Which Current 2021 LSU Football Commits Have Best Chance of Making SI All-American Top-99 List?

LSU has been all over the 2021 recruiting cycle as coach Ed Orgeron and company have proven that not even a global pandemic can slow down the buzz that comes with winning a national championship. The Tigers have picked up 16 commitments to date, a number of which are highly-touted, out-of-state prospects that see the culture that is forming in Baton Rouge.

Over the next few weeks, SI All-American will be releasing its top-10 prospects at each of the 14 various position groups and unveil its inaugural SI99--ranking the top-99 prospects in the country--on Aug. 24. Because LSU is one of the few programs that hasn't been affected by the recruiting dead period, there are many committed players that are considered top end talent that could make their way into the top-99 rankings.

Here are just a few LSU commits to be on the lookout for in not only the top-10 rankings but potential SI99 rankings as well:

Raesjon Davis- 6-0 / 215 / OLB from Santa Ana, CA

One of the earliest commits in the 2021 class, Davis announced his commitment to the LSU program on Jan. 1 and hasn't looked back. Davis has been one of the outspoken recruits in terms of trying to lure big time talent to the class.

Yall really not ready 😂 but ima keep quiet. #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/RBT2mUsQ8q
— Raesjon Davis (@raesjon1) July 17, 2020

Proving to be one of the dominant outside linebackers in the class, athleticism, instincts and a strong frame are just a few of the qualities Davis possesses which point to him being a future star at the next level. Here's what the SI All-American crew thinks of the Mater Dei star:

Davis is a three-down linebacker ready to make big plays against today’s offenses. He can command extra attention as a pass-rusher and hold his own against a secondary wide receiver, tight end or running back in coverage. As he adds mass and gains experience inside, especially on early downs, he could blossom into the type of defensive signal-caller you can’t take off the football field.

Chris Hilton - 5-11 / 175 / WR from Zachary, La

One of the more explosive receivers in the 2021 class, Hilton pledged his commitment to the Tigers just two weeks ago on July 3. When LSUCountry caught up with Hilton after his commitment, the Zachary native said family played a huge role in his decision to stay home.

"Seeing my parents in the stands, having them come watch me play because it's right around the corner is probably the moment I'm looking forward to most," Hilton said.

"I think it really just came down to a point where he knew where he felt most comfortable," Chris Hilton Sr. said. "They all were excellent choices but he knew where he felt most comfortable was at LSU. I told him to make sure that the place he chooses feels like home to him and that's what LSU was to Chris."

Hilton is an electric receiver that could very well insert himself into the offense from an early stage in his LSU career.

Hilton is a game-changing athlete who can flip the field and momentum of a game on one play. His long speed and leaping ability are virtually unmatched in the class of 2021 but he can use refinement as a potential slot receiver if he is to play at the highest level. No substitute for raw ability and potential on the football field but it may take a year or two to see it on full display beyond special teams.

Garrett Dellinger- 6-6 / 260 / OT from Clarkston, Michigan

Dellinger was the start of what's become a phenomenal four weeks for the Tigers on the recruiting trail. As one of the top offensive tackles in the country, Dellinger committed to LSU on June 24 and will compete for a starting position early in his career.

LSUCountry was also able to catch up with Dellinger after his commitment to the Tigers, saying the relationship he built with offensive line coach James Cregg as well as just feeling wanted were the two biggest reasons he chose LSU.

"I've felt wanted since the start of this process and really felt like I was the No. 1 guy for them," Dellinger said. "That helped me become even more comfortable and played a big part in my decision. I just can't wait to get started."

Dellinger currently plays left tackle and has the frame to stay on the edges in college. He will need to gain some college seasoning in pass protection, yet his awareness, footwork and hand placement in the running game are good traits for an offensive line coach to work with. He projects as a swing tackle in an offense that features inside and outside zone-blocking concepts in its rushing attack.

Landon Jackson- 6-5 / 230 / DE from Texarkana, Texas

Jackson has the chance to be a building block for LSU's defensive line under Bo Pelini and the 4-3 scheme the program is implementing in 2020 and beyond. With great length and athleticism, Jackson was truly one of the big lands for the Tigers early in the recruitment process.

Before his commitment to LSU, Jackson told LSUCountry that coach Ed Orgeron being a defensive line minded coach was a major factor in him considering the Tigers.

"I really like that because it means my head coach will be around my group and I feel like I'd have a lot closer relationship with my head coach if I had a coach like that," Jackson said. "That's definitely the scheme I want to play in college."

With his imposing size, length, and solid mobility, Jackson is a prospect with some scheme versatility. He has experience playing 3, 4i, 5, and 7-technique, as well as linebacker. Though he must develop a varied pass-rush plan, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson settle as a 5/7-technique DE in a 4-man front with some gap exchange principles in college.