Blake Dean Returns, Ochinko Signs; Recruiting Update

BASEBALL

In big news for the 2010 LSU Baseball Team, senior to be Blake Dean has announced that he will return for his senior season. Dean has hit 37 home runs and knocked in 144 runs over the last two seasons, leading the team in RBIs each year. Needless to say, his return will greatly benefit next year's team. Dean will undoubtedly work hard to try and earn a position in the field next year. He has certainly proven himself as a big-time hitter at the college level, but by showing he can play some defense he'll likely increase his draft position next year. Expect Dean to get a look at outfield and first base.

2009 first baseman Sean Ochinko, drafted in the 11th round, signed a pro contract and will be off to minor league baseball. Ochinko's true position is as a catcher, and he wont' be able to play catcher at LSU next year with Micah Gibbs returning.

Though it's old news, I haven't mentioned mentioned here that outfield Jared Mitchell has signed a pro contract. Congrats to Jared who will receive a $1.2 million signing bonus.

No other LSU players or signees have signed contracts at this point.

FOOTBALL

All members of the 2009 signing class are qualified and on campus with the exception of linebacker Tahj Jones and safety Craig Loston. Apparently, the status of those two is still up in the air.

RECRUITING

As reported in the last update, Georgia running back Storm Johnson is planning on visiting LSU this weekend to officially commit to LSU. That is still the plan, though it apparently hasn't happened just yet.

Shreveport athlete Jarret Fobbs committed to Texas A&M this week. LSU offered Fobbs as a defensive back, but Fobbs was dead set on playing receiver in college, and A&M will give him the opportunity to do that. He was one of the top players on LSU's board as a cornerback. LSU simply has better receivers currently committed and on their board. But if LSU ultimately decides to offer Fobbs as a receiver, then Fobbs may reconsider.

New Orleans cornerback Urell Johnson committed to Southern Miss last week. Johnson was a guy that got a few looks from schools like LSU and Tennessee but didn't receive any official offers.

Next weekend, LSU hosts its second camp of the summer and many big-time prospects will be there. Included in the top prospects will be a number of the state's top prospects for the Class of 2011, which may be the most talent-laded class in the state since 2001 (Mike Clayton, Andrew Whitworth, Marquise Hill, Marcus Spears, etc). Here are some of the 2011 guys who are planning to attend:

OL La'El Collins Redemptorist HS Baton Rouge, LA-- Collins certainly looks to be the state's top OL and one of the nation's best. He will be a strong candidate to be ranked as a 5-star recruit by the recruiting services. Collins doesn't have an LSU offer yet, but he almost certainly will after the camp next week.

RB Jeremy Hill Redemptorist HS Baton Rouge, LA -- Like Collins, Hill does not yet have an LSU offer, but he's expected to pick one up at camp next week. Hill is one of two in-state running backs (Kenny Hilliard is the other) that could find their way onto national Top 100 lists next year.

WR/ATH Bradley Sylve South Plaquemine HS -- Sylve is a serious speedster who projects as a versatile wide receiver. With 45 receptions, over 1100 yards and 13 touchdowns, he has proven that he's more than just a track guy. LSU has already offered Sylve and he has claimed that LSU is his leader.

LB Beau Fitte South Plaquemine HS -- Fitte is a very athletic linebacker who looks like he could be highly recruited. He will be attending LSU's camp and he'll try to show the LSU staff what he can do.

Luther wide receiver Jarvis Landry attended LSU's camp in June and really impressed. I'm not sure if he'll be attending again in July. I hope to put out a list sometime late next week.