Watch: Four-star RB Corey Kiner announces commitment

Cincinnati (Ohio) Roger Bacon’s Corey Kiner has not been able to visit LSU during the recruiting process, but the reigning National Champs were able to overcome that hurdle with an immersive virtual visit that sealed the four-star’s commitment.

“During the Zoom meeting I looked at my dad and was like, ‘This is for me; I need to do this,’” Kiner said.

Kiner announced his commitment to LSU on Rivals Monday, but he told running backs coach Kevin Faulk his decision shortly after experiencing the virtual visit.

“I saw qualities at other schools that I absolutely loved, but at one point I saw everything that I loved in LSU x 10,” Kiner remarked. “The relationship that I built with coach Faulk, coach O (Ed Orgeron) and the other coaches on the staff in a short period of time, it is unmatched.”

Even before the virtual visit, Kiner estimated he was 90% to a commitment just based on the relationship he had with the coaching staff. The virtual visit answered his remaining questions regarding campus visuals, academics and athletics.

The No. 7 ranked running back in the 2021 class, Kiner is headed for an LSU program that lost top rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the NFL after their National Championship season in 2019-20.

“I see a little bit of myself in Clyde, but as far as fitting in the offense I am obviously going to be here to do whatever they need me to do,” Kiner said. “I am going to come in and work my butt off to do what the team needs. If that is 30-plus carries, it doesn’t matter. I’m here for the team.”

The last running back LSU signed out of Cincinnati was five-star Spencer Ware in the class of 2010. Ware would go on to rush for 1,249 yards and ten touchdowns during three seasons in Baton Rouge prior to an NFL career that is set to enter its eighth season this fall.