While the word on the street following the signing day of 2009 was that the state of Louisiana would have a down year, those returns proved to be a bit early. While not Dewey defeats Truman early, a tad bit off.

So where does the state of Louisiana have it’s strength this year? Simply put, skill positions.

Today we’ll take a look at the Safeties.

While we put together our Eye On The Tigers Louisiana Top Prospects list, here are some of the players we have seen that are moving up on the recruiting boards.

Quite frankly, the position with the best depth at the top is at safety. Eric Reid from Dutchtown, Tharold Simon of Eunice and Anthony Balancier of McDonough 35 in New Orleans are all elite level safety prospects.

Reid is a phenomenal athlete, with great size and speed to go along with his outstanding intelligence and football instincts. Dutchtown coach Benny Saia utilizes Reid and his athleticism in various roles for the Griffins. An early commitment to LSU, Reid is focusing on rehbbing a shoulder surgery and preparing for his senior season. If he is healthy, and plays to his potential, Reid could be the best prospect in the state of Louisiana.

That last sentence could be said for Tharold Simon as well. Another early commitment to LSU, Simon is an unreal talent, who could play any number of positions, even though he is a natural safety. Simon will be a relative unknown to those who strictly follow uncommitted recruits, but he should be as highly rated as any player in the state, possibly the nation.

Wayne Reese at McDonough 35 has sent his fair share of talented high school players to college. While at Carver in New Orleans he coached future NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. And Reese has high praise for Balancier, and sees him as a tremendous college prospect. Balancier is a physical player, who could find his way on the field in a number of roles.