Port Allen's Darian Claiborne commits to Texas A&M

All-State linebacker Darian Claiborne of Port Allen High School said Tuesday that he has committed to play at Texas A&M.

Claiborne, 6-feet-1, 220 pounds, who also played quarterback in leading the Pelicans to the state playoff quarterfinals for the first time as a junior last season, will play linebacker with the Aggies.

He said he also visited Nebraska, TCU and Ole Miss and also considered Arkansas and Mississippi State.

“I feel like a boulder has been lifted off my shoulders,” Claiborne said. “Texas A&M is moving into the (Southeastern Conference). They have a new coach (Kevin Sumlin), and they’re rebuilding a lot of their facilities.”

Claiborne said Sumlin, defensive coordinator Mark Snyder and linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt all told him he would have a chance to compete for playing time right away because the Aggies will start three senior linebackers in 2012.

Port Allen coach Guy Blanchard said Claiborne, who played middle linebacker last season, will play more at weakside, which he called Claiborne’s “natural college position,” as a senior.

“They’re getting a great character kid who has an extremely high football IQ,” Blanchard said. “He has to know the entire offensive game plan as well as the defensive checks and schemes. He averaged 112 plays a game last season.

“I don’t get a chance to make adjustments with him during games because when the offense is on the sideline he’s playing linebacker. We can’t really talk until halftime.

“He’s a very passionate kid, and the way he is able to manage a game and make big plays is incredible,” Blanchard said.

Claiborne, who also competed in track and field and played basketball for the Pelicans, had 128 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four pass breakups last season. He was named the District 7-3A Most Valuable Player on defense.