One day after national signing day, LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron has made changes to his coaching staff. Wide receiver’s coach Dameyune Craig has been fired, while running backs coach Jabbar Juluke has been re-assigned to a position within the athletic department. Both coaches have more than a year left on their contracts and LSU will owe them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to the football recruiting experts, LSU’s 2017 class is the seventh best in the nation. The Tigers signed 23 players, most of the new additions are on the defensive side of the football. Coach Ed Orgeron says the Tigers did well along I-10 by getting Plaquemine defensive back Todd Harris and a defensive lineman from Lafayette
Cut 16 (17) “Todd Harris”
But LSU also missed out on a lot of big name in-state talent like Amite wide receiver Devonta Smith, Neville defensive tackle Phildarian Mathis and Southern Lab linebacker Christoper Allen. All three signed with Alabama.

The man accused of fatally shooting former NFL player Joe McKnight has been indicted for second-degree murder. That’s according to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office. 54-year-old Ronald Gasser was originally charged with manslaughter, but the D-A’s office says they’ve been able to develop additional evidence regarding the case. Gasser’s bond has been increased to 750-thousand dollars.

In college basketball tonight…after a tough road trip, Louisiana Tech is back home to host Western Kentucky. The Dunkin Dogs are in a three-way tie for third place in Conference USA after losing two games last week.

In the Southland…Northwestern State concludes a four-game road trip by visiting Central Arkansas. The Demons are 2-1 during this trip. McNeese is also on the road. The Cowboys are at Incarnate Word and McNeese is looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

And each school in the SEC will receive 40-million dollars as a result of revenues generated by the league during the 2015-16 athletic year.

LSU’s 2017 football recruiting class features two quarterbacks. Lowell Narcisse of St. James and Myles Brennan from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron has a lot of confidence new offensive coordinator Matt Canada can develop both of them
cut 17 (16) “…here at LSU”
If no one transfers, LSU will have seven quarterbacks on their roster for the start of fall camp.

Two of the better quarterbacks in the state have signed at UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech. The Cajuns inked Levi Lewis from Scotlandville. But there’s a possibility Lewis could be moved to wide receiver. Elijah Walker of Amite is now a Bulldog. Walker helped the Warriors reach the Class 3A title game.

According to Rivals-dot-com’s rankings, ULM had the best the recruiting class in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks signed 22 players, including four three-star prospects. Coach Matt Viator is pleased with the players he signed…
cut 30 *(16) “…kids here”
One of the three-star prospects is former Neville standout Corey Straughter.

In basketball…LSU lost its eighth straight as they fell to South Carolina 88-63. UNO fell out of first place in the Southland as the Privateers lost in overtime to Abilene Christian 70-69. Southeastern Louisiana ended a two-game losing streak with an easy 72-44 victory over Nicholls.

And in the NBA, the Pelicans lost their third striaght as Detroit downed New Orleans 118-98.

Head Coach Ed Orgeron’s first recruiting class at LSU is ranked in the top 10. Jeff Palermo has thoughts from Coach “O”…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The ULM football program learned Wednesday night that they ended signing day with the highest rated class in the Sun Belt Conference, according to Rivals.com. The Warhawks received a total of 23 commitments as part of their 2017 class, joining the seven mid-year transfers who joined the program in January.

In other signing day news around the state, UL-Lafayette added 17 recruits to its 2017 class. The Southeastern Lions signed 12 recruits to their 2017 class Wednesday. Louisiana Tech signed 13 on Wednesday, making a total of 20 new Bulldogs for the team’s 2017 class.

UL-Lafayette has hired Bryan Maggard as its new athletic director, school officials announced on Wednesday.

According to sources, the New Orleans Saints will not return to The Green Briar Resort in West Virginia for a full training camp.

In college hoops, it was yet another blowout in the PMAC last night as LSU lost its 8th in a row to NO. 19 South Carolina 88-63. It started ugly and never got better. The Tigers were down 50-32 at halftime.

Southeastern Louisiana clobbered Nicholls State, 72-44 in Hammond. And UNO barely fell to Abilene Christian 70-69 in overtime.

In the NBA, the Pelicans dropped their third straight as the Pistons overcame an 8 point third quarter deficit to come back and beat New Orleans 118-98.

LSU received three commitments on national signing day to bolster a strong recruiting class that’s ranked as the seventh best by 24-7 sports. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:
cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”

It appears the Tigers did well on the defensive side of the ball. Sonny Shipp with Geaux 24-7 is high on five-star defensive back Jacoby Stevens…

cut 17 (11) “…this class”

LSU didn’t get everyone they wanted, the state’s top wide receiver, Amite’s Devonta Smith, has signed with Alabama.

NOLA.com reports the Saints will not return to the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia for training camp. It’s unknown if New Orleans will hold camp at another remote location or just stay at their training facility in Metairie. The Houston Chronicle says the Houston Texans will train at the Greenbrier instead of the Saints.

Back to recruiting, Louisiana Tech’s class features several players from the Bayou State. Thibodaux’s Amik Robertson, Neville’s JaCorion Andrews, Amite’s Elijah Walker and Oak Grove’s Joshua Mote.

Rivals-dot-com says ULM has the third best class for 2017 in the Sun Belt. The class features four three-star prospects, Ponchatoula’s Jakyle Holmes, Neville defensvie back Corey Straughter, California defensive back J-J Dallas and Mississippi offensive lineman Joquaris Savage.

UL Lafayette’s class features Scotlandville quarterback Levi Lewis, who is a three-star prospect from Baton Rouge.

It’s national signing day and based on the signed letters of intent that have already come in, the LSU Tigers will have a recruiting class that’s ranked among the best in the nation. They received a couple of good additons today, Plaquemine safety Todd Harris and Georgia inside linebacker Tyler Taylor. This afternoon, they hope to land Marvin Wilson, the nation’s number one defensive tackle. Sonny Shipp with Geaux 24-7 says Wilson is also very interested in Florida State, but LSU might have an edge over the Seminoles for the Texas product…
cut 16 (12) “…trek”
There were a couple of kids that LSU recruited but they missed out on. Four-star outside linebacker Willie Gay decided to stay at home and attend Mississippi State and Markaviest Bryant selected Auburn over LSU.

UL Lafayette introduces Doctor Bryan Maggard as it’s new athletic director. He’s been at Missouri the last 21 years and current job with Mizzou is executive associate athletic director and he worked under former A-D Mike Alden. Alden has served as a consultant to U-L for over a year.

Rivals-dot-com ranks ULM’s recruiting class as the third best in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks have four three-star prospects…Ponchatoula running back Jakyle Holmes, Neville defensive back Corey Straughter, California defensive back J-J Dallas and Mississippi offensive lineman Joquarius Savage.

Highlighting the Ragin Cajuns recruiting class is Scotlandville quarterback Levi Lewis and St. Aug cornerback Jeremiah West.

Louisiana Tech has four three-star recruits, according to rivals-dot-com. Thibodaux defensive back Amik Robertson, former Neville quarterback Jaiden Cole, Amite Q-B Elijah Walker and Natchez wide receiver George Scott.

LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Neville’s four star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis ended weeks of speculation by committing to Alabama on Tuesday. The national champion runner-up Crimson Tide won out over LSU and a late push from TCU. Mathis is the fourth-ranked player in the state of Louisiana and the 10th-ranked defensive tackle prospect in the country.

The Saints made it official yesterday by announcing that the club has hired Mike Nolan as linebackers coach and Bradford Banta as special teams coordinator. Nolan served as the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 to 2008. Banta is a Baton Rouge native and spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a long snapper. For the last three seasons, he was the assistant special teams coach for the Redskins.

In the NBA, the Raptors rallied last night to beat the Pelicans 108-106 in overtime on the road. Jrue Holiday scored 30 points for the Pels and Anthony Davis added 18. It’s the second loss in a row for New Orleans who take on the Pistons tonight.

A struggling LSU basketball team begins a big week tonight against NO. 19 South Carolina in the PMAC. The Tigers, who are 1-7 in the SEC, must also face Kentucky this week and Texas A&M.

Southeastern will look to end a two-game losing streak today as the Lions host Southland Conference rival Nicholls. The Colonels snapped a two-game losing streak of its own with a 78-74 win over McNeese on Saturday.

Also today, UNO is at Albeline Christian.

Last night, Tulane fell to Temple 79-71.

Tomorrow is national signing day and LSU hopes the nation’s number one defensive tackle in the country signs with the Tigers. Marvin Wilson of Bellaire, Texas, is also considering Florida State and Ohio State. LSU is also hoping to receive signed national letters of intent from Georgia inside linebacker Tyler Taylor, Plaquemine safety Todd Harris and Mississippi linebacker Willie Gay.

The Saints made it official today by announcing that the club has hired Mike Nolan as linebackers coach and Bradford Banta as special teams coordinator. Nolan served as the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 to 2008. Banta is a Baton Rouge native and spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a long snapper. For the last three seasons, he was the assistant special teams coach for the Redskins.

The Pelicans begin a three-game road trip tonight in Toronto. New Orleans finds themselves three games back of Denver for the eighth and final playoffs pot in the Western Conference. The Pels have also lost four of their last six games against Eastern Conference teams and Tyreke Evans will not play tonight as he’s getting a chance to rest. Tip-off is at 6 PM.

ULM men’s basketball finally won its first Sun Belt game last night as the Warhawks defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 68-52. Sam McDaniel led the way with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Warhawks are now 1-8 in league play.

The Ragin Cajuns fell to 4-5 in conference play as UL Lafayette lost to Arkansas State 88-69.

In the SWAC…Ervin Mitchell scored 24 points to help Grambling beat Mississippi Valley state 77-74 in overtime.

Tonight, Tulane hosts Temple. It’s a winnable game for the Green Wave who are 1-8 in the American Athletic Conference.

LSU, who is 1-7 in the SEC hosts 19th ranked South Carolina tomorrow night.

Former Tulane Head Coach Curtis Johnson is reportedly returning to the Saints to coach wide receivers. Johnson spent this past season with the Chicago Bears. Also, sources say former Redskins special teams assistant Bradford Banta will become the Black and Gold’s new special teams coordinator. Kevin O’dea remains an assistant according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett. The Saints have also hired former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan to coach the Saints linebackers. His father, Dick Nolan, was the head coach of the Saints from 1978-1980.

Cardell Hayes, the man convicted of killing former Saints star Will Smith has had his sentencing delayed until March 27th. Prosecutors believe Hayes should be sentenced to prison for 60 years. He was convicted last month of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter.

ULM men’s basketball finally won its first Sun Belt game last night as the Warhawks defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 68-52. Sam McDaniel led the way with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Warhawks are now 1-8 in league play.

The Ragin Cajuns fell to 4-5 in conference play as UL Lafayette lost to Arkansas State 88-69. That’s the five straight victory for the Red Wolves who are now tied for first place in the Sun Belt with Georgia Southern.

And in the SWAC…Ervin Mitchell scored 24 points to help Grambling beat Mississippi Valley state 77-74 in overtime.

According to reports, Saints Coach Sean Payton his hired former 49ers coach Mike Nolan to be New Orleans’ new linebackers coach. Nolan’s father was head coach of the Saints from 1978-1980. He compiled an 18-37 record while with San Francisco from 2005-2008. Nolan’s last job before entering the NFL was LSU linebackers coach from 1985-86.

Former Tulane coach Curtis Johnson is leaving the Chicago Cubs as wide receivers coach, according to sources. He is reportedly weighing another option in the NFL. He was hired by the Bears last season after four seasons as head coach for The Wave.

In recruiting news, tomorrow is national signing day and Louisiana Tech landed a big commitment as Thibodaux cornerback Amik Robertson announced that he plans to sign with the Bulldogs. Neville defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis will announce his school of choice this afternoon. LSU, Alabama and TCU have been recruiting the four-star prospect.

In college hoops, the ULM men’s basketball team used a red hot shooting second half in route to its first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season with a 68-52 win over the visiting Little Rock Trojans on Monday night.

UL-Lafayette was defeated by Arkansas State in conference action, 88-69 in the Cajundome. Louisiana will return to action on Saturday when it visits Georgia State.

Grambling won for the 8th time in nine games at home in a wild game against Mississippi Valley State in overtime, 77-74.

Today Tulane will take on Temple at home.

Tomorrow night a struggling LSU Tigers team will take on South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 7-1 in the SEC and are one of the top defensive teams nationally.

In the NBA the Pelicans get back on the road today to face the Raptors in Toronto to begin a three game road trip.

In the SWAC, Southern Senior outfielder Dondraya Harris was named the preseason conference player of the year Monday.

Former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan is reportedly the new linebackers coach for the Saints. Nolan is the son of former Saints head coach Dick Nolan and he was also a linebackers coach for the LSU Tigers in the mid-1980s. He was the head coach for the 49ers from 2005-2008 and he’s been a defensive coordinator for several teams including the Falcons, Dolphins, Broncos and Ravens.

In recruiting news, Louisiana Tech landed a big commitment as Thibodaux cornerback Amik Robertson announced that he plans to sign with the Bulldogs on Wednesday. Robertson also had offers from Texas, Houston, Kansas State and LSU was even interested.

Neville defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis will announce his school of choice tomorrow afternoon. He’ll make his decision at the gravesite of Tyrell Cameron, the former Franklin Parish football player who died after sustaining a hit on the football in September of 2015. LSU, Alabama and TCU have been recruiting the four-star prospect.

LSU baseball returns most of its position players from a team that won 45 games last season and reached the Super Regionals. But Coach Paul Mainieri says left field is up for grabs. Beau Jordan started a bunch of games in left field last year, but Mainieri says former St. Thomas More standout Brenen Breaux looks like a different player this year…
cut 18 (23) “…for the job”
Opening day is February 17th against Air Force.

College basketball tonight….the Ragin Cajuns host Arkansas State, who is one of the better teams in the league, and ULM is also home to take on Little Rock. Grambling will face Mississippi Valley in Lincoln Parish.