Last year, the University of Louisiana recruited speed. This year, the Ragin’ Cajuns focused on size.
The fifth signing class of coach Rickey Bustle features 21 players, including five junior college transfers. Denham Springs center Ian Burks is one of 16 high school seniors on the list and one of 11 linemen who chose the Cajuns.
Burks, 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, is the son of former LSU guard Michael Burks (1979-82) and the nephew of former LSU linebacker Shawn Burks (1982-85).
“He has a great family background, a background in football,” Denham Springs coach Dru Nettles said, “and he’s as good a young man as you’re going to find in terms of hard work and commitment.
“I’ve been here for a year, and he’s not missed a day of workouts or practice.”
Burks is the smallest of the four offensive linemen the Cajuns signed. Nettles said Burks expects to redshirt.
“I think ULL’s picked up a great player,” Nettles said. “He’s an athletic lineman. He was a good two-way player for us. He played defensive end too and played almost every snap.”
Burks signed Wednesday morning with the Cajuns. In the afternoon, he went to practice — for the Denham Springs track team. Nettles said Burks, who throws the shot put and javelin, will get bigger and stronger at Louisiana.
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By CARL DUBOIS
Advocate Sports Writer