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The LSU football staff hosted nearly 50 recruits for the Bayou Splash recruiting event on Friday, which included a visit from b 2024 quarterback commitment Colin Hurley. There were more than 15 current LSU commitments who joined Hurley in Baton Rouge, which gave the group a chance to recruit a number of the staff’s top targets from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes. Following a full day spent with the LSU staff, recruits and more, Hurly broke down experience to the Bengal Tiger staff. Hurley’s goal at the Bayou Splash “Well, I’ve made the trip from Jacksonville to Baton Rouge a dozen times. This time was a first, because we actually flew so it was a smooth short trip. As far as my goal, I feel it was important to make this trip for a number of reasons. First, I feel I’ve emerged and taken on the role of leading this ‘24 Class. That comes with being the QB and I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity.” “I also have some great support from our commits, coaches and recruiting department. It was important because I had the chance to see and catch-up with some of our commits. I like and respect those guys and can’t wait for all of us to get to Baton Rouge. It was also a chance to continue to work on building out this ‘24 Class. I feel it’s coming along very well, but we’re not done. We had some big targets there and I had a chance to speak with them. “Guys like Caden Durham, who in my opinion, is an explosive, fast and dynamic big-play RB that I really hope to share the backfield with. His teammate, Colin Simmons, is an absolute monster and a big priority for us. He’s big, strong, powerful and plays nasty. He can come off the edge or interior and is just an impressive defensive player. We also had some big guys there, like Blake Ivy, Ory Williams and Dominick McKinley. Those are all guys who play at a high-level and dudes who are very high on our board. Jelani Watkins is a WR that can create a challenge for defenders because he can fly.” LSU moves to two Florida commits with Hurley and CB Cai Bates “Cai is my dude. We are both Florida boys and play 7v7 together. He’s a super talented DB. He’s got great length and is a tremendous get for us. “Coach Steeples and I worked hard to bring him to LSU and I’m just very happy with his decision. I’ve got a great teammate and roommate with Cai.” What’s a QB commits role in recruiting? “I think it’s important to be seen, heard and known as a leader, but this must be done in a respectful and unselfish way. I’m confident in my skills and my abilities. I also feel there’s no one in the ‘24 Class who can match my body of work, when you consider my arm talent, physical traits, state titles, accomplishments, awards, recognitions, 7v7 play and the fact I play at a powerhouse program with a difficult strength of schedule. “But there’s more to leadership than that. I look at every recruit’s film and I respect all of them. I recognize their recruitment is their journey. I work close with the staff at LSU and we really try to see who is the best fit for this team and program. I maintain a consistent level of communication with our targets but also give them their space. I also think meeting their families is important and I try to do that. I’ve learned a lot throughout my recruitment. I saw and experienced some things I feel are really valuable, but also took note of other instances where I was less than impressed. I also recognize we won’t get everyone and I will never badmouth a player for their decision. On the other hand, this is LSU and we will win with, or without, you, and that’s just the mindset we have. think it’s important to get to know each recruit, to the extent you can. Some guys want a bit more attention, while others are low key. I’m good with both, but just as I never chased a school, coach or offer, I won’t chase a recruit. I think we’re really close on some of the guys that were here at the Bayou Bash, so our conversations were pretty much intended to close the deal. I respect the process and players a lot so I will keep those conversations private.” Bayou Splash brings a relaxed atmosphere “I think that was one of the benefits of the Bayou Splash. It was a relaxed and chill environment. All of us were loose and I think that vibe set-the-tone to have conversations about LSU and why this is the place to play college football – really, college athletics.” Hurley’s highlights from the weekend at LSU “I just enjoy being at Football Operations. I know the facility like the back-of-my hand. I’ve become close with a lot of the current players. I always enjoy seeing Coach Kelly, Coach Sloan, Coach Denbrock and the rest of the staff. I also appreciate the time I got to spend with my future and hopeful teammates. It’s about to be very busy. College and high school football are about to start, so I think being able to attend this event was perfect in terms of timing.” A strong message from QBs coach Joe Sloan “Coach Sloan is my guy. He is a major reason in my decision to commit to LSU. He and I have forged a strong relationship. He’s incredibly knowledgeable in the QB space. I speak with him, almost on a daily basis. We do Zoom calls on film, plays, coverages, fronts and all types of stuff. Coach Sloan believes in me and I am ready to learn, lead and win. I’m ready to be coached hard and want to get better. I’m ready to play hard for Coach Sloan and I’m very grateful to have him in my life.” The pitch to LSU’s top targets “I’d say exactly what I did at the Bayou Bash. LSU Football is back. It’s about to make a run in the SEC and country. I truly believe it will compete for, and win, a national championship. I’d tell them to make the move. This staff will coach you hard and prepare you. The brand is so powerful, so who wouldn’t want to play here. There’s something special about Death Valley and there’s no place like it.” A look ahead to what LSU’s class could look like on Signing Day “It seems a lot of the commits feel like the class is only going to keep getting stronger. As I previously stated, when National Signing Day is here, I think the ‘24 Class will be strong. We have some absolute dudes and we’re going to close this out strong. I also think that after LSU starts ripping off wins, it will only strengthen our class and final push. I’ve said this since November 4th, when I reclassified and committed to LSU: “Let’s Bring a National Championship to Baton Rouge.” That’s my message.”

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