Fullback Swanson says yes to Tigers
Fullbacks aren’t the glitz and glamour positions that will make a recruiting class shine.
But like tires on a car, they are critical to making an offense go.
With an eye to the future, the LSU Tigers picked up their 16th commitment for the Class of 2013, this time from fullback Kennard Swanson of Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson.
Swanson (6-foot, 250 pounds), is listed by most of the national recruiting services as a defensive tackle, but he apparently will play fullback for the Tigers. Swanson committed to LSU over reported offers from Ole Miss, Southern California, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Purdue, South Florida and others.
The commitment gives LSU depth at that position for the future. Returning starter J.C. Copeland (6-1, 275) will be a junior this season, while backup Connor Neighbors (5-10, 233) is a sophomore.
Swanson is not listed on any of the major national recruiting lists, but is listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Swanson is the seventh straight LSU commitment from out of state after the Tigers began their recruiting process with nine in-state prospects. In the last week, LSU has received commitments from highly regarded offensive tackle Ethan Pocic (6-6, 285) of Lemont, Ill., defensive end Frank Herron (6-4, 245) of Memphis (Tenn.) Central, wide receiver Kyrion Parker (6-2, 185) of Manvel, Texas, and now Swanson.
Team-wise, LSU’s 2013 class is ranked No. 6 by Rivals, No. 7 by 24/7 Sports and No. 11 by Scout. ESPN has not released any 2013 team rankings yet.
THREE FOR THE OPENING: Three Louisiana prospects have so far accepted invitations to participate in The Opening, a showcase for top talent being held July 5-8 at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.
They include LSU commitment Jeryl Brazil (5-9, 184), an athlete prospect from Loranger; athlete/linebacker prospect Kendell Beckwith (6-3, 225) from East Feliciana; and cornerback Noel Ellis (5-10, 175) from New Orleans Edna Karr.
SEALS-JONES AGAIN CONSIDERING LSU: Sealy, Texas, wide receiver Ricky Seals-Jones (6-5, 220) told Scout.com Tuesday he has decommitted from Texas and is again considering LSU, Texas A&M and Baylor, along with the Longhorns.
Seals-Jones, rated as the nation’s top receiver prospect by ESPN and Rivals.
wants to have the opportunity to play football and basketball in college.