Late Challenge add not intimidated
The Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge, an event that will see 100 of the top prospects in the country converge on Atlanta, is only days away. Many of the players have been set to go for months -- but not all of them.
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Because of injuries and other circumstances, there have been a few late additions to the roster. One of those is New Iberia (La.) Westgate offensive guard Josh Boutte.
The 6-foot-5, 305-pound four-star LSU commit was not even aware he was under consideration for an invitation to the exclusive event so, when it did come, he was blown away.
"I had heard about it but I wasn't aware that I was even on the radar for it," Boutte said. 'I didn't think I would have an opportunity to go. When I found out I had the opportunity, I was really excited. It's a huge honor to be able to go."
Even though he was a late addition to the roster, Boutte sees himself on the same level as the other prospects in attendance and does not feel any pressure competing against some of the top offensive and defensive linemen in the nation.
"I look forward to it," he said. "I like the challenge. If they think they're better than me then they're going to have to bring their 'A game' because I'm coming hard. I'm bringing mine so they're going to have to bring theirs."
Hailing from Louisiana, Boutte feels like his home state tends to get overlooked at times.
"With Louisiana, LSU and Les Miles recruit a lot of people in state and we're up there in the rankings so I think we represent ourselves well," he said. "On a national level, I'm not sure we get the attention we deserve though."
Boutte will be one of seven from Louisiana on the Southwest roster and he feels that group can go a long way toward helping gain respect for the Pelican State.
"Some of the top players in the country come from Louisiana but you always hear about Florida and Texas and California," he said. "I think we need to be put on the map.
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"I think that all the Louisiana players in this thing really need to represent and do what we can to put our state on the map and get the recognition we all think we deserve."
In addition to representing Louisiana, Boutte will also be representing LSU. He and fellow Tiger commit John Diarse will be in action, as well LSU targets such as DeSean Smith, Rickey Jefferson and Torrodney Prevot.
"I know DeSean Smith pretty well," Boutte said. "I don't really know the other guys too much. I'm going to have to recruit for the Tigers while I'm there though. I'll talk things up to DeSean and Rickey to keep them in state and playing for LSU. I'll try to get as many LSU commits as I can."
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