With a name like JaMarkus McFarland, the highly regarded defensive tackle from Lufkin, Texas, seemed like a natural to become an LSU Tiger. Add the fact that his high school coach is good friends with LSU co-defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto, and LSU's chances seemed to be enhanced in a tangible way.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, that doesn't seem to be the way it's going to turn out.

McFarland has told the ESPN-affliated Web site OUInsider.com, "As of right now, I am at Oklahoma and Texas."

He explained, "Well, basically, it is getting to the point where it is becoming so hectic that I am thinking I have got to make a choice. I even talked to (LSU commit) Russell (Shepard) a little bit and he mentioned that some of the other recruits found LSU as a great place, but I told him I had to pick a school that was best for me. I feel that they are stacked at my position to where I won't get some playing time, so I kind of look at these other two (OU, UT) based on that. But if I can't get anything out of it, maybe I will go back to my third choice."

That would be LSU. And that means don't hold your breath waiting for McFarland to fax a national letter of intent to Baton Rouge on Feb. 4.

LSU commitment Claiborne gets high marks from ESPNU

The recruiting experts at ESPNU didn't know much about Shreveport Fair Park's Morris Claiborne when he committed to LSU last week.

But they've learned fast to like his ability quite a bit.

Claiborne (6-foot-1, 185) went from a grade of 40 to 80 after Scouts Inc. reviewed his highlight footage. As a result, he went from nowhere to being listed as the nation's No. 31 athletic prospect.

Here is his evaluation from ESPNU.com ...

Claiborne is a bit of a secret in recruiting circles, but his talent level won't be kept at bay for long once he enters the college ranks. This guy is a smooth, fluid athlete with great speed and change-of-direction skills. He works out of the QB position in high school and sees some duty on defense as well. We feel he'll be a wide receiver, but in time cornerback could be where he finds the most success. Guys with hips, feet and the ability to accelerate like he does usually catch the secondary coach's eye. He has good height and a slender, wiry build that should gain bulk and strength once in a college weight program. The trait that stands out about Claiborne the most is his silky smooth movements-- there is little-to-no wasted movement when he changes directions, plants or gears down. He can hit top gear in a hurry and as a dual-threat QB, he is extremely dangerous when creating and improvising both as a runner and passer. At times when he is running it looks effortless as if he is just gliding. Once settling in at one particular position and focusing all his efforts at that spot, Claiborne's upside could be through the hoof. Athletically, Claiborne has all the tools you want in a skilled athlete and he appears to be very instinctive when playing QB, but it is tough to judge his ball skills and instincts as a WR or CB because he hasn't spent a ton of time at either spot yet. Overall, we would be very surprised if this kid didn't have a very productive college career. Coach's will see a ton of possibilities with his versatility and he can certainly run.