Interview: 4-Star 2021 Texas QB Garrett Nussmeier Talks LSU Tigers Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The promise shown on the field during the 2018 Texas high school football season with Garrett Nussmeier came to fruition last season in the pocket. After a 1,557-yard and 12-TD sophomore campaign, Nussmeier got the aerial attack for Marcus High School going ripping 6A defenses for 3,788 yards with 38 touchdowns completing 67 percent of his passes during the Marauders’ 11-2 run. The 6-2, 181-pound, gunslinger earned District 6-6A MVP honors for his work along with four-star recruiting status. The arm talent and abilities to march his offense up and down the field brought along 32 offers from top programs across the country, but that process ended in the public’s view on Monday, May 4, with a verbal commitment to LSU.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Nussmeier goes into detail on how the Tigers went from first offer and interest to ideal collegiate.
*Click the link for Garrett Nussmeier’s March 6, 2020, RNG interview
Interview
Garrett, congratulations on your commitment to LSU.
“Thank you.”
Given your status as a four-star and with 30-plus offers, what was the overall recruiting process like for you up to the point of your decision to commit to the Tigers?
“It was really hectic, and a hard decision for me to make. I always kind of knew LSU was home for me. I could see myself there in Death Valley and playing in front of the greatest college football fans in the country.”
During the process with LSU, how did that relationship and bond grow throughout the process leading you to want to play for the Tigers at the collegiate level?
“They were my first offer, and they recruited me the hardest throughout the process. The relationship I have with LSU’s coaches are strong. Coach Linehan was my dad’s (Doug Nussmeier – New Orleans Saints 1994-97) offensive coordinator, and is a good family friend. I have known Coach (Russ) Callaway (offensive analyst) for a while.”
LSU’s offense has continued to grow under coordinator Steve Ensminger over the last two seasons. How does the staff see your skills in the pocket fitting into the vision of the offense going forward?
“Me and Coach Ensminger have had lots of talks. I trust him and I know he knows what he is doing. They like my scrambling ability and making the necessary throws within the offense. They are calling it the “Burrow Effect” seeing me as a similar quarterback to Joe Burrow with similar playing styles. Just so you know, I am not comparing myself to the No. 1 NFL Draft pick.”
When did you make the decision to commit to LSU?
“I made the decision middle of the week last week; I knew in my heart after thought and prayer that LSU was the place for me.”
Which coach on staff did you commit to and how did you announce your decision to that coach?
“During a FaceTime with Coach O (Ed Orgeron – head coach); I talk to all them on Facetime. He was excited and his reaction was something I will never forget.”
That begs the question, what was his reaction?
“He was excited, started screaming, and saying, “Go Tigers”.”
I can picture that and hear it distinctly. Moments before you had that meeting, knowing you were about to commit, what was going through your mind?
“I was really nervous and excited, and relieved the process was over. That was the main thing, relief and being confident in my decision.”
With the announcement still fresh, how does it feel to have accomplished a personal goal and dream of getting to play college football at a top Division-I program?
“It is a dream come true to play at highest program in the country. After seeing the way different guys my dad worked with going through the process and now knowing I will be in a similar situation is great.”
Are you going to help recruit others to join you in Baton Rouge? If so, what will be your pitch?
“The pitch I will have is, “who does it better?” LSU had 14 guys drafted this year. At LSU, you are playing against the best in the country in practice. The offense is the best and you are playing against “DBU” (Defensive Back University) every day in practice. If you are on the defensive side, you are playing against the best offense. Every day is a challenge in practice to get better.”
Garrett, thanks for your time today and congratulations, again, on your commitment to LSU. Any last words before we wrap?
“Thank you and go Tigers.”
Nussmeier’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Boise State, Boston College, Colorado, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Louisville, Louisiana-Lafayette, LSU, Miami, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Missouri, North Carolina, North Texas, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn State, Purdue, SMU, South Carolina, Texas, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas State, UTSA, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, and Washington State
Photo credit: Nussmeier family; Garrett Nussmeier