RECRUITING UPDATE: James Wright

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Belle Chasse WR verbally commits to LSU Sunday

By RICHARD MEEK
Tiger Rag Recruiting Contributor

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted prior to Wright giving his verbal commitment to LSU on Sunday.

James Wright has his sights set eventually on a career on pharmacy.

On Signing Day, LSU hopes Wright’s signature fills the prescription to the Tigers’ woes at wide receiver.

Wright, a four-star receiver from Belle Chasse, made his official visit to LSU this past weekend but a quick decision was not expected.

“I’ll announce my decision (on Feb. 3) but LSU is one of the top schools I’m considering,” said Wright, who rates Tennessee and Texas Tech as his other top choices.
“I’m familiar with the school. I like the academics, which is important to me. I also like the football atmosphere.”

Wright’s decision could have long-term implications for the Tigers at one of their crucial skill positions. Justin Hunter, a highly-touted wide receiver from Virginia Beach, Va., on Tuesday decommitted from LSU and committed to Tennessee, leaving the Tigers shut out at that position. Wide receivers Trovon Reed of Thibodaux and Jarrett Fobbs of Huntington High School (Shreveport) also visited LSU this past weekend but Reed appears a solid commitment to Auburn.

Fobbs, who possesses 4.5 speed, committed earlier to Texas A&M but there are indications he is reconsidering, as indicated by his visit to Baron Rouge.

Rueben Randle, who caught passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2009, was the Tigers’ only wide receiver signee last year.

“(Hunter’s decision) is just a small thing,” said Wright, who has 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash. “I’ll go where I feel like I’ll have an opportunity to play. I like LSU’s offense because it’s a good balance between running and passing.”

Wright finished his senior season with 56 receptions for 1,175 yards and 15 touchdowns, padding his three-year stats to 137 catches, 2,521 yards and 39 scores. He averaged more than 18.4 yards a catch for his career.

“He’s really developed into a complete player,” Belle Chasse coach Bob Becnel said. “He loves to compete, is very physical, has great hands, an extremely good route runner, knows how to work his body and loves to block.”

“He just wants to be involved,” Becnel added. “The more passes (in an offensive system), the more he will be involved and contribute. I think he would be a good fit for LSU.”

Wright was originally recruited by former LSU assistant Larry Porter, but said Porter’s departure to become head coach at Memphis has not played a role in his decision process.

“I have a comfortable feeling up there,” Wright said before departing for LSU on Friday afternoon.

“He’s done his homework,” Becnel said. “He’s very committed to academics. If LSU can meet his needs, that’s where he’ll go.”