Tackle Lowe commits to LSU

• By WILLIAM WEATHERS
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Jul 14, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The list of suitors for Lowe included Auburn, Texas A&M and Notre Dame, but it wasn’t until the final day before embarking for the summer when the mammoth 6-foot-6, 295-pounder received a scholarship offer from national champion LSU.

“Before I got my first offer that was one of the schools I was hoping I would hear from,” Lowe said. “I didn’t think I was going to hear from them at all and it finally came.”

With LSU now in the picture for his services, Lowe set out on a two-week tour in mid June of unofficial visits through the Southeastern Conference — complete with stops at LSU, Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn followed by a return visit to Baton Rouge.

That turned out to be enough to satisfy his future plans, which were finalized Sunday when Lowe committed to LSU coach Les Miles in a brief phone conversation.

“I think I caught him off guard,” Lowe said. “He was in a meeting and when I got a hold of him later he was excited.”

Lowe, rated the nation’s No. 12 offensive tackle by Rivals.com and No. 10 according to Scout.com, increases LSU’s commitment total to 14. It also further solidifies the program’s offensive line depth that now includes commitments from four of the nation’s top 18 players — No. 6 center Henry Orelus of Belle Glade, Fla., No. 14 tackle Chris Faulk of Northshore-Slidell and No. 18 guard Carneal Ainsworth of Parkview Baptist.

Moreover, Lowe provides LSU with four of the Top 21 rated players in Texas according to Rivals.com. That list is headlined by No. 2 quarterback Russell Shephard of Houston, No. 15 running back Dexter Pratt of Navasota and No. 21 defensive end Michael Brockers of Houston.

“There have been a lot of exciting times throughout this recruiting process,” said Lowe, who is academically qualified. “I’m thankful I have the opportunity to choose a school like LSU. It’s been a good process for me.”

Lowe said he chose LSU over Oklahoma and Auburn from a list of 26 scholarship offers.

“I think he’s been one of our most highly recruited kids,” Brownwood High coach Mitch Moore said. “He got a lot of interest just on his frame and footwork and movement.”

Lowe moved into a starting role near the end of his sophomore year and became the team’s full-time starter a year ago. He started in all 10 games for a Brownwood team that finished 6-4, earned first-team All-District honors and All-American mention from Under Armor.

“I wasn’t quick to commit after receiving my first offer (Auburn),” Lowe said. “It’s been about seven months for me. I kind of wanted to see what else was out there and LSU finally came along and when I visited there it was a good comfortable environment that fitted everything I was looking for. It’s an incredible place to me. I’m excited about my decision and I look forward to coming in and contributing.”