LSU Football Recruiting News: Arden Key, 4-Star DE, Bolsters Orgeron's Tough Tiger Defense
ByWith much attention placed on the recruiting class of 2015's quarterbacks, the LSU Tigers secured a key commitment on defense in Arden Key.
According to Rivals.com, the four-star defensive end from Atlanta, Ga. announced his commitment to LSU Monday night, just ahead of National Signing Day. Evaluators agree that Key shows great upside if he can add bulk to his lanky six-foot-five frame.
ESPN, Rivals and 247 Sports each gave Key a four-star rating, but gave him different positional rankings. ESPN placed Key 24th overall and sixth among defensive ends, whereas Rivals placed him 247th overall and 13th at his position.
"Key is a long, rangy defensive end prospect who a tremendous amount of athleticism. He's lightning fast for a defensive lineman and while he's a bit raw, he shows flashes of high-level potential," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Wood Womack told the website. "I think there is a little bit of boom or bust factor with him, but it's rare to see a guy with his combination of size and speed at the defensive end position."
Newly hired LSU defensive coordinator Ed Orgeron was reportedly responsible for Key's recruitment. Orgeron first gained national attention when he took over as USC's interim head coach before Steve Sarkisian's hiring. With recruits like Key, Orgeron is bolstering an already tough defense at LSU.
"LSU leads the NFL in producing defensive linemen," Key told 247 Sports. "My dream is to be in the NFL. They are family-oriented, and everybody loves you. They welcome you with open arms.
"(Les Miles), (Ed Orgeron) and (Kevin Steele), all of them are some hype guys and they love what they do."