Kirklin and family happy with LSU commitment

Lutcher (La.) athlete Jontre Kirklin committed to LSU on Saturday without really knowing what position he’ll wind up playing in college.

His preference is quarterback, where he led Lutcher to a Class 3A state championship while throwing for 2,257 yards and 35 touchdowns and rushing for another 1,081 yards and 17 more touchdowns. But he figures LSU has him pegged as a cornerback, which is fine too.

“It was a big decision,” told TigerBait.com after attending LSU’s “Boys from the Boot” recruiting event. “That’s the only big school recruiting me and they are recruiting me as an athlete, I wouldn’t mind playing cornerback, or even receiver.”

LSU offered Kirklin on January 26th, giving him a couple of weeks to mull the option going into Saturday’s event.

“I’m down to play defense at LSU,” he said. “LSU is a good place for a defensive back. I talked to the coaches. If a bigger school comes in and recruits me as a quarterback, I might look at that school. But right now, I might as well (commit).”

Jackson State offered Kirklin on Saturday, joining LSU, Nicholls State and Tulane.

Kirklin (6-0, 170) had his meeting with LSU coach Les Miles around noon and made his pledge during the conversation. He said he didn’t decide until that moment.

“He likes my athleticism, my explosiveness and my mentality and the way I play,” Kirklin said.

Miles had a great reaction to Kirklin’s commitment. “He said he wanted to jump through the roof,” said Kirklin, who probably could with his 45-inch vertical.

Kirklin said he also talked to assistant Ed Orgeron and Cam Cameron through the course of the day. He also met new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.

“This is the hometown program and I’ve been watching them my whole life,” Kirklin said. “They have a great defensive coordinator and the atmosphere of the stadium and vibe of the school fits the way I play.”

Kirklin said he attended "Boys from the Boot" with his mother, step-father and sister.

“They were happy,” Kirklin said. “We’ve talked about this. I guess this was the time to commit.”