two years we've played 15 freshman two consecutive
years. And I think those were records in both
years. We sent juniors to the NFL. We sent 11 last
year. We'll send seven this year. And that's nine
years. We've had 51 drafted. We've had 12 first
rounders. We've had 41, at the beginning of this year, 41
Tigers were on rosters in the NFL, that left college.
So this class is a must. It's an opportunity to replace guys
that have graduated from college and gone on to business or gone on to
the NFL, to replace those when they're juniors, and that in three years
have gone on to the NFL.
So I think you'll like this group. I think there's a number
of elite players and guys that are good students. They're a
very, very talented group and a very quality character group.
If you look at this class like I do, who want to compete for national
title, there are several.
Q. Years past you've come in with almost a full
class. Today you had some work to do and spaces to
offer. Talk about the finish of this year and maybe surprises
here on signing day?
COACH MILES: Well, I really think that there were not many
surprises. I think we were in position to gain some other
guys, but I think we managed that position to realize where we were
at. And I think we hedged our bets effectively. And
we signed a class that what we need. If we end up with 22 ‑‑
I'm going to suggest that we could end up with 23 because there's
another one yet to make a decision that could take place
tomorrow. So we're going to hold and be representative and
see if we can't add another to the list. But I think we did
exactly right. You improve your team by adding better
players. If you cannot add better players, don't add guys,
guys that have not demonstrated the ability to play in our conference
and to play in our stadium. So we did a great job evaluating,
and I think you'll find out that every guy that we just talked about
has real skill and ability.
Q. A couple of players, Leonard and Malachi, obviously
Malachi waited for today to decide. You never quite know
until they sign on the line, because you talk about each individual
player and these are two guys in any program that can contribute right
away?
COACH MILES: Well, as a running back, the inhibitor for the
running back generally speaking is if he's got great speed he's not
very big. If he's very, very big, he doesn't have great
speed. Basically you take the big back and you trim him up
and get him faster. And you take the small back and you build
him up and hopefully you don't get him slower. But for
Fournette it's size and speed and ball skills and great
vision. And he's a guy that will step in and play.
And I don't mean to minimize Darrel Williams. Darrel Williams
is a big back that rushed for 222 yards in a tremendously competitive
League. We're very fortunate to have a number of
guys. Trey L will step in and play defensive line.
Trey Valentine will play defensive line. Godchaux will step
in and play. This is a thick class. It's not just
the elite. You go back to make sure that I answer the
question about Malachi. Malachi Dupre could jump out of this
gym. He's a guy that not only has size and height and ball
skills and speed, but he has an explosiveness that's just
different. Those quarterbacks tacked miss him would have to
throw it below him, not over the top of him.
Q. You referenced your ability to produce one thousand yard
receivers, and that could be a reflection of Cam Cameron.
What effect have you seen in the hiring of Cameron?
COACH MILES: I think that our receiving core has said, yep, I like
that. I see those thousand yard receivers. It's the
first time in school history, we've had passing here in the past, if I
look back at some guys that are pretty talented guys, for the first
time, you know, under the direction of Cam do we have 2000 yard
receivers. And I think that the receiving core said, yeah, I
want in. And then I think the recruitment of which ‑‑ I think
Brandon Harris came here specifically to be mentored by Cam Cameron,
and I think that that was both things will really play out in the
long‑term to be advantages for us.
Q. Is there a little sense of urgency a month ago when you
lost some commitments that you thought you might get?
COACH MILES: To who?
Q. Some commitments about a month ago, in January.
Was there a sense of urgency, did that create a sense of urgency?
COACH MILES: Yeah, I want you to know something, I have to be honest
with you, there are some people that we lost and some people that we
didn't. And I don't think that ‑‑ I think that there's some
people that we really wish we would have gotten. But I have
to be honest with you, I think we were in position to have this kind of
year, period.
I don't know that we were motivated in any way by losses as much as we
were continuing to widen the scope of our recruiting class so that we
could be here today.
Q. With Jeff Grimes gone now, a lot of juniors said today
that they started to hear from Grimes and it seems like his track
record being at Virginia Tech and Auburn was to go national with his
recruiting and find the best linemen and receivers to go
there. What have you picked up in your short time here, and
how big a selling point was him being a big recruiter?
COACH MILES: Very personal, family man, a guy that's going to be able
to improve our line implementally as time goes on. And he's
an aggressive recruiter. He's already working to position LSU
in that line class. He's a steward of his responsibility and
he does a great job, did a great job today calling prospects ‑‑ not
calling them, but arranging phone calls that they could call in.
Q. Top ten classes in the country, 7 from the SEC, you throw
Florida State in there, is it now the SEC or is it just coming down to
the sun belt area where kids want to come play down in this area?
COACH MILES: I think the country gets smaller. And I think it
gets smaller with technology. It gets smaller with I pads and
TV and phones that are computer driven.
I had a prospect who is currently on our campus and going to school, so
I guess he would be our LSU Tiger, and he said to me, here, coach, I
want you to talk to Trey L, and he handed me his phone. And
he was Face Timing Trey L. And I could see this little square
in the corner that was me and this big, happy, smiling Trey
there. And I could tell him that we were closer and that this
was easy. And that we might try it again. Except
that I made the observation that it was me he was looking at and that
had to be painful. So I may kind of face time one way, if I
can. But my point is that that's what's going on
today. Today the planes seem to fly more
efficiently. The travel seems to be easier. I think
this country is smaller and it continues to shrink. And I
think the opportunity to play at best programs. The
opportunity to play at places that you're being played as a freshman,
the place that will make sure that you get your degree, the place that
will allow you to show your skills and abilities in the NFL.
Those places have advantages and that's where the players want to
go. They realize, you know what? They play a style
of football over at LSU that sends guys to the NFL. It just
happens.
Q. Continuing that, you mentioned you didn't get some key
players, but you went out of state and you got the Adamses and Parises
and Valentines?
COACH MILES: There were at least two players in the state that we
coveted. And I can tell you that we recruited to those
positions. And felt like we helped ourselves
significantly. I can tell you that, you know what, you would
have to think that with so much right here in the background of this
organization, this press conference, this stadium, this quality school,
the community that we represent that people in this state would just
want to stay. And I think that that's happening more than not.
But occasionally somebody just got to get away. And I don't
necessarily believe in that, but some of those decisions are being made
that way.
Q. You feel like you've established a brand that it doesn't
matter the miles or what state they're from, they want to come play
here? You feel like you've gotten that momentum?
COACH MILES: Absolutely. I dare say yeah. The
question is, is LSU attractive to people in every state. And
I think absolutely that's true. And I think the success
that's been had over time here has made our uniform more recognizable,
made our school more an opportunity to attend.
And yes, you mentioned brand. I think LSU is becoming and has
always been, but is becoming more marketable, if you will.
Q. You talked about having one more out there, is there any
area of concern that you have with this class that you would still look
to add to it?
COACH MILES: We lost an offensive lineman. We replaced it
with two. We're going to have to have a great class next year
in the offensive line. The opportunities for guys to come in
and really compete to play is pretty extreme. And to be
honest with you, in my time here, if we've ever had a real area of
need, we've been able to go out there and answer it very effectively,
and I'm certain that we will. But those offensive linemen and
the sound of my voice, the opportunity is certainly great to join these
Tigers and have an opportunity to compete to play.
Q. Going back to Leonard. Have you ever dealt with
a recruit with this much hype going in. What are your
realistic expectations for him the next three or four years?
COACH MILES: Well, I have, but I think it fails to compare. I
think that what he's got to do, all the things that have made him
successful in his high school, in growing up, he's got to continue to
do. And that's something that you can't imagine that he would
not continue to do, and that's just work hard. Apply his
trade. Because there's definitely some transition that will
take place.
But he has all the natural skill and ability that there is.
And I think expectations for guys like him are good. He'd be
miserable if somebody didn't have expectations that he'd have a great
freshman year. He'd be miserable but, again, don't put the
cart in front of the horse. It's all about taking it
day‑to‑day and working hard and preparing. And as long as he
does that, he'll be fine.
Q. Just along those lines. Did you hear him say I
want to win the Heisman Trophy my freshman year and things like
that? He's a great kid, not cocky. What are your
thoughts on some of those goals and thoughts he had?
COACH MILES: I would not see him as cocky. I would a see him
as humble. I would see him as working hard. His
answers for improvement are apply himself, which all of those things
are characteristics of guys that can win national awards. I
certainly understand it. And we've seen freshmen win
it. Johnny Manziel was a true freshman or a red shirt
freshman. And this guy from Florida State was a first year
quarterback starter and wins the Heisman. So it would be nice
to have some national awards being considered as a freshman with the
Tigers.
2014 LSU Football Signees
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown (High School/JC)
Jamal
Adams
S
6-0
207
Lewisville, Texas (Hebron HS)
Donnie
Alexander
LB
6-1
201
New Orleans, La. (Karr HS)
John
Battle
S
6-0
179
Hallandale, Fla. (Hallandale HS)
Garrett
Brumfield
OL
6-3
285
Baton Rouge, La. (University HS)
D.J.
Chark
WR
6-1
176
Alexandria, La. (Alexandria Senior HS)
William
Clapp
OL
6-4
275
New Orleans, La. (Brother Martin HS)
Malachi
Dure
WR
6-3
188
River Ridge, La. (John Curtis HS)
Leonard
Fournette
RB
6-1
224
New Orleans, La. (St. Augustine HS)
Russell
Gage
ATH
6-0
175
Baton Rouge, La. (Redemptorist HS)
Cameron
Gamble
PK
5-9
182
Flower Mound, Texas (Flower Mound HS)
Clifton
Garrett
LB
6-3
220
Joliet, Ill. (Planfield South HS)
Davon
Godchaux
DT
6-4
271
Plaquemine, La. (Plaquemine HS)
Brandon
Harris
QB
6-3
180
Bossier City, La. (Parkway HS)
Trey
Lealaimatafao
DT
6-0
300
San Antonio, Texas (Earl Warren HS)
Ed
Paris
DB
6-0
198
New Orleans, La. (Timberview (Texas) HS)
Trey
Quinn
WR
5-11
192
Lake Charles, La. (Barbe HS)
Sione
Teuhema
DE
6-4
215
Keller, Texas (Keller HS)
Tony
Upchurch
WR
6-2
228
Pearland, Texas (Glenda Dawson HS)
Travonte
Valentine
DT
6-3
225
Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)
Devin
Voorhies
S
6-1
197
Woodville, Miss. (Wilkinson County HS)
Jacory
Washington
TE
6-5
215
Westlake, La. (Westlake HS)
Darrel
Williams
RB
5-11
209
Marrero, La. (John Ehret HS)
Overall Class Ranking
ESPN.com
No. 2 overall
·
1 5-star, 17 4-stars
CBSsports/247sports.com
No. 2 overall
·
4 5-stars, 12 4-stars
Yahoo/Rivals.com
No. 2 overall
·
1 5-star, 13 4-stars
Scout.com
No. 2
·
4 5-stars, 13 4-stars
Signing Class Breakdown
ESPN.com Top 300 (15)
Leonard Fournette (1), Malachi Dupre (17), Jamal Adams (18), Trey Quinn
(29), Clifton Garrett (31), Brandon Harris (37), Ed Paris (50), Garrett
Brumfield (54), Devin Voohries (134), Travonte Valentine (164), Jacory
Washington (169), Davon Godchaux (213), Donnie Alexander (261), D.J.
Chark (271), Tony Upchurch (283)
CBS Sports/247sports.com Top 250 (14)
Leonard Fournette (1), Malchi Dupre (17), Clifton Garrett (28), Jamal
Adams (31), Ed Paris (42), Travonte Valentine (65), Brandon Harris
(75), Trey Quinn (78), Garrett Brumfield (98), Davon Godchaux (148),
Jacory Washington (184), Devin Voohries (209), William Clapp (239),
Darrel Williams (250)
Scout.com Top 300 (15)
Leonard Fournette (1), Jamal Adams (8), Clifton Garrett (24), Malachi
Dupre (27), Ed Paris (47), Travon Valentine (74), Brandon Harris (125),
Davon Godchaux (173), Trey Quinn (184), Tony Upchurch (197), Jacory
Washington (206), Garrett Brumfield (220), William Clapp (257), Darrel
Williams (262), Sione Teuhema (286)
Yahoo/Rivals.com Top 250 (15)
Leonard Fournette (4), Malachi Dupre (15), Jamal Adams (38), Ed Paris
(57), Travonte Valentine (59), Clifton Garrett (60), Trey Quinn (73),
Brandon Harris (99), Davon Godchaux (114), Darrel Williams (145),
Jacory Washington (151), Garrett Brumfield (159), William Clapp (205),
John Battle (236), Devin Voohries (244)
By State:
Louisiana (12)
Texas (6)
Florida (2)
Mississippi (1)
Illinois (1)
By Position:
Defense (10)
Defensive Line (4)
Defensive Backs (4)
Linebacker (2)
Offense (10)
Wide Receivers (4)
Running Backs (2)
Offensive Line (2)
Quarterbacks (1)
Tight ends (1)
Special Teams (1)
Placekicker (1)
Other (1)
Athlete (1)
Jamal Adams
6-0 • 207 • Safety
Lewisville, Texas
Hebron High School
HIGH SCHOOL
One of the top safeties in the country … A versatile player who spent
time on offense, defense and special teams in high school … Rated as a
composite five-star safety and the No. 31 overall player by
247Sports.com … Ranked as the No. 1 safety prospect in the nation by
Scout.com … Ranked as the No. 18 overall prospect and third-best Texas
recruit by ESPN.com … Participated in the Under Armour All-America
All-Star Game … Honored as a selection to the 247Sports Top 247 …
Accumulated 138 tackles over his final two high school seasons along
with 7 interceptions and 4 passes defensed … Made an impact offensively
with 62 carries for 453 yards and 11 touchdowns while also snagging 19
receptions for 477 yards and 9 touchdowns over his final two seasons …
Named the District 5-5A MVP in his senior season … Finished his senior
season with 618 kick return yards … Coached by Brian Brazil.
PERSONAL
Parents are Michelle and George Adams … Born Oct. 17, 1995.
Donnie Alexander Jr.
6-1 • 201 • Linebacker
New Orleans, La.
Edna Karr High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Rated a four-star prospect by ESPN.com … A composite three-star recruit
by 247Sports.com and ranked as the 19th overall outside linebacker
prospect by ESPN.com … Finished his senior season with 97 tackles, six
sacks and two interceptions … Racked up 137 tackles as a junior …
Participated in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl … Ranked as the
17th best prospect in Louisiana by ESPN and the No. 22 Louisiana
prospect by 247Sports … A member of the ESPN 300 … Honored on The Baton
Rouge Advocate Second Dozen … Coached by Nathaniel Jones.
PERSONAL
Parents are Nicole Charles and Donnie Alexander, Sr. … Born Nov. 10,
1995.
John Battle
6-0 • 179 • Safety
Hallandale, Fla
Hallandale High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A four-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com … Listed as the No.
18 safety prospect in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 20 cornerback
prospect by Rivals … Tallied 95 tackles and two interceptions returned
for touchdowns as a senior … Ranked as the fifty-first overall prospect
in Florida by 247sports.com composite rankings … A member of the Rivals
250… Coached by Dameon Jones.
PERSONAL
Parents are Roneeka Person and John Battle … Born Aug. 21, 1995.
Garrett Brumfield
6-3 • 285 • Offensive Lineman
Baton Rouge, La.
University Lab School
HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus four-star rated prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com,
247Sports.com and Scout.com … Ranked as the No. 1 offensive guard in
the country by ESPN … Named to the USA Today All-USA Second Team …
Rated as high as the No. 52 overall recruit in the nation, regardless
of position, by 247Sports and No. 54 by ESPN … Earned First-Team
All-State honors as both a junior and senior … Member of the Rivals
250, 247Sports Top 247, ESPN 300 and Scout 300 … Named an Under Armour
All-American and participated in the all-star game … A senior leader
and an anchor on the offensive line for a U-High team that advanced to
the state championship game and finished with a 13-1 record in 2013 …
Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen … Coached by Chad
Mahaffey.
PERSONAL
Parents are Geneva and Paul Brumfield … Born June 23, 1996.
D.J. Chark
6-1 • 176 • Wide Receiver
Alexandria, La.
Alexandria Senior High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A four-star prospect by ESPN.com and a member of the ESPN 300 … Ranked
as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports.com, Scout.com and
Rivals.com … Hauled in 48 receptions for 554 yards and three touchdowns
as a senior on the way to earning Louisiana Class 5A All-State
Honorable Mention … Rushed for 495 yards and 5 touchdowns and caught 20
passes for 554 yards and six touchdowns as a junior … Named Honorable
Mention All-State for Class 5A as a junior … A two-time letter winner
for the Trojans … Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen …
Coached by Brad Chesshir.
PERSONAL
Full name is Darrell Chark Jr. but goes by “D.J.”… Parents are Shirley
and Darrell Chark Sr. … Born on Sept. 23, 1996.
William Clapp
6-4 • 275 • Offensive Line
New Orleans, La.
Brother Martin High School
HIGH SCHOOL
One of the top offensive lineman coming out of Louisiana … Has family
ties to the program as his father, Tommy, is a former LSU defensive
tackle from 1984-87 … A powerful run blocker ranked as a unanimous
four-star prospect by Rivals.com, Scout.com, ESPN.com and 247Sports.com
… Listed as high as the No. 11 offensive guard nationally by 247Sports
… Member of the 247Sports Top 247, the Rivals250, and the Scout 300 …
Named to the Louisiana 5A All-State Team for the past two seasons …
Demonstrates extremely sound technique, loves finishing blocks and
putting his man on his back … Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Second
Dozen … Coached by Mark Bonis.
PERSONAL
Parents are Heather and Tommy Clapp … Born Dec. 10, 1995 … Father,
Tommy, lettered on the defensive line at LSU from 1984-87 and was named
a permanent team captain for the 1987 squad … Tommy finished his LSU
career with 139 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks and started
against Nebraska in the Sugar Bowl in 1985 and 1987.
Malachi Dupre
6-3 • 188 • Wide Receiver
River Ridge, La.
John Curtis High School
HIGH SCHOOL
An outstanding athlete who ranks as one of the top overall recruits in
the nation … Ranked as a five-star prospect by 247Sports.com,
Rivals.com and Scout.com … Named to the USA Today All-USA First Team
Offense … Listed as the No. 1 overall wide receiver nationally by
ESPN.com and the 17th-best player in the class of 2014 … Rated the No.
2 receiver nationally by Rivals and the 15th overall player in the
country … Listed as the No. 2 receiver and the 27th overall player by
Scout … Ranked as the 30th overall player and No. 3 receiver by
247Sports … Hauled in 34 receptions for 607 yards and six touchdowns
and finished with 712 all-purpose yards as a senior on John Curtis’
Division II state championship team … Selected to the LSWA Class 3A
All-State Team as a senior … Played in the Under Armour All-America
Game where he caught one pass for 37 yards … Earned 2012 Class 2A
First-Team All-State honors after he caught 36 passes for 816 yards and
15 touchdowns as a junior on John Curtis’ undefeated state and national
championship team … Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen …
Coached by J.T. Curtis.
PERSONAL
Parents are Michael and Roz Dupre … Born Oct. 12, 1995.
Leonard Fournette
6-1 • 224 • Running Back
New Orleans, La.
St. Augustine High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A four-year starting running back at St. Augustine who is touted as one
of the most highly recruited players ever to come out of Louisiana …
Possesses an amazing blend of size, strength and speed … Regarded as
the No. 1 player in the nation, regardless of position, by the
247Sports composite rankings … Named the USA Today National Offensive
Player of the Year and a member of the All-USA First Team … Is the
fifth USA Today Offensive Player of the Year from Louisiana, joining
Josh Booty, Travis Minor, Brock Berlin and Ryan Perrilloux … Selected
to the prestigious Parade All-America First Team … Awarded the 2013 and
2014 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year awards, the first player in
Louisiana history to win it twice … Finished his high school career
with 7,619 rushing yards and 88 rushing touchdowns … Ran for 1,792
yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior and added 45 receptions for 745
yards and six scores … Produced 2,135 rushing yards and 31 TDs as a
junior … Led his team to a 9-2 record and an appearance in the Division
I semifinal game as a senior … A unanimous five-star prospect by every
recruiting site … Listed as the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation by
ESPN.com and Scout.com … Ranked the No. 2 overall player by
247Sports.com and No. 4 by Rivals.com … Unanimous No. 1 running back
nationally by all recruiting sites … Participant in the Under Armour
All-American game where he caught a 36-yard touchdown pass and rushed
for 43 yards on nine carries … Named 2013 Mr. Football by the Louisiana
Sports Writers Association … Named the LFCA Class 5A Offensive Most
Valuable Player as a senior … Four-time All-District selection … LFCA
Class 4A First-Team All-State honoree as a junior … Member of the Baton
Rouge Advocate Super Dozen … Listed as a MaxPreps First-Team
All-American … Coached by Cyril Crutchfield.
PERSONAL
Parents are Leonard and Lory Fournette … Born Jan. 18, 1995.
Russell Gage
6-0 • 175 • Athlete
Baton Rouge, La.
Redemptorist High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A solid athlete who played significantly on offense, defense and
special teams as a leader for Redemptorist … A three-star prospect by
Scout.com, Rivals.com, ESPN.com and 247Sports.com … Ranked as the 28th
best player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports and 34th in the
state by Rivals … Accounted for eight interceptions and 65 total
tackles on defense as a senior … Played quarterback and completed
69-of-141 passes for 740 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for
1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2013 …Coached by Daniel Roane.
PERSONAL
Parents are Russell Sr. and Alisa Gage … Born Jan. 22, 1996.
Cameron Gamble
5-9 • 182 • Placekicker
Flower Mound, Texas
Flower Mound High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Right footed kicker that is rated as one of the top prep kickers in the
country, possessing a powerful leg and considered cool under pressure …
Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout.com, ESPN.com, and the
247Sports.com composite … Listed as high as the No. 6 place
kicker nationally by ESPN.com and is ranked as the ninth-best kicker in
the nation by Chris Sailer … Specializes in kickoffs, putting 19 in the
end zone for touchbacks as a senior … Converted a long field goal of 44
yards … Highly regarded in specialist circles by both the Chris Sailer
kicking school as well as the Kohl Kicking camp … Coached by Scott
Campbell.
PERSONAL
Parents are Calandra and Wendell Gamble … Born Nov. 30, 1995.
Clifton Garrett
6-3 • 220 • Linebacker
Joliet, Ill.
Plainfield South High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Physical player that is regarded as one of the top linebackers
nationally and the best prospect coming out of Illinois … Ranked as a
five-star prospect by 247Sports.com and Scout.com … Named to the
prestigious Parade All-America Honorable Mention team … Accounted for
139 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries as a
senior … Received a four-star ranking from Rivals.com and ESPN.com …
Listed as high as the No. 1 middle linebacker and No. 24 overall
prospect nationally by Scout.com … Member of the Rivals100, ESPN 300,
247Sports Top 247, and Scout 300 … Named to the Illinois 8A All-State
Team … Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Game …
Participant of The Opening, Nike’s camp for elite college football
recruits … Selected as a MaxPreps Second-Team All-American … Excels as
a straight ahead run defender, plays with very little hesitation and is
constantly in attack mode … Coached by Ken Bublitz.
PERSONAL
Parents are Katrina and Clifton Garrett … Born Dec. 16, 1995.
Davon Godchaux
6-4 • 271 • Defensive Tackle
Plaquemine, La.
Plaquemine High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A powerful defensive lineman who is rated as a consensus four-star
prospect by every recruiting website … Made four tackles in the opener
before suffering a season-ending knee injury in his senior season …
Honored as a U.S. Army All-American and attended the all-star game …
Named first-team All-State for Class 4A in his junior season after he
compiled 60 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks for Plaquemine
… Rated the nation’s No. 9 defensive end by Rivals.com, No. 10 by
247Sports.com, No. 21 by Scout.com and No. 22 by ESPN.com … Member of
the 247Sports Top 247, the Rivals 250, Scout 300 and ESPN 300 … Named a
member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen … Coached by Paul
Distefano.
PERSONAL
Parents are Albertha Godchaux and Raynard Parker … Born Nov. 11, 1994.
Brandon Harris
6-3 • 180 • Quarterback
Bossier City, La.
Parkway High School
HIGH SCHOOL
One of the most talented quarterback prospects in the country …
Graduated from high school in December and is currently enrolled at LSU
in the spring 2014 semester … Consensus four-star recruit by all major
sites … Ranked as the nation’s No. 3 dual threat quarterback in the
247Sports composite rankings … Completed 178-of-329 passes for 3,172
yards with 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as a senior … Rushed for
1,048 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … Led Parkway to a 14-1
record and an appearance in the 2013 Class 5A state championship game …
Threw for 2,573 yards and 26 touchdowns on 152-of-306 passing as a
junior … Also ran for 667 yards and 12 TDs in 2012 … Named the
Louisiana 2013 Class 5A All-State quarterback … Selected to the Under
Armour All-America Game where he completed 4-of-5 passes for 115 yards
and one touchdown … Rated as high as the No. 37 player in the nation by
ESPN.com … Ranked in the national Top 100 by 247Sports.com and
Rivals.com and is also a member of the Scout.com 300 … Listed as the
No. 2 dual threat QB nationally by ESPN, No. 3 by 247Sports, No. 5 by
Rivals and No. 6 by Scout … A member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Super
Dozen … Coached by David Feaster.
PERSONAL
Parents are Detroit Harris and Nicole Jackson … Born Oct. 12, 1995.
Trey Lealaimatafao
6-0 • 300 • Defensive Tackle
San Antonio, Texas
Earl Warren High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN.com and a three-star recruit by
Scout.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … Ranked as high as the No. 26
defensive tackle nationally by Rivals and the No. 27 defensive tackle
by ESPN … Named to 27-5A First Team All-District Defense … Accumulated
53 tackles with seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble
recoveries and one pass breakup as a senior … Selected as a U.S. Army
All-American and competed in the all-star game … Netted 39 tackles with
17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble
recovery his junior year … Coached by Brian Dausin.
PERSONAL
Born Sept. 6, 1996.
Edward Paris Jr.
6-0 • 198 • Defensive Back
New Orleans, La.
Timberview (Texas) High School
HIGH SCHOOL
One of the nation’s top defensive back prospects as a senior at
Timerview High School in Mansfield, Texas … Holds a mixture of size,
awareness and power to be a force at the collegiate level … Graduated
from high school in December and enrolled at LSU for the spring 2014
semester … Rated a consensus four-star prospect by Rivals.com,
Scout.com, ESPN.com and 247sports.com … Ranked the No. 8 prospect in
the state of Texas by Rivals and ESPN and No. 6 by 247sports … Rated as
high as the No. 3 safety nationally by 247sports … A participant in the
U.S. Army All-American game … One of four finalists for the Lockheed
Martin Defensive Back of the Year award … Tallied 18 tackles with five
pass breakups and three interceptions as opposing teams avoided
throwing his way during his senior season … Named Texas APSE Class 5A
All-State Honorable Mention after his senior year … Honored as a
First-Team All-District 7-5A cornerback as well as First-Team All-DFW
area player as a senior … Earned First-Team All-State recognition after
he recorded 25 tackles, seven interceptions (two returned for TDs),
nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles as a junior … Coached by
James Brown.
PERSONAL
Parents are Karla and Edward Paris, Sr. … Born March 29, 1995 in New
Orleans, La. … Evacuated New Orleans in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina
struck.
Trey Quinn
5-11 • 192 • Wide Receiver
Lake Charles, La.
Barbe High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Stands as the national all-time career leader in receiving yards with
6,566 in four seasons at Barbe … Holds the Louisiana state record for
career receptions (357) and receiving yards (6,566) … Named to the USA
Today All-USA First Team … Selected to the prestigious Parade
All-America First Team … A consensus four-star prospect, he was ranked
as the No. 6 player in the state by ESPN.com and Rivals.com … Named
ESPN’s No. 3 wide receiver, ranked 29th overall on the ESPN 300 and
claimed a spot on the Rivals 100 … Ranked the 10th-best wide receiver
nationally by Rivals and 247Sports.com, and he is a member of
247Sports’ Top 247 … Recorded 1,967 receiving yards and 23 receiving
touchdowns in his senior season, surpassing Missouri’s Dorial
Green-Beckham for the national career receiving yards record … A 2014
U.S. Army All-American selection … Selected as a Class 5A First-Team
All-State selection three times in his career (sophomore, junior,
senior) … Earned MaxPreps First-Team All-America honors … Tallied 115
catches for 2,141 yards and 26 TDs as a junior and 67 catches for 1,220
yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore … Caught 67 passes for 1,238 yards and
nine TDs as a freshman when his quarterback was current LSU baseball
outfielder Jared Foster … Finished his high school career with 70
touchdown receptions … Coached by Mike Cutrera.
PERSONAL
Parents are Angie and Dave Quinn … Born Dec. 7, 1995 … Threw a
no-hitter in the opening round of the 2008 Little League World Series
in Williamsport, Pa. … Helped his South Lake Charles Little League team
to the U.S. title game before falling Hawaii … Starting pitcher in U.S.
title game vs. Hawaii, allowing only one run and four hits in 5.0
innings … Grandfather is Bobby Keasler, who served as head football
coach at McNeese State (1990-98) and Louisiana-Monroe (1999-2002) …
Keasler led McNeese State to championship game of the 1-AA playoffs in
1995.
Sione Teuhema
6-4 • 215 • Defensive End
Keller, Texas
Keller High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A three-start prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and
ESPN.com … Posted 96 total tackles, 19.0 tackles for a loss and 10.0
sacks as a senior … Named a U.S. Army All-American and competed at the
all-star game where he had two tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss …
Ranked as the No. 25 defensive end in the nation by Rivals, No. 26 by
247Sports and No. 41 by ESPN … Scout rated him as the No. 28 outside
linebacker nationally … Finished with 52 tackles, 11.0 TFL and 5.0
sacks as a junior … Coached by Carl Stralow.
PERSONAL
Parents are Sidney and Liliani Teuhema … Born Sept. 28, 1995.
Tony Upchurch
6-2 • 228 • Wide Receiver
Pearland, Texas
Glenda Dawson High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A four-star recruit by Scout.com and ESPN.com, a composite four-star by
247Sports.com and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … Claimed a spot
on the ESPN 300 … Caught 62 passes for 897 yards and six touchdowns,
and he rushed for 347 yards and six TDs as a senior … Made 46
receptions for 1,006 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior … Ranked the
32nd- best player in the state by ESPN … Coached by Eric Wells.
PERSONAL
Parents are Emma and Tony Upchurch, Sr. … Born on Oct. 7, 1995.
Travonte Valentine
6-3 • 325 • Defensive Tackle
Hialeah, Fla.
Champagnat Catholic High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Highly touted defensive tackle prospect who led Champagnat Catholic to
the Florida Class 2A State title with a perfect 14-0 record as a senior
in 2013 … Racked up 85 total tackles with 31.5 tackles for a loss and
16 sacks as a senior … Played on both the defensive and offensive lines
during his career at Champagnat … Honored as a U.S. Army All-American …
Recorded three tackles, including half a tackle for a loss, at the U.S.
Army All-American All-Star Game … A consensus four-star prospect by
every recruiting website … Rated among the nation’s top 100 prospects
on 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com and is listed as high as No.
34 nationally by 247Sports … Regarded as the No. 2 defensive tackle in
the entire 2014 recruiting class by Scout, No. 3 by Rivals, No. 5 by
247Sports and No. 11 by ESPN … Named a Second-Team All-American by
247Sports … Ranked as the No. 5 player in the state of Florida by
247Sports and the No. 7 prospect in the state by Rivals … Coached by
Mike Tunsil.
PERSONAL
Mother is Michelle Samuels … Born Nov. 15, 1994.
Devin Voorhies
6-1 • 197 • Safety
Woodville, Miss.
Wilkinson County High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Rated a unanimous four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com,
247Sports.com and Scout.com … Named Mississippi’s Gatorade Player of
the Year … Selected to the prestigious Parade All-America
First Team as a utility player … Ranked as the No. 5 recruit in
Mississippi by 247Sports … Started at both quarterback and safety for
Wilkinson County … Offensively, finished his senior year completing
138-of-221 passes for 2,374 yards and 19 touchdowns … Ran the ball 187
times for 2,027 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 10.8 yards per
carry … Defensively, finished his senior season with 67 tackles,
including nine for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced
fumble and two fumble recoveries … Scored defensively on a 55-yard
interception return as well as a 20-yard fumble recovery … Coached by
Kenneth Brown.
PERSONAL
Parents are Bonnie and David Voorhies, Sr. … Born Feb. 5,
1996.
Jacory Washington
6-5 • 215 • Tight End
Westlake, La.
Westlake High School
HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, 247Sports.com
and Scout.com … Ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the nation by Rivals
and 247Sports and the No. 5 tight end by ESPN … Selected as an Under
Armour All-American and participated in the all-star game where he
caught two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown … Possesses great
athleticism as he won the Under Armour Skills Challenge … Recorded 36
receptions for 518 yards and three touchdowns as a senior …
Hauled in 18 catches for 419 yards and five touchdowns on the way to
earning Class 3A First-Team All-State honors as a junior …
Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen … Coached by Shawn
Demeritt.
PERSONAL
Parents are Yolanda Washington and Waddell Kelly … Born Dec. 12, 1994.
Darrel Williams
5-11 • 209 • Running Back
Marrero, La.
John Ehret High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and Scout.com …
Set a single-season school record at John Ehret by rushing for 2,201
yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior … Also caught six passes for 309
yards and three scores during his senior season … Ranked as the No. 11
running back nationally by Rivals and is a member of the Rivals 250 …
Started at quarterback in 2012 and ran for more than 1,000 yards and
scored 27 touchdowns … Led a John Ehret team that was winless in 2012
to a district championship in 2013 … Member of The Baton Rouge Advocate
Second Dozen … Coached by Corey Lambert.
PERSONAL
Parents are Karen and Darrel Williams, Sr. … Born April 15,
1995.
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