Remarkable start for Lazard
Urbandale, Iowa, class of 2014 wide receiver Allen Lazard started making his name in recruiting circles this past summer with camp stops at Iowa, Iowa State and LSU. His stock continues to rise after an outstanding start to his junior season.
In two games, Lazard has totaled four catches for 204 yards and four total touchdowns, with one of his scores coming on a 53-yard punt return. Not only is Lazard averaging better than 50 yards per catch, he is scoring almost every time he touches the football.
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"I had five touchdowns last week, but two of them got called back," Lazard added.
Offers from both Iowa and Iowa State followed performances at their camps this summer and Nebraska also offered in that timeframe. Although LSU did not extend him a scholarship immediately following their camp, Lazard felt he took a lot away from the experience.
"I think going down to LSU really helped me develop more as a player," Lazard said. "I got to see what the competition was like down there and find out what my strengths and weaknesses are. I think I am a better player now."
Lazard has continued to be recruited by LSU following their camp, and other schools have strengthened their interest in the 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver in recent days and weeks.
"Today I got letters from Georgia, Auburn, Boise State, Cal, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon and Tennessee as well as from the schools that offered me," Lazard reported.
Coaches have also contacted Lazard via Facebook since contact became permissible with juniors on Sept. 1. Several schools that have contacted him in the last week are doing so for the first time.
"Alabama, Ohio State and Oregon have my attention," Lazard said. "They went from zero contact to messaging me on Facebook and saying I was a top prospect for them. I was pretty surprised by that."
The in-state schools that were first to offer have certainly not been forgotten by Lazard with all the new attention the junior prospect is receiving, and he will see those two programs square off in Iowa City on Saturday.
"I have the ACT's in the morning, so I will take that and hopefully make it up by kickoff," Lazard said. "I don't think I have ever been to an Iowa-Iowa State game before so it will be my first one. Hopefully I have a good time."
Lazard also plans to see Iowa State's home matchup with Western Illinois on Sept. 15 and Nebraska host Wisconsin on Sept. 29.