Updated Top Uncommitted Class of 2016 Football Recruits from Louisiana

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

Louisiana produces talented college football recruits every year and the Class of 2016 is no different with high schools athletes from all across the state going on to play college football all over the country next season.

The state has a long rich history of developing young high school football recruits as Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Alan Faneca are just some of the names to come out of Louisiana, thrive at the college level, and make it to the NFL.

Every year, especially in this recruiting class, LSU has done a great job of keeping the talent close to home as 14 of their 22 Class of 2016 recruitments are from Louisiana. Some of these top players that chose their hometown school include North Webster (Springhill) running back Devin White, Neville (Monroe) defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence, John Curtis (River Ridge) offensive tackle Willie Allen, Destrehan defensive tackle Glen Logan, and Calvary Baptist (Shreveport) cornerback Andraez Williams.

Despite LSU’s control in the state, some other top players have chosen to take their talents across states lines as Arkansas has snagged Archbishop Rummel defensive tackle Briston Guidry, St. Augustine linebacker Giovanni LaFrance, and John Ehret linebacker Dejon Harris. Texas A&M has received commitments from Brother Martin tight end Irvin Smith, Warren Easton wide receiver Clyde Leflore-Chriss, and Airline offensive tackle Colton Prater. Florida State has collected commitments from Holy Cross defensive back Kyle Meyers and McDonogh 35 athlete Clifford Chattman.

The Big 12 Conference is also reaching into Louisiana to grab players as TCU has received commitments from McDonogh 35 defensive end Sci Martin and Bastrop wide receiver Isaiah Graham and Oklahoma has picked up Calvary Baptist defensive back Chanse Sylvie. Texas has also picked up a couple recruitments from their neighbor in Madison Prep Academy defensive end Malcolm Roach and Destrehan Gerald Wilbon.

With nine days remaining until National Signing Day on Feb. 3, there are some top players in Louisiana that are still weighing all over their options before picking their college of choice. These high school stars are being looked at by schools all over the nation so it will be exciting to see where they choose to play their college football.

Top Uncommitted Class of 2016 Recruits-Louisiana (no particular order)

Kristian Fulton

6’0”, 175 pounds

Defensive Back

Archbishop Rummel, Metairie

26 offers: LSU, Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida

Official Visits: LSU Jan. 15, Arkansas Jan. 22, and Florida Jan. 29

Has good speed as he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. Plays with great intensity and has good reaction to quick throws with good closing speed. Has the ability to play on and off coverage and plays very physical.

Shyheim Carter

5’10”, 180 pounds

Cornerback

Kentwood High School, Kentwood

16 offers: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, and Miami

Decommitted from Alabama on Aug. 10

Official Visits: Miami Jan. 15, Alabama Jan. 22, and Ole Miss Jan. 29

Has blazing speed, runs the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds. Does a good job keeping up with receivers and can change direction easily. Has good size and strength and has a tremendous eye to leap up and tip it away or snag an interception. Has great ball skills.

D’Andre Christmas-Giles

6’4”, 290 pounds

Defensive Tackle

St. Augustine, New Orleans

30 offers: LSU, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas

Decommitted from Tennessee on Dec. 13

Official Visits: TCU Dec. 4, Texas Dec. 11, LSU Jan. 15, Texas A&M Jan. 22

Has a nice burst of speed and explosion when the ball is snapped. Uses his tremendous footwork and strength to get past offensive lineman. Has good closing in speed to track down ball carriers. Plays with great intensity.

Keondre Wudtee

6’4”, 195 pounds

Quarterback

Parkway, Bossier City

2015 Stats: Passing 192-321 for 3,466 yards and 34 touchdowns, Rushing 87 carries for 401 yards and five touchdowns

10 offers: Oklahoma State, TCU, Louisiana Tech, and Missouri

Decommitted from Louisiana Tech on Dec. 20

Official Visit: Oklahoma State Jan. 15

Has a tremendous arm to make strong and accurate throws all over the field whether he is in the pocket or on the run. Has the size and strength to escape out of the backfield and gain positive yards with his legs.

Lindsey Scott Jr.

6’0”, 205 pounds

Quarterback

Zachary High School, Zachary

2015 stats: Passing 3,040 yards and 33 touchdowns; Rushing 1,963 yards and 28 touchdowns

18 offers: LSU, Maryland, Rutgers, Tulane

Decommitted from Syracuse on Jan. 17

Official Visits: Tulane Jan. 15, Maryland Jan. 22, Rutgers Jan. 24, and LSU Jan. 29

Has a strong arm as his throws get to his receivers in a hurry. He can make accurate throws all over the field. Has great speed to make plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. Uses his size to break tackles while on the run.

Stephon Taylor

6’4”, 290 pounds

Defensive Tackle

McDonogh 35, New Orleans

35 offers: LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida State, and South Carolina

Official Visits: Oklahoma Oct. 2, Texas Jan. 15, Florida State Jan. 22, and South Carolina Jan. 29

Plays with a great motor and never gives up on a play. Uses his size and strength to explode past offensive lineman and make plays in the backfield. Has good closing-in speed on ball carriers and does a tremendous job of stopping the run.

Other Top Uncommitted Louisiana Prospects

Safety Nehemiah Augustus, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Patterson High School, Patterson

10 offers: Arizona State, Nebraska, Louisiana Tech

Linebacker Layton Garnett, 6’3”, 250 pounds, West Monroe High School, West Monroe

Four offers: Northwestern State, Nicholls State, Louisiana-Monroe, Army

Linebacker Keandre Harris, 5’11”, 190 pounds, Haynesville High School, Haynesville

One offer: McMurray University, Interest: Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss

Wide Receiver Mykel Jones, 6’0”, 180 pounds, Patterson High School, Patterson

14 offers: Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee

Athlete L’Jarius Sneed, 6’2”, 170 pounds, Minden High School, Minden

Three offers: Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Central Arkansas

Quarterback Tyriek Starks, 6’2”, 185 pounds, Warren Easton, New Orleans

14 offers: Georgia Southern, Kansas, Tulane

Photo credit: nola.com; Archbishop Rummel CB Kristian Fulton