Louisiana 2029 initial rankings countdown: Nos. 20-11

Prep Redzone Louisiana continued its latest rankings update this past week with its first list for the 2029 class — released Wednesday — ahead of the group's upcoming sophomore year.   As part of the update release, we will look at the top 50 prospects in more detail, including some already-familiar faces and names even so early in the development of the cohort.   Here's a look at Nos. 20-11.   No. 20 — [player_tooltip player_id='1239740' first='Jayden' last='Allen'] — 5-10, 160 WR — University Lab   The younger brother of former Thibodaux and LSU star Kyren Lacy is a quick athlete and crafty route-runner who consistently creates separation. He has excelled early with that athleticism and skillset and clear confidence, even as a smaller receiver going against older and bigger competition. And his continued physical development, including a recent growth spurt, has and will be big for his recruiting stock. But he's already picked up a few early offers and should be a factor in varsity action this fall.   No. 19 — [player_tooltip player_id='1607829' first='Aldavius' last='Johnson Jr.'] — 5-10, 185 RB/ATH — Huntington   "A.J." was among the early standouts and favorites on the radar this fall with strong contributions both running the ball and as a pass-catcher and continued building on that momentum through an offseason that including top-performer efforts at PRZLA and Louisiana vs. All Y'all camps and solid showings on the college circuit. He has a strong build, runs with power and balance, has quick feet that enable him to stop and accelerate in a hurry and has good speed in the open field. He is also a particularly effective and natural route-runner and pass-catcher as a running back as he has already shown both in pads and throughout the offseason.   No. 18 — [player_tooltip player_id='2244007' first='Lorenzo' last='Williams'] — 6-3, 295 DL — Central   The Wildcats' big defensive tackle is among the prospect on the list we've seen the least thus far, making his initial ranking challenging — even by the already-challenging nature of such early rankings overall. He's a big body up front on defense and has the chance to be a disruptive force in the trenches, and he should have some opportunity this fall to provide a clearer picture of where he stands in his development and in the class.   No. 17 — [player_tooltip player_id='2233283' first='Tucker' last='Sturdivant'] — 6-5, 275 OL/TE — Sterlington   The young tight end for the Division-III Non-Select champions is one of the players in the class with some of the most significant playing time and production already under his belt not just in terms of snaps and a true highlight reel, but in terms of performance against high-level competition and on big stages. Sturdivant more likely projects as an offensive lineman at the next level and already checks the all-important measurables boxes to do so and moves well at his size, including being a reliable option this fall at tight end with his abilities to get downfield, adjust to the ball in the air and make sure-handed catches.   No. 16 — [player_tooltip player_id='2243956' first='Edward' last='Florent'] — 6-1, 165 WR — Destrehan   The multisport standout is one of the next names to know in the Wildcats' long tradition and recent run of talented wide receivers. Some of the early buzz around Florent is reminiscent of some other of his predecessors who proved to be top prospects. And while Florent will have more opportunities to showcase that in pads in the years ahead, some of the early glimpses of the smooth, explosive athlete through his workouts and track and camp performances are certainly intriguing.   No. 15 — [player_tooltip player_id='2243961' first='R.J.' last='Giles'] — 6-4, 230 OL/DL – Ruston   The Bearcats, with a running streak of four straight title-game appearances, appear poised to remain among Louisiana's top programs for the foreseeable future. And, though very early, the potential in the trenches has led some of the buzz for their rising sophomore class. The long, athletic Giles has been the first name of that group to hit the radar and has a chance to be a notable prospect in the class.   No. 14 — [player_tooltip player_id='2243952' first='Leonard' last='Darensbourg'] — 6-4, 240 EDGE – Edna Karr   As mentioned in previous segments of the countdown, the Cougars' rising sophomore class appears to be absolutely loaded with talent all over the field. And the defensive front seven where the program has produced some of its top prospects through the years appears to have another couple potential standouts on the rise. Darensbourg has a long, solid frame and is tenacious in his pursuit through blocks and to the ball.   No. 13 — [player_tooltip player_id='2243947' first='Noah' last='Thomas'] — 6-5, 300 OL – University Lab   Another of the early eye-catchers in a class where some of the potential in the trenches is among the early storylines, Thomas cracked into the Woodlawn lineup as a freshman this past fall and was among the Panthers' most improved players over the course of the season. The measurables already stand out, and he plays with a good combination of power and balance and moves well overall from his initial kick to his footwork to stay in front of rushers.   No. 12 — [player_tooltip player_id='2243964' first='Lewis' last='Carter III'] — 6-0, 175 WR/ATH — Ouachita Parish   The Lions' budding star is one of the most versatile athletes in the class early in its development. Carter is fluid and explosive with a good frame and strong build and has already shown impressive flashes in various settings as a receiver, defensive back or ball-carrier. He has the ability to blow by defenders downfield or create separation out of his breaks, tracks the ball well downfield and can make tough, adjusting catches in the air. He's strong through contact with the ball in his hands, and he flips his hips well and effectively mirrors and blankets receivers when playing defense.   No. 11 — [player_tooltip player_id='1605619' first='Krew' last='Collura'] — 6-0, 185 QB — Mandeville   Collura opens the 2029 rankings as the state's top quarterback in the class after one of the biggest breakout freshman seasons anywhere in Louisiana with nearly 3,000 total yards. The bulk of that production came through the air where the lefties' poise in the pocket and accuracy and touch down the field stand out. But he also possesses good speed at the position, including more than 600 rushing yards this fall, to demand opposing defenses respect the threat he presents with his legs.

Prep Redzone Louisiana continued its latest rankings update this past week with its first list for the 2029 class — released Wednesday — ahead of the group's upcoming sophomore year.