RECRUITING UPDATE: D.J. Welter

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LB Welter a natural fit for Tigers, Chavis’ scheme on D

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Recruiting Contributor

Some recruits require months of persuasion to play in Death Valley, while others, like Notre Dame of Crowley linebacker D.J. Welter, feel they were born to be Tigers.

“I always wanted to go there since I was little so when they offered a scholarship to me it was an easy decision,” said Welter.

Welter’s high school coach Lewis Cook said the 3-star recruit committed to LSU only two weeks after receiving an offer without even taking an official visit. Cook said LSU’s proximity led Welter to pay little attention to interest from Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M.

“It’s an opportunity a little closer to home for him to be around family and have a great support group,” said Cook. “With the program that LSU has had and the facilities they have, there’s no one else who can really offer you a whole lot more than what you can get 60 miles down the road.”

Cook said Welter is excited to become a part of John Chavis’ defense.

“Knowing where he has been and what he has done and guys he had coached previously, to see a veteran coach in there who put some good defenses together and had some good years, eased his mind quite a bit about where LSU is going,” said Cook.

Welter will bring lots of experience to the Tigers. While at Notre Dame of Crowley, he started 41 games including two state championship games.

In 2008, Welter recorded 128 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and one interception. Then, in 2009 Welter led the Pioneers to a 15-0 record culminating with a state championship.

“I think the biggest asset D.J. has is that he has a lot of speed,” said Cook. “Tough, hard-working kid that makes a lot of tackles and can cover, so they’re going to get a pretty complete player.”

Welter played quite a bit of special teams in high school, and he said he would like to continue chasing punts and kickoffs at the next level.

“He’ll spend the summer down there trying to get ready because they’ve indicated to him that he’ll have a possibility to play as a true freshman, whether it be at special teams or a backup at linebacker,” said Cook.

Welter looks to bring speed and a winning attitude to the Tigers.

“If they need me early, then hopefully I’ll be able to step up and play, but if not, then I want whatever is best for the team,” said Welter. “I think I’m a pretty good player, but once I go to LSU, I hope I can take another step and keep improving at every aspect of the game and bring to the table a team player who wants to do whatever it takes to win championships.”