Commitment Analysis: Four-star OT Zalance Heard to LSU

Monroe (La.) Neville four-star offensive tackle Zalance Heard shut down his recruitment on Thursday afternoon and committed to LSU over contenders such as Nebraska, Florida, Florida State and Houston.

Heard felt the love from LSU early and often under Brian Kelly's new staff, especially after picking up the offer from the Tigers in March. Offensive line coach Brad Davis and director of recruiting Jon Randall Belton have built a strong relationship with Heard in the time since, which led to his commitment on Thursday.

"Me and J.R. are really, really close because of where we're from and he understands me being from the same area," Heard told TigerDetails.com's Julie Boudwin. "We've built a good relationship and we're very close. We probably talk almost every single day. It's exactly like a (big brother-little brother relationship). Me and coach Davis talk a lot too. He's a pretty cool dude and I have a great relationship with him also."

*****

*****

CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board

*****

Ahead of his junior season, Heard made the move from the defensive side of the ball to offensive tackle, and the athleticism needed to play as a pass rusher definitely translated to the other side of the line of scrimmage for Heard as he uses quick feet and physicality to block effectively off the edge.

His long wingspan (7-foot-plus) paired with his strong hands makes Heard incredibly difficult to line up against as his initial punch fits the mold of a Power Five offensive lineman.

While Heard needs a little clean-up in his technique, his ceiling is seen as a high-round NFL Draft pick with potential to be an All-American lineman for LSU.

At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Heard is ranked as the No. 107 prospect in the country for the class of 2023, according to Rivals. He is the No. 6 ranked prospect from the state of Louisiana and the No. 9 offensive tackle recruit in the country.