Jones: Overall Tech signed a 'solid class'
Headlined by 3-star recruits Willie Baker (6-4 235, DE) of Livonia and ATH David Beasley (6-1, 187) out of Pine Bluff, Louisiana Tech announced a really solid signing class on Wednesday. The day was capped off with news that Kalan Ritchie, a 6-6 DE from Georgia Military, and KaDerrion Mason, a 6-5 DE from McComb, MS had both signed with the Bulldogs.
Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz addressed positions of need in this class and once again remained committed to building his program primarily through the high school ranks.
Quarterback:
Jack Abraham, a 6-1 QB out of Oxford, MS had been committed to Tulane and switched to LA Tech after a coaching change. Abraham has all the tools to eventually earn the starting quarterback position for the Bulldogs and will enroll in time for spring football.
Grade: A-
Running Back:
Israel Tucker, a 5-9 running back from Rummel, recently switched his commitment from SFA to Louisiana Tech. Tucker is a shifty back and he is well rounded. He should fit in well in the Tech offense.
Grade: B-
Wide Receiver:
While L'Jarius Sneed or David Beasley could ultimately end up at receiver, right now the Bulldogs have not signed anyone at this position. There is still room for a transfer later this year.
Grade: I for Incomplete
Offensive Line:
Holtz really replenished the depth here with Kody Russey, 6-3 270 from Burleson, TX, Taylor Fondal, 6-3 300 from New Iberia, and Drew Melancon, 6-4 280 from Hahnville. Another late addition, Josh Outlaw (6-4 320) from Tyler JC signed with the Bulldogs. Outlaw, a Georgia native, signed with Texas Tech out of high school and had been a commitment at one time to Florida.
Grade: A
Defensive Line:
After suffering from a couple of decommitments, Holtz and staff finished strong with Mason and Ritchie. Baker is the highest rated player in the class, giving Defensive Coordinator some serious playmakers to go with returning defensive ends Jaylon Ferguson and Deldric Canty. Keonatye Garner, a 6-4 270 qualifier from Jackson, MS signed after spending a year at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College.
Grade: A
Linebacker:
Devin Hamilton (6-1 215) from Washington-Marion and Eric Kendzior (6-3 235) are longtime Bulldog commitments. Both players had other G5 offers and might have had a lot more had they not committed so early. Both players fill major depth concerns for the Bulldogs. Reggie Cleveland, a 6-0 216 pound athlete from Scotlandville, will most likely end up at linebacker as well. Tech had a late decommitment and didn’t appear to address the major need at middle linebacker. Like at receiver, this could be later addressed with a transfer.
Grade: C+
Defensive Back:
Beasley and Sneed, a 6-2 175 athlete from Minden, are both very athletic players that could help at receiver or corner. At corner, they give Blake Baker two very long and fast players to help lock down opposing passing games.
Zach Hannibal, a 6-0 168 corner from Ouachita is another long corner and a former basketball player. DaMarion King, a 6-1 safety out of Allan Hancock College, is an Alabama native that can come in right away and compete for a starting spot opposite Xavier Woods.
Grade: A
Overall, Tech signed a really solid class. A few players decommitted and left for other programs, but the Tech staff filled all the holes and really finished strong as they landed Mason (a longtime USM commit) on signing day. The staff also have a few local kids coming as grayshirts that could end up being home runs. Beasley and Baker give them the star player to headline the class.
Sleeper of the Class: Hannibal – Hannibal could end up starting at corner in year two or three and that would really make it easier for Beasley or Sneed to move to receiver. The 6-0 Monroe native is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing on the football field.