Houston Bates to UL?

[zephyr]

Here is a clip of his combine experience and his schooling some good OL's in a drill.

http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73...iaids%3D686199

[bballholic]

Without having followed the situation very closely, it sounds like he got a raw deal from LSU. Unfortunately, this isn't unique to just LSU, it happens at a lot of major programs. He was offered early on, and LSU had a couple somewhat unexpected commitments from high profile DL's near signing day which squeezed him out. I hope he does well at UL and I have no doubt he'll be an impact player by the time he's a junior!

[zephyr]

_ Without having followed the situation very closely, it sounds like he got a raw deal from LSU. Unfortunately, this isn't unique to just LSU, it happens at a lot of major programs. He was offered early on, and LSU had a couple somewhat unexpected commitments from high profile DL's near signing day which squeezed him out. I hope he does well at UL and I have no doubt he'll be an impact player by the time he's a junior! _

I think that the family played a big part in this as well. They've known for some time that LSU wanted to grayshirt him as they were unsure about what position they wanted to put him at. He grew up a big LSU fan and apparently, the step dad is also hence the problems there. The problem is that the step father cut off communication between Bates and other schools, namely the Cajuns and that made it more difficult. He apparently knew for sometime that he wanted to come here but had the internal fight.

BTW, I fully expect him to be an impact player before he's a junior. At another program, he'd likely need a year or two to get ready but here, he fits a need immediately. He won't be all-conference but he'll certainly provide a burst and some depth.

[CajunT]

_ Without having followed the situation very closely, it sounds like he got a raw deal from LSU. Unfortunately, this isn't unique to just LSU, it happens at a lot of major programs. He was offered early on, and LSU had a couple somewhat unexpected commitments from high profile DL's near signing day which squeezed him out. I hope he does well at UL and I have no doubt he'll be an impact player by the time he's a junior! _

Ultimately that was LSU's decision. They decided another athlete was a better fit, but still wanted him to come in on a gray-shirt. I see no problem with the kid doing what's in his best interest, when it was LSU's staff that didn't keep their commitment. Unfortunately, some LSU fans seem to miss that point.

[bballholic]

_ Ultimately that was LSU's decision. They decided another athlete was a better fit, but still wanted him to come in on a gray-shirt. I see no problem with the kid doing what's in his best interest, when it was LSU's statt that didn't keep their commitment. Unfortunately, some LSU fans seem to miss that point. _

Exactly. Also, I'm an admin on TD.com so I know first hand they aren't the most rational group. There are some really good posters, but they are overshadowed by the village idiots. When it's all said and done, he's probably a better fit for UL and I don't mean that as an insult.

[CajunT]

_ Exactly. Also, I'm an admin on TD.com so I know first hand they aren't the most rational group. There are some really good posters, but they are overshadowed by the village idiots. When it's all said and done, he's probably a better fit for UL and I don't mean that as an insult. _

None was taken. I think he made the wrong decision to post on any board defending his decision, if in fact it was him.

[bballholic]

_ None was taken. I think he made the wrong decision to post on any board defending his decision, if in fact it was him. _

Agreed, nothing good will come of it. These kids are better off just never visiting message boards until their playing days are over. Honestly, this goes for parents as well unless they have a REALLY thick skin.

[zephyr]

_ Agreed, nothing good will come of it. These kids are better off just never visiting message boards until their playing days are over. Honestly, this goes for parents as well unless they have a REALLY thick skin. _

So it is true that he went on there to defend himself?

Regardless of whether he did or not, we are happy to have you Houston..

[bballholic]

_ So it is true that he went on there to defend himself?

Regardless of whether he did or not, we are happy to have you Houston.. _

Honestly, I don't know. I don't frequent the Recruiting Board very much unless it's the peak of recruiting season. For the most part, I patrol the Rant and MSB. I will say this, there have been current players, former players, parents and recruits that have visted the board over the years. Some have remained anonymous, and others have outed themselves.

[shof]

_ That's what working for the government will do to you!! _

Hey, hey.....be nice. I resemble that remark!