Colin Hurley goes into overdrive to recruit for LSU

LSU quarterback commitment Colin Hurley isn’t resting on his laurels when it comes to his recruitment process.

Sure, Hurley is already committed to LSU, locking in his spot as the program’s quarterback for the 2024 class.

But he’s also helping build towards the future, and he returned to Baton Rouge this past weekend to continue to push for others to join him on the LSU commitment list.

Hurley lends a helping hand in LSU’s recruiting efforts

Hurley made his way back to Baton Rouge this past weekend for the program’s 7-on-7 and OL/DL Camp, which gave him the chance to get back around the staff as the Tigers continue to build on a talented double-digit commitment list for the 2024 cycle.

“It was great meeting and connecting with the other commits and targets,” he said. “One of my main purposes for making this trip was to assist with recruitment. I speak frequently with the Recruiting Department and coaching staff and we’re working our board. We know these are some talented players and other schools are also working them, so it’s super competitive.

“Recruiting is probably the one part of the game that never stops. It’s perpetual and hyper-active. You have so many factors influencing the recruiting process, like relationships, teams, programs, development, legacy’s, NIL, Transfer Portal and so much more. I just feel LSU is atop the list in any and every category.”

Hurley has his eyes on Texas WR Dre’lon Miller, others

One of the top recruits on campus was Texas four-star Dre’lon Miller, who returned to Baton Rouge for an unofficial visit as his Silsbee High team competed in the 7-on-7 tournament at LSU.

That gave Hurley the chance to work his magic on the Top 100 prospect and No. 14 wide receiver on the On3 Industry Rankings.

“I spent some time with Dre’lon Miller and he’s a guy I like a lot,” Hurley said. “He’s big, physical, fast and attacks the ball. He’s also got a great attitude and outlook on the game. We watched each other’s film and were like, ‘damn, we could really be a problem for some people,’ so let’s see what happens.

“Dre’lon has a great family too, and our people spent a lot of time together.”

Hurley said the charge being led by LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton to reel in Miller has ramped up even more ahead of his decision date on June 29.

“Coach Hankton and I really like him and we made it a point to illuminate the opportunities he’ll have at LSU,” Hurley said. “He knows where I stand on him. He knows where LSU stands on him. I know he plans to visit a few other schools and I respect that, but those programs simply can’t stack up to us and what he’d do here.

“Let’s make it happen, Dre’lon. You already know I’ll get you the ball.”

Hurley was also in the LSU indoor facility when Louisiana wide receiver Kylan Billiot received a verbal scholarship offer from the staff, which came after a dominant showing at both the Elite Camp and the 7-on-7 Tournament on campus.

“Another dude I spent time with was Kylan Billiot. He’s a super talented receiver that I respect,” Hurley said. “He’s a ‘Louisiana guy’ and I feel very strongly about him joining our ‘24 Class. I love his story and he’s legit. He’s got size, speed and he plays very physical.

“It was great to see him get the offer from Coach Hankton and (LSU quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan). I would love to see him become a Tiger. Let’s get it done, Kylan.”

For Hurley, the “all hands on deck” approach to recruiting is one he sees paying off with LSU signing one of the nation’s top classes this cycle.

“My message is clear. I’m ‘all in’ on leading the efforts to build a strong ‘24 Class,” he said. “I feel this group is coming together nicely. There’s a ‘few things’ coming to Baton Rouge. I can’t say too much, because we’re timing it up, but I promise this class is about to pop off!

“It’s really a testament to the Recruiting Department and coaching staff at LSU, as to how closely we work together and how much they empower me to help. Coach Kelly, Coach Denbrock, Coach Sloan, Coach Hankton, Coach Steeples, JR Belton, Jordan Arcement and others are all working hard. They’re super organized and have allowed me to really become a representative of this class. I’ve learned a lot from them and I admire how they handle the recruiting process.

“We know we can’t get everyone, but if you’re a top target for us, I would just say, there’s no better place to play football than at LSU. This program has so much history. It has Death Valley and Tiger Stadium. It’s got a great staff to develop you for the next level. The fanbase loves its’ football program. There’s no place like it.

“As I’ve said all along, let’s bring a National Championship to Baton Rouge.”

Hurley circles the highlights of his LSU weekend

While LSU head coach Brian Kelly had a wedding to attend, the second-year headman still made time to see Hurley before having to depart campus.

“Coach Kelly had a family commitment, but he actually came to the facility early Friday morning just to meet with me before departing for his trip,” Hurley said. “He and I spent about an hour together and we discussed a lot.

“He’s been like that with me since day one, and I’m very grateful for the relationship we have.”

Hurley also circled his relationships with Sloan, LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and LSU lead offensive analyst Dean Petzing as keys to his strong ties to the Tigers.

“Obviously, spending time with Coach Sloan, Coach Denbrock and Coach Petzing means a lot to me,” he said. “All three of those guys are invested in me, and I’m truly grateful to them. We really took a deep dive on all things quarterback. We reviewed film, went over some things about the quarterback room and my impending arrival to the team.”

A ticket punched to Omaha

While Hurley will play football in Baton Rouge, he’s already soaking in all the Tigers have to offer in athletics – which included a trip to Alex Box Stadium to see LSU take down Kentucky and punch a ticket to the 2023 College World Series in Omaha.

“I enjoyed watching some of the 7v7 action and it’s always good to get back on campus. This trip was really about recruiting and connecting, but I also was able to attend the Baseball Super Regional and watch LSU defeat Kentucky,” he said. “They’re headed to the College World Series.

“Our football program won the SEC West. Our women’s basketball program won a National Championship. LSU Athletics is the ‘gold standard’ in college athletics.”