LSU lands On3 Top-30 recruit Darron Reed

Columbus (Ga.) Carver defensive lineman Darron Reed had numerous options. Auburn was in the mix. Miami was high on his list too.

But the race for the No. 29 prospect in the On300 came down to LSU and Ohio State. The SEC beat the Big Ten in this race.

“I just knew it was LSU on my official visit,” Reed told On3. “On my first visit to LSU in the spring, I loved it. I took my family with me on my official visit and everyone loved it. The coaches made everyone feel at home and after that official visit, I knew it was LSU.”

Earlier this year, the Buckeyes were the favorite. As Reed worked his way through visits this spring, LSU started to make its move. They got him on campus, they built relationships, and the staff in Baton Rouge got the job done.

“The whole staff at LSU knows me. Coach Cain, coach House, coach Kelly – all of them have been recruiting me. They have been recruiting me hard. The coaches at LSU made me feel important and we just get along great.

“When I was with them on the official visit, it was a different feeling. My time around them was the best. It felt like home.”

Reed likes the fit at LSU

As much as Reed loves LSU, this was not an easy decision. Ohio State gave him a lot to think about. He went with his gut. LSU has what he is looking for.

“I love the culture at LSU. From the coaches to the food to the players to how laid back it is. I am from down south and LSU is down south. It just fit me.”

Reed told Jamar Cain of his decision almost two weeks ago. He was a factor in this decision. Head coach Brian Kelly was too.

“I didn’t really know much about coach Kelly until I took my visits to LSU and he is a funny guy,” Reed said. “He opened up to me a lot when I was there. He showed his personality and I liked it a lot.

“Coach Kelly is a winner and I love that about him. He won at Cincinnati and Notre Dame. He can do big things at LSU. I believe in him.”