The Tigers already had an impressive 2023 recruiting class heading into September. But on Thursday, that group got even better for coach Brian Kelly.
LSU secured a commitment from Neville (Monroe, Louisiana) offensive tackle Zalance Heard. 247Sports lists Heard as a four-star recruit sitting just outside the top 50 nationally, but On3 is significantly higher on the 6-foot-5, 300-pound prospect, ranking him as a five-star and the No. 13 player nationally.
Per the 247Sports Composite, he is the No. 6 offensive tackle and No. 4 prospect in Louisiana.
In this cycle, he becomes the third offensive lineman to commit to the Tigers, joining fellow offensive tackles Tyree Adams and Paul Mubenga.
Earlier in this cycle, there were questions about Kelly’s ability to recruit the state of Louisiana. Now, he holds pledges from six of the top 13 players in the state. Heard’s commitment didn’t move LSU beyond No. 7 in the 247Sports Composite rankings, but the Tigers are now neck-and-neck with Ohio State for the No. 6 spot.