Brian Kelly continues to build LSU back to prominence.
According to On3, four-star Interior Offensive Lineman Coen Echols has committed to LSU. The Texas-native was once committed to Texas A&M but ultimately chose the Tigers over the likes of the aforementioned Aggies as well as Auburn and Missouri.
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman announced his decision on his birthday Friday afternoon and offered the following statement to On3:
🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star IOL Coen Echols has committed to LSU🐯
More from @samspiegs: https://t.co/cKj2gLezzK pic.twitter.com/MaxwDm5ujg
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) December 22, 2023
Echols spoke with On3 about his decision to continue his football career and education in Baton Rouge:
“He’s a mentor and he has a lot of experience in that field. That’s why he produces so many offensive linemen. We have a close relationship. Not only have I met him, his son, his wife … we’ve been really close throughout the entire recruiting process. We’ve always aligned, always stayed in touch and made me feel like I was a priority.
“The official visit was great. They showed me what they had to offer and there’s a lot in Louisiana. The coaching staff showed they wanted me as well. Coach Kelly was preaching to me that I was a priority, that they need me here. I can tell he wants me as well and I fit into their offensive scheme.”
While still having a fondness for Texas A&M, Echols praised LSU’s family environment, which factored heavily into his decision to flip:
“It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It really boiled down to the relationship with these coaches, and you only go to one of them. It’s really hard, but eventually you make that decision and stick with it. “I don’t do this off friendships. It’s about what these schools can do for me in the future. I trust these coaches with my future — not just to the league me to the league, but in life. I wanted a mentor who can guide me.
“The camaraderie within this team is unmatched,” Echols said of the Tigers. “The players are really close. I don’t think anyone can break that bond — not just the OL but the whole team. Their coaches have a true passion for their players.”
LSU’s Coen Echols Recruiting Profile
Echols is the 198th ranked player in the country for the 2024 recruiting cycle, coming in as the 11th ranked Interior Offensive Lineman, and 34th ranked player from the state of Texas.
LSU currently has the 9th ranked class in On3’s 2024 team rankings.
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