Simmons Scoop: LSU is leading for 5-star OT Zalance Heard

Monroe (La.) Neville five-star offensive tackle Zalance Heard is nearing his commitment date. The 6-foot-5.5, 305 pound prospect will be announcing his decision on Sept. 1 and choosing between Florida, Florida State, Houston, LSU and Nebraska.

According to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, the Tigers are the frontrunners for Heard. A key reason for this is Heard’s relationships and connections within the LSU program.

“I still like where (the Tigers are) at with (offensive line coach) Brad Davis, (quarterbacks coach) Joe Sloan, multiple off-the-field guys involved from LSU. It’s an in-state program, he has his former teammate, (offensive tackle) Will Campbell, at LSU. I like LSU in the better spot. Again, don’t sleep on Nebraska, but I like where LSU’s at for Zalance Heard.”

Simmons believes Nebraska’s is LSU’s largest contender for Heard. The five-star recruit took an official visit to Lincoln on June 10 and his former teammate, running back Ajay Allen Jr., is currently a freshman at Nebraska. Additionally, Cornhuskers wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph previously coached with the Tigers for five seasons and got to know Heard and the Neville program.

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There have been multiple contenders for Heard’s recruitment. There was chatter about Heard with Houston, Florida State and Texas earlier in the cycle. But now, LSU is the commanding favorite, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine at 97.6%.

“I still like where LSU’s at,” Simmons said, “and I think Nebraska is the biggest competition.”

Heard is a four-star recruit, the No. 50 overall prospect and No. 5 offensive tackle in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 rates him even higher as a five-star recruit, the No. 13 overall prospect and the No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2023 On300.

Zalance Heard On3 Scouting Summary:

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Zalance Heard:

“Physically-gifted offensive tackle prospect with outstanding length and block-finishing skills. Has prototypical size at the position, measuring 6-foot-5.5, 295 pounds as a junior. Possesses elite length, with his arms checking in at 36 inches on college visits. Began his career as a defensive lineman prior to transferring to northeast Louisiana power Neville High. Played exclusively at right tackle as a junior and looks to have the highest upside at offensive tackle.

“His defensive lineman athleticism shows up by way of advanced movement skills, particularly in the run game where he’s a mauling presence. Already a dominant drive blocker in his first full season playing offensive line. Has natural upper body strength to go with his length and athleticism. Is a bit high-hipped and will need to continue playing lower. Needs to continue developing his pass set technique as he gains experience at the position.”