St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette is the highest rated recruit in Louisiana, and according to many recruiting experts (like ESPN), the top recruit in the nation. A day after winning the Outback Bowl, the LSU Tigers won another game...the recruiting battle to land Fournette.

The 6'1, 232 pound RB verbally committed to LSU today, announcing his decision to a nationally televised audience on ESPN during the 4th quarter of the Under Armour All-America game. Alabama and Texas were considered players in the recruit process of Fournette, but the Tigers were the favorite.

Tiger fans certainly are breathing a sign of relief, considering several other recruits thought to be heading to LSU chose Alabama, Florida, and Texas A&M. Wide receiver Speedy Noil out of Edna Karr chose Texas A&M. His high school teammate, defensive tackle Gerald Willis, picked the Florida Gators, and Tony Brown, a cornerback out of Ozen High in Beaumont, TX. verbally committed to Nick Saban and Alabama. Tiger fans were hoping he'd join his track star sister at LSU, but she was saying, "Roll Tide!" on the ESPN broadcast after her brother made his announcement.

Frank Wilson, LSU's running backs coach, is a long time friend of Fournette's Father. Many sports analysts felt the relationship gave an edge of LSU in the recruit process of Fournette. In addition, the Tigers off Fournette a chance to step on the field an hour away from his hometown.

While Fournette has quick lateral movement, he's more of a typical north/south runner. His ability to break tackles while also initiating contact make him a can't miss college football prospect. His combination of speed and power already have Tiger fans drooling.

Signing day is Wednesday, February 5th. Until Fournette signs his letter of intent, he's only a verbal commitment.

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