Commitment Breakdown: Kyle Parker to LSU
Brian Kelly and LSU dipped into the Lone Star State and added a rising receiver prospect to the Tigers' 2023 recruiting class. Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy pass catcher Kyle Parker announced his pledge to LSU on Thursday afternoon, choosing the Tigers over Louisville and Texas.
Parker has seen his recruitment take off after a very productive junior season in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The newest LSU commit emerged as a top weapon in the DFW after hauling in nearly 800 receiving yards and double digit touchdowns in 2021.
LSU and Louisville both hosted Parker for official visits earlier this month, with the latter having the Texas receiver on campus last weekend. In the end, the pull of the Tigers was too much for Parker to pass up.
"I was looking for a school and system that fit me the best," Parker said. "It was important how I felt around the coaches, the staff around campus, and making sure that they were interested in me. The school, overall, just felt like home."
LSU receivers coach Cortez Hankton led the charge for Parker, and he offered the pass catcher in May. The two hit it off, and that relationship played a key role in the Tigers securing the commitment.
Additionally, Parker has lots of family ties to the state of Louisiana. His father attended school at LSU, and Parker himself grew up cheering for the Tigers and the Saints.
"My dad went to school at McDonogh 35 in New Orleans and just all my family is from Louisiana, in general," Parker said. "My mom's side and my dad's side. They're all down that way, so it's like a homecoming."
On the field, Parker is a versatile receiver that makes an impact all over the offense. He can win in the slot, and he can win on the outside. Parker also returns punts and will have the opportunity to contribute in the return game once he arrives in Baton Rouge.
Parker clocked in a 10.89 100-meter this spring while on the track. That verified speed and quickness shows up consistently on tape, with his ability to create separation and pull away from defenders in the open field.
"(LSU is getting) a very versatile receiver with a lot of speed," Parker said. "I'm dangerous and can make people miss after the catch. They're getting a great route runner and a great football player overall that is going to come in and work his butt off from day one."
The Texas prospect is excited to carry on the tradition of great wide receiver play at LSU. His goal is to get to the level of former LSU greats Odell Beckham Jr., Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson.
Parker has his eyes set on big things in Baton Rouge.
"When I get to LSU, I'm going to try to win the Biletnikoff Award. LSU is Receiver U, so they're usually producing people," Parker said. "I'm definitely going to try to win the Biletnikoff and a national championship."
Rivals ranks Kyle Parker as a 5.6 three-star prospect, No. 75 player in Texas, and No. 56 wide receiver in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He has a chance to be a big riser in the fall.