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.

In recruiting news, Louisiana Tech landed a big commitment today 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.

Plaquemine defensive back Todd Harris says his final four choices are LSU, Alabama, TCU and Arizona State. Harris will announce his decision on National Signing Day.

At the NFL Pro Bowl, the AFC beat the NFC 20-13. Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 112 yards and a touchdown. He was also intercepted once. Former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham had six catches for 93 yards.

And the Saints are reportedly losing wide receivers coach John Morton. He’s reportedly been hired as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets.

The Pelicans ended an up-and-down homestand with a 107-94 loss to Washington.

LSU baseball will have a couple of veterans up the middle as Cole Freeman and Kramer Robertson return as LSU’s starting second baseman and shortstop. Freshman Josh Smith is expected to start at third and Coach Paul Mainieri plans to play Jake Slaugther at first base, which is a new position for the former Ouachita Christian standout…
cut 17 (23) “…so forth”
Opening day for the Tigers 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.

In the final game of an up and down long homestand, the New Orleans Pelicans fell last night 107-94 to the Wizards. It was hardly the same look for the Pels than the Friday night 119-103 victory over the Spurs. But the Wizards are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and they have won eight of the past nine games against the Pelicans. Starting tomorrow night against Toronto, the Pelicans return on the road to play three games.

Sunday in the Pro-Bowl, the AFC held on to defeat the NFC 20-13 in a wild game where Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed 10 of 19 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. All in all, the NFL All-Star game lacked spectacular play on either side; but the AFC put together just enough drives to get the win.

There’s been an arrest in the latest break-in at Tiger Stadium. LSU Police say two University of Oklahoma students were spotted inside the stadium Sunday around noon. 20-year-old Samuel Holland and 19-year-old Lucas Meacham are charged with unauthorized entry of a place of business and resisting an officer by flight.

Spring practice is underway for the LSU baseball team, who goes into this season with some of the best talent in the country. The Tigers pitching staff has two veteran starters along with a senior closer. LSU also has plenty of experience in the field and Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased about that…:
Cut 16 (20) “in this league”
Opening day for the Tigers is February 17th against Air Force.

In college hoops, the LSU men’s basketball team suffered its 7th straight Saturday after falling to Texas Tech 77-64.

ULM continues its homestand today with a visit from Little Rock at 7. The Warhawks enter the tilt with a 6-15 mark, coming off of a loss against Arkansas State on Saturday, while Little Rock enters 12-9, coming off an 88-82 loss to the Ragin Cajuns on Saturday.

UL-Lafayette takes on Arkansas State tonight. Mississippi Valley State is at Grambling.

Spring practice begins today for college baseball teams. Expectations are high as usual at LSU as the Tigers are ranked in the top five in preseason polls. Coach Paul Mainieri says he can understand why…
cut 30 (19) “…this team”
Opening day is Friday February 17th against Air Force.

At the LHSAA convention, principals rejected a proposal that would combine Class B and C with Class 1A. It was an attempt to cut down on the number of playoff brackets in sports that have a split postseason. Principals also did not vote for the “elite team” proposal which would force dominating teams to play up in class.

Conference USA has suspended Louisiana Tech’s Jacobi Boykins and UAB’s Hakeem Baxter for one game for fighting. Those two exchanged punches that resulted in both benches emptying out onto the floor. If you leave the bench, it’s an automatic ejection, so Tech finished last night’s loss to the Blazers with just four players. Boykins will not be availble for tomorrow night’s game against Middle Tennessee.

LSU will try to snap a six-game losing streak on Saturday when they visit Texas Tech as part of the SEC-Big 12 Challenge. LSU is allowing 81 points a game and they are ranked 327 out of 351 Division one teams in that category.

Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis says he expects to play tonight as New Orleans hosts San Antonio. Davis has been bothered by a right thigh bruise. The Spurs have the second best record in the Western Conference, while the Pels have lost three of their last four at home. Tip-off is at 7 PM.