Four-star IOL Coen Echols commits to LSU: 'The camaraderie within this team is unmatched'

Four-star IOL Coen Echols is one of the country’s best at his position, and he maintained a business-like approach in his recruitment.

Ultimately, the stars aligned for the All-American interior OL to find the right fit in Baton Rouge.

After developing a strong relationship with LSU’s Brad Davis and a meaningful official visit and time spent around Brian Kelly the weekend before National Signing Day, Echols committed and inked with the LSU Tigers.

Hugh Freeze, Jake Thornton and Auburn were a major force over the past few months with Echols — even when he was committed in-state to the Aggies. Texas A&M did not steer far away with one of the Lone Star State’s best in the trenches, making a strong push late for Echols.

The Tigers made it very clear Echols was a priority in the Bayou for Davis, whose track record drew in the On300 OL.

“He’s a mentor and he has a lot of experience in that field. That’s why he produces so many offensive linemen,” Echols told On3. “We have a close relationship. Not only have I met him, his son, his wife … we’ve been really close throughout the entire recruiting process. We’ve always aligned, always stayed in touch and made me feel like I was a priority.”

Echols and his family made their way to Baton Rouge on the Dec. 15-17 weekend for a final official visit ahead of the Early Signing Period.

“The official visit was great. They showed me what they had to offer and there’s a lot in Louisiana,” Echols recounted. “The coaching staff showed they wanted me as well. Coach Kelly was preaching to me that I was a priority, that they need me here, and speaking with the OC Coach (Mike) Denbrock, I can tell he wants me as well and I fit into their offensive scheme.”

Echols made a difficult call for LSU: ‘The camaraderie is unmatched’

Auburn, Missouri, Texas A&M and these LSU Tigers were the final four in the mix with the All-American interior OL in the final weeks.

Echols mulled over his decision during the final hours on National Signing Day.

“It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he told On3. “It really boiled down to the relationship with these coaches, and you only go to one of them … It’s really hard, but eventually you make that decision and stick with it.”

“I don’t do this off friendships,” Echols, the No. 11 interior OL, continued. “It’s about what these schools can do for me in the future. I trust these coaches with my future — not just to the league me to the league, but in life. I wanted a mentor who can guide me.”

At LSU, Echols found that with Davis and his group of 2024 OL commits, including five-star OT Weston Davis, four-star OT Ethan Calloway, and three-star IOL Jo Cryer and Khayree Lee.

“The camaraderie within this team is unmatched,” Echols said of the Tigers. “The players are really close. I don’t think anyone can break that bond — not just the OL but the whole team. Their coaches have a true passion for their players.”

Coen Echols Scouting Summary

“Coen Echols was a riser in summer and early senior season updates. He has a lot of going for an interior offensive line prospect. First off, he is highly physical, he has good length, moves well, and he as several positive markers athletically. He throws 51 feet in the shot-put, has good length and big hands, looks good in the camp setting. He’s 6-foot-3 and close to 300 pounds and plays at a program in Katy where they mash defensive linemen. He’s very good in a downhill pro-style offense run-blocking scheme. He could play multiple positions on the interior OL. Could play center, and he has played some center this year, and also guard. He’s a guy I think can play multiple spots make an impact and come in relatively ready to play given the experience and coaching he’s received at Katy.”