Video Interview with LSU 2016 TE Commit Jamal Pettigrew at Semper Fi Bowl Practice

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Recruiting rankings are a finicky sort with each site/publication looking to differentiate themselves slightly from the other creating a separation of thought. No matter how one adds up LSU’s 2016 recruiting class, the group is wildly impressive, and with more left to be added. The class is rated No. 1 by 247Sports featuring one 5-star recruit, but with an amazing 13 players considered 4-star prospects, and five 3-star players. One of the 19 helping the class standout is tight end Jamal Pettigrew.

No matter how one flips it between the different ranking systems, it all comes out as the same scenario with Pettigrew. The 6’6”, 230 pound, recruit is a consensus 4-star player with the frame to add another 15-20 pounds if desired making him a “must get” for college recruiters. The New Orleans area native had a breakout junior season coming down with 17 passes for 345 yards with three scores. The Purple Knights of St. Augustine High School had a tough season in 2015 but Pettigrew still posted solid numbers with 21 receptions for 295 yards with two scores in 11 games.

The reality is college coaches see all the potential in the world with Pettigrew so no matter the stats the double-digit offers would still be there. LSU wrapped up their prized recruit on Jan. 11, 2015 and have held onto him despite offers from Alabama, Florida, Miami, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona State, Louisville, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas A&M, and Michigan among others.

Another group that saw the talent in Pettigrew was the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl selection committed. Pettigrew drew their All-American honors placing him on the East squad for Sunday’s game airing on FOX Sports 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

After the final walk-through for the East squad in preparation for Sunday night’s big game, I caught up with Jamal to go over his senior season, the weeklong practices preparing for the All-American game, and received a recruiting news update.

Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Information

Location: Carson, California

Site: StubHub Center

Date: Jan. 3

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.

Coverage: FOX Sports 1

 

LSU 2016 Commitment List (18)

OL Donavaughn Campbell, 6’5”, 340 lbs, Ponchatoula H.S., Ponchatoula, LA

OL Jakori Savage, 6’5”, 276 lbs, Baldwin County, Bay Minette, AL

TE Jamal Pettigrew, 6’5”, 216 lbs, St. Augustine, New Orleans, LA

WR Dee Anderson, 6’3”, 173 lbs, West Mesquite, Mesquite, TX

WR Damonte Coxie, 6’3”, 185 lbs, East St. John HS, Reserve, LA

WR Stephen Sullivan, 6’5”, 230 lbs, Donaldsonville HS, Donaldsonville, LA

LB Michael Divinity, 6’2”, 213 lbs John Ehret HS, Marrero, LA

LB Erick Fowler, 6’3”, 235 lbs, Manor HS, Manor, TX

DB Cameron Lewis, 6’1”, 195 lbs, Wossman HS, Monroe, LA

DB Eric Monroe, 6’0”, 180 lbs, North Shore HS, Houston, TX

CB Savion Smith, 6’1”, 183 lbs, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

CB Andraez Williams, 6’1”, 160 lbs, Calvary Baptist, Shreveport, LA

DE Andre Anthony, 6’3”, 225 lbs, Edna Karr HS, New Orleans, LA

DE Caleb Roddy, 6’5”, 245 lbs, Denham Spring HS, Denham Springs, LA

DE/LB Rahssan Thorton, 6’4”, 220 lbs, Shoemaker HS, Killeen, TX

DT Edwin Alexander, 6’3”, 325 lbs, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Hammond, LA

DT Glen Logan, 6’4”, 290 lbs, Destrehan HS, Destrehan, LA

K Connor Culp, 5’10”, 195 lbs, Desert Vista HS, Phoenix, AZ

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jamal Pettigrew at a Semper Fi East practice.