Joe McKnight: Who Will Get Him?

[GeauxTo]

One holdout potential recruit that could be the crown jewel of LSU's already stellar class is Joe McKnight, the all-purpose superstar from the legendary John Curtis program in New Orleans. Possessing uncanny field vision, speed and fearlessness, McKnight is a virtual jack-of-all trades and would undoubtedly be used immediately by Coach Miles at punt and kick returner, receiver or slot man. McKnight is one of those special players that come around every twenty years or so. He is a bona fide game breaker and if he does eventually choose LSU like many insiders are predicting, LSU will be greatly served by his presence. A potential SEC Offensive MVP, McKnight is the must-have player in the State of Louisiana this year.

[WallyGoat]

Well, I'm noping he comes to Alabama. That's the best I can do. Hope.

[GeauxTo]

Well, I'm noping he comes to Alabama. That's the best I can do. Hope.
Your strongest hope lies in the fact that J. T. Curtis, the high school football coach of Joe McKnight at John Curtis High School, is very, very close to Nick Saban. Whether he can or will influence McKnight toward Bama is yet to be seen. McKnight is, however, a stellar prize in the recruitment wars!

[goallthewayua]

One holdout potential recruit that could be the crown jewel of LSU's already stellar class is Joe McKnight, the all-purpose superstar from the legendary John Curtis program in New Orleans. Possessing uncanny field vision, speed and fearlessness, McKnight is a virtual jack-of-all trades and would undoubtedly be used immediately by Coach Miles at punt and kick returner, receiver or slot man. McKnight is one of those special players that come around every twenty years or so. He is a bona fide game breaker and if he does eventually choose LSU like many insiders are predicting, LSU will be greatly served by his presence. A potential SEC Offensive MVP, McKnight is the must-have player in the State of Louisiana this year.

I thought he came out and said that it was between us and USC and that he was passing on the Tigers. Now bama has jumped in the mix as well which isn't good, but I'm pretty sure he said some pretty negative comments about how LSU has a lot of talented backs who are utilized well or something to that effect. Anyway, whichever one of us gets him is getting a hell of a player. Your right about his talent though Geaux. If Reggie Bush and McFadden were able to have a love child he would be Joe McKnight.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

If $aban can convince McKnight to come to Bama after LSU has been all over him from the start, then LSU got owned!

I think he goes to LSU, but he could go to Bama. Isn't USCal pushing hard for him too?

[GeauxTo]

Everybody is pushing hard for him. I'll be glad when he announces.

[GTTiger]

I've heard rumors that Bama might offer Curtis a Job in order to get Mcknight to come to Bama

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

I've heard rumors that Bama might offer Curtis a Job in order to get Mcknight to come to Bama

Would it be the first time Bama indirectly paid for recruits? :money:

[GeauxTo]

I've heard rumors that Bama might offer Curtis a Job in order to get Mcknight to come to Bama
That wouldn't surprise me at all. But J. T. would be foolish to link his financial future to such a short-term venture when he's got the most successful high school program in Louisiana down at John Curtis High School.

[BamaDude06]

If he gets a job at Bama it would be based on his on his relationship with Saban, not to lure McKnight.

[timNem]

Your strongest hope lies in the fact that J. T. Curtis, the high school football coach of Joe McKnight at John Curtis High School, is very, very close to Nick Saban. Whether he can or will influence McKnight toward Bama is yet to be seen. McKnight is, however, a stellar prize in the recruitment wars!He is a freak! Rumor on a Rivals is that Saban has offered John Curtis a spot on his staff as Director of Player Development, but I doubt he would leave the school that he has won 20+ State Titles and has a 90% winning percentage.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

If he gets a job at Bama it would be based on his on his relationship with Saban, not to lure McKnight.

Whatever helps you sleep better at night!
:laugh: ;)

[jonthetiger337]

it's between USCwest and LSU and bama has made a late push. i heard on tigerdroppings that rivals is predicting him to end up at LSU along with Tolliver, Devine, and a few others. Looks like LSU may be pulling in one of the best LSU classes ever.

[arkbengal]

If he gets a job at Bama it would be based on his on his relationship with Saban, not to lure McKnight.

Yeah, OK. Sort of like Arkansas hiring Gus last year. Fact he had 4 D-1 players including Parade Player of the Year didn't affect that decision?

[goallthewayua]

it's between USCwest and LSU and bama has made a late push. i heard on tigerdroppings that rivals is predicting him to end up at LSU along with Tolliver, Devine, and a few others. Looks like LSU may be pulling in one of the best LSU classes ever.

We've still got his last official visit before signing day :laugh:

[timNem]

We've still got his last official visit before signing day :laugh:dANG, JUST IMAGINE this: McFadden, Jones, AND McKnight

[Cianne]

I just got back from dinner tonight. Coach O and 34 recruits/family members were seated next to us. McKnight seemed like a really nice guy, and Chris Strong is one of the biggest guys I have ever seen which includes Jerrell Powe.

Oh and McKnight's best friend at John Curtis currently holds a scholarship offer from Ole Miss and was in attendance as well.

[bamaballers2006]

We've still got his last official visit before signing day :laugh:

That was the plan before Bama got Saban. Now Mcknight has added bama to an offical visit. It looks like the last weekend before signing day.

I still think LSU will get him though

[shanksta13]

Most LSU fans that I have talked to seem to think that McKnight will end up at Bama. I think I'm starting to lean toward that decision as well.

[timNem]

Most LSU fans that I have talked to seem to think that McKnight will end up at Bama. I think I'm starting to lean toward that decision as well.I would not be mad if that happens :D

[GeauxTo]

I would not be mad if that happens :D
I think it all depends on how much influence his high school coach has on him. I know he is pushing McKnight towards Bama because he and Nick are as thick as thieves. But, McKnight may be seeing that during his playing time he could win a National Championship at LSU but not likely at Alabama. If I could talk to him, that's what I would tell him.

[timNem]

I think it all depends on how much influence his high school coach has on him. I know he is pushing McKnight towards Bama because he and Nick are as thick as thieves. But, McKnight may be seeing that during his playing time he could win a National Championship at LSU but not likely at Alabama. If I could talk to him, that's what I would tell him.If I could talk to him, I would tell him not to listen to Geaux! :ohmy:

[Smithian]

Arkansas has his last visit.

We'll have Darren McFadden host him. "Hey, Joe, how you doing? Wait, two seconds, that's the phone. Let me check it... Oh, don't worry, just someone over from the Heisman Trophy committee. They're asking for a joint photo of me, my Doak Walker, the 2007-2008 Heisman trophy, and some All-American plaques. I'll just have Arkansas' press guys handle it. Anyways, yes, when you come to Arkansas next year, you can touch the same football as me once a day."

[Cianne]

He's coming to Ole Miss because he has more friends here. Facebook says so!

[bamaballers2006]

Arkansas has his last visit.

We'll have Darren McFadden host him. "Hey, Joe, how you doing? Wait, two seconds, that's the phone. Let me check it... Oh, don't worry, just someone over from the Heisman Trophy committee. They're asking for a joint photo of me, my Doak Walker, the 2007-2008 Heisman trophy, and some All-American plaques. I'll just have Arkansas' press guys handle it. Anyways, yes, when you come to Arkansas next year, you can touch the same football as me once a day."

Do you have a link that says he will even visit Arkansas. 1/19 he will visit usc, 1/26 he will visit LSU, and he has said will will visit Alabama which if is true can only mean 2/2 which is the last weekend before signing day.

And Geaux are you talking winning a NC in the next 2 years if so then yes I would agree with you he stands a better chance with LSU but in the next 4 or 5 with or without Mcknight Bama will be in that same picture as LSU is now.

Just remeber Before Saban came to LSU bama was kicking your butt

[GeauxTo]

If I could talk to him, I would tell him not to listen to Geaux! :ohmy:
Ha-Ha-Ha
We would definitely confuse the boy. That's why they wont't let you or me near him!
:D


Do you have a link that says he will even visit Arkansas. 1/19 he will visit usc, 1/26 he will visit LSU, and he has said will will visit Alabama which if is true can only mean 2/2 which is the last weekend before signing day.

And Geaux are you talking winning a NC in the next 2 years if so then yes I would agree with you he stands a better chance with LSU but in the next 4 or 5 with or without Mcknight Bama will be in that same picture as LSU is now.

Just remeber Before Saban came to LSU bama was kicking your butt
Bama's favorite phrase... "Just remember..."
:rofl:

[bamaballers2006]

Bama's favorite phrase... "Just remember..."


Soon to be LSU's

[uscrebel]

Actually, what I have heard is that he is leaning to USC and Ole Miss at this time, with some recent interest in Alabama. Two players from Curtis are saying that he will never go to LSU and is only taking an official there because one of the position coaches (not running back) is a family friend.

He will be at USC at the same time as their 5-star RB commit Marc Tyler. Tyler and CJ Gable are friends and CJ will host him. The plan right now is to have Emmanuel Moody host McKnight.

I have also heard that he will cancel his Arkansas visit scheduled for 2/2 and go to Alabama instead. He was the only recruit actually scheduled at that time for Fayetteville.

Much has been made of his statement, "I want to win a national championship." It would appear that the context of the statement was a bit more like this.

"Joe, what do you want to achieve at the next level?"

"Well, I want to win a national championship. I also want to get a good education and hang with my friends. I want to prepare myself for the next level I want to play on Sundays."

I here that after Deuce McAllister's performance yesterday, the visiting recruits were taken back to the campus and shown the "Deuce Shrine." Dan Werner made sure that Joe sat in front of Deuce's locker and told him..."This is where it all started." I assume that he will sit in front of Joe Addai's, Shaun Alexanders' and Reggie Bush's lockers over the next few weeks.

I have no idea which way this will fall, but I feel pretty confident in my source that says no way LSU.

[goallthewayua]

Do you have a link that says he will even visit Arkansas. 1/19 he will visit usc, 1/26 he will visit LSU, and he has said will will visit Alabama which if is true can only mean 2/2 which is the last weekend before signing day.

And Geaux are you talking winning a NC in the next 2 years if so then yes I would agree with you he stands a better chance with LSU but in the next 4 or 5 with or without Mcknight Bama will be in that same picture as LSU is now.

Just remeber Before Saban came to LSU bama was kicking your butt

We are still listed on Rivals/Scout as 2/2/06 and bama isn't listed. I can't get the rivals link to copy and paste for some reason, but here's the Scout. Bottom of the page.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=10&p=8&c=1&nid=2340246&refid=6627

[goallthewayua]

Oh, he also told Texas that he would visit too and then he blew them off so I wouldn't put much stock in him saying that he will visit if it isn't scheduled yet, but he could also blow us off so I'm more crossing my fingers then getting my hopes up. Whoever gets him is going to be better off. He'll make an immediate Reggie Bush type impact on a team as a frosh.

[bamaballers2006]

http://www.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=33774

Here is rivals site. After the 26th no one is listed I guess we shall see

[woo_pig_sooie]

I'm pretty sure he said he was going to take a mid-week official visit somewhere.

[Smithian]

Money on him going to Texas for some reason.

[Daveman30001]

Arkansas did hire gus because he had the weight of those 4 D-1 players, and it turned out to be a good hire. Nutt still didnt let him do all the play calling, ( final four downs vs LSU) but notice that arkansas won 10 in a row. And if McKnight is what everyone says he is, im sure theyll give that coach a big raise to get him.

"If Reggie Bush and McFadden were able to have a love child he would be Joe McKnight."

LOL and kind of scary, I just hopes he stays in the SEC.

[BamaDude06]

Arkansas did hire gus because he had the weight of those 4 D-1 players, and it turned out to be a good hire.

And look at all the "in-house" problems it caused.

Hiring a coach just to get a recruit = bad idea.

[Daveman30001]

Good point, it seemed to be more of the parents problems though. I dont really want to get started on a rant about how ridiculous that whole situation was and how embarassing it was for our program. It did cause problems with the team, but it did not affect gus malzahan's coaching ability. If they were to hire that guy for just one player who was going to be guaranteed to touch the ball alot, then there wouldnt be a problem.

[Cianne]

Good point, it seemed to be more of the parents problems though.

Guz was just part of the whole charade put on by the Right Reverend to sheperd the players and parents to Fayetteville.

[goallthewayua]

Guz was just part of the whole charade put on by the Right Reverend to sheperd the players and parents to Fayetteville.

Worked out pretty well considering Mahlzan is Rivals OC of the year.

[Cianne]

You and everyone else knows that the Hog mascot could have been OC of the Year with Jones and McFadden.

[Smithian]

If Gus Malzahn was hired only for that reason, then why was he offered the WR coaching job three years ago?

Also, Cianne, you are extremely hypocritical. You all hired Huge Freeze during Michael Oher's recruiting process.

[Cianne]

I'm not being hypocritical. There have been absolutely zero problems between the Ole Miss football program and the Tuohys because Coach Freeze was not brought in under the false pretense to radically change something that Coach Orgeron had no intention of changing. The situations are completely different.

In regards to your first statement, who knows seeing as how Springdale had zero quality recruits since 2002. Of course a WR coach position is a lot different from the OC position. It's generally filled by graduate assistants getting their first crack in the big show.

[goallthewayua]

TRG spoke with Ziemba a little while ago and said that Lee hasn't decided yet, but they think he is going to be a hog. Hope he's right. It would be very good news.

[GeauxTo]

Miles is a much better recruiter than many people think. I believe he will bring McKnight into the LSU fold and use him right away.

[jonthetiger337]

LSU will get Mcknight, Tolliver, Francois, and we picked up Blackwell today.

[bamaballers2006]

Mcknights final visit will be Bama and not Arkansas.

http://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=631425

[scfan5338]

If I had to bet where a 5-star stud like him to go, I would definetly say USCw cause they are just a recruting MACHINE! I think LSU has just as good of a chance because he is from Lousiana and well LSU is pretty damn good. I think Bama has a outside chance primarily because of the whole Saban thing. I think Saban got in there a little too late.

[nooneLT]

well according to him he wants to go where he can immediately play. if that's the case Bama and Ole Miss have the edge. plus we have another edge because of his coach is saban's close friend.

interesting to find that he dropped ark and picked us up for the final weekend before signing day. i think if he hasn't committed by then, we have a real good shot of getting him.

[dcbama]

Would it be the first time Bama indirectly paid for recruits? :money:

Keep it down home cuz? Chet Williams? Joe Whitt? We definitely have had our issues, but awb can't say a damn thing.

McKnight is taking an official visit to T-Town the weekend before signing day. Who knows what will happen, but I like our chances. If he does come to Bama, he'll be doing so without Coach Curtis. Us offering him a position was just an internet rumor. Besides, the last few weeks have shown how hires such as that work out.

[GatorNation]

Geaux, you're supposed to keep the best in-state talent at LSU!

:D

[GeauxTo]

Geaux, you're supposed to keep the best in-state talent at LSU!

:D
We're working on it, we're working on it!
:laugh:

[razorhead]

I have an aquaintance whose friend knows a guy who used to work with McKnight's 3rd cousin. He says Bama is a lock.

[bigkegman]

On facebook he joined the group LSU will win the 2008 football championship......take that for what it's worth...

[GeauxTo]

I have an aquaintance whose friend knows a guy who used to work with McKnight's 3rd cousin. He says Bama is a lock.
I know your acquaintance. He's a boob.
:laugh:

[GeauxTo]

Joe McKnight will be visiting USC this weekend and will be visiting LSU on the weekend of January 27-28.

[GeauxTo]

Joe McKnight visited USC this past weekend and, according to reports, had a great visit as expected. I do not believe McKnight will sign with The Trojans because of the distance and because he has a brother who is a freshman at John Curtis with whom he is very close. I know he would like to be able to attend some of his brother's high school games and his brother would like to attend some of Joeís games. Ole Miss and Alabama are also in the mix of things for McKnight. Former OP Walker of New Orleans high school coach, Frank Wilson, who recruits the New Orleans area for the Rebels has done a good job recruiting McKnight. As for Alabama, they entered the hunt for McKnight a little late but have a chance at getting the last visit from him, and they'll surely roll out the red carpet for the five-star running back. McKnight will be visiting LSU on January 26-27 and the LSU coaching staff will need to sale the fact that he can help LSU win a couple of national titles while at LSU and be able to play in front of his family, friends and high school coaches.
...via Dandy Don

[GeauxTo]

Joe McKnight decided late Tuesday night that he will not visit any school this weekend, according to Will Weather of the Advocate, and that is great news for LSU. McKnight's decision not to take an official visit to Alabama or FSU increases LSU chances at signing the Parade Magazine high school All-American.

[WallyGoat]

Joe McKnight will be visiting USC this weekend and will be visiting LSU on the weekend of January 27-28.

I know Alabama is on JMac's list, but I still doubt we have a shot with him, unless a fan sells their soul to get him. That would not be me.

It's definitely between USC and LSU.

[WDavE]

I just read some where that he has eliminated Alabama....

The team to watch out for just may be Ole Miss. That would be a recruiting shocker....

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

I would be pretty happy if he goes to Ole Miss or USC. LSU doesn't need any more talent in this class, and it would be fun to see Coach O talking about McKnight.

[downshall]

The team to watch out for just may be Ole Miss. That would be a recruiting shocker....

He's now announced that his recruitment will be over by Friday at noon. LSU and USCw have in-home visits Thursday. Apparently Frank Wilson, one of our best recruiters, will be in his home Friday morning.

It's been amusing watching everyone ignore our chances in this recruiting battle. I'm not saying we'll get him, but I do not think we're the darkhorse everyone makes us out to be.

[GeauxTo]

Well, if he comes our way, we'll certainly enjoy the advantage his skills will bring. If he goes your way, we'll enjoy busting his talented butt on the field of battle. I do hope he stays in the SEC and doesn't geaux to the shaky coast.

[M2J]

I think his best choice would be to go to Alabama. Its a team definately on the upswing, and he fits a need. Hell USC already has like 2 4-5 star RBs this class, nevertheless past ones. And I just flat out don't like the way LSU uses running backs. However, they'd be a better choice than USC and I'd be shocked if he didn't go there.

I really want that Creer guy though.

[Cianne]

His best choice is Ole Miss where we can use him and BJGE like Reggie Bush and LenDale White this year. Then he can be handed the reigns next year with Robert Eliot, the 8th ranked RB in the nation this year.

[endersgame]

i'd bet the farm he ends up at usc.

[GeauxTo]

Late news... (Thursday)

Joe McKnight will receive home visits from Les Miles and Pete Carroll of USC tonight. No doubt Pete Carroll will impress McKnight because he is a very polished, smooth talking coach with a lot of charm. Les Miles will be accompanied by offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and running back coach Larry Porter. Joe McKnight was almost a lock to sign with USC one year ago, but Les Miles and Jimbo Fisher did a good job recruiting McKnight before Fisher took the FSU job. Word is that Gary Crowton has impressed McKnight the few times the two have talked. McKnight's final decision will be made after Les Miles' visit tonight. The good thing that LSU has going is that his family, friends and coach J.T. Curtis would be able to drive 60 miles up the road seven times each season to see him play. No reason for McKnight to want to attend USC unless he has a desire to leave the state of Louisiana and all his friends. At least one national recruiting expert is predicting that McKnight and Tolliver will sign with USC and Florida respectively.

We'll know soon.

[Cianne]

Actually Geaux, Ole Miss gets the last word with Joe. Coach Wilson will be there tomorrow for lunch.

[GeauxTo]

Actually Geaux, Ole Miss gets the last word with Joe. Coach Wilson will be there tomorrow for lunch.

I'd rather see him in Oxford than at USC; and, I'd rather see him as a Rebel in the SEC instead of a Gator or a Tuscalooooser. But most of all, I'd rather see him in the same backfield with Ryan Perrilloux!

[downshall]

Late news... (Thursday)

Joe McKnight will receive home visits from Les Miles and Pete Carroll of USC tonight. No doubt Pete Carroll will impress McKnight because he is a very polished, smooth talking coach with a lot of charm. Les Miles will be accompanied by offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and running back coach Larry Porter. Joe McKnight was almost a lock to sign with USC one year ago, but Les Miles and Jimbo Fisher did a good job recruiting McKnight before Fisher took the FSU job. Word is that Gary Crowton has impressed McKnight the few times the two have talked. McKnight's final decision will be made after Les Miles' visit tonight. The good thing that LSU has going is that his family, friends and coach J.T. Curtis would be able to drive 60 miles up the road seven times each season to see him play. No reason for McKnight to want to attend USC unless he has a desire to leave the state of Louisiana and all his friends. At least one national recruiting expert is predicting that McKnight and Tolliver will sign with USC and Florida respectively.

We'll know soon.

How absolutely typical. Ole Miss has the last visit, but not a mention of it here. Matter of fact, the decision will be made tonight. Not a mention of the fact that he might even consider us. I know LSU and USC have the big names, but we were the only other school to get a visit.

So Geaux, which LSU board did you get that off of? For the record, I'm hearing that USC is out of the picture.

Keep ignoring us...

[GeauxTo]

Keep ignoring us...


Shhhhhhhhh...
I'm ignoring you.

[Cianne]

Geaux got there from where he gets all of his info. The Dandy one himself.

[downshall]

Shhhhhhhhh...
I'm ignoring you.

Have you been talking to my wife? She does the same thing.

[downshall]

Geaux got there from where he gets all of his info. The Dandy one himself.

I should have guessed, shouldn't I? You'd think living here in Louisiana I'd be more in touch with that guy.

[GeauxTo]

Geaux got there from where he gets all of his info. The Dandy one himself.

I've taken to paraphrasing him lately. It makes his writing better.
:D