BREAKING: QB Colin Hurley commits to LSU, reclassifies to 2024
The LSU football staff’s search for a 2024 quarterback has come to an end, and the result brings with it one of the biggest twists in recruiting this fall.
On Friday morning, Florida four-star quarterback Colin Hurley made not just one big reveal, but two.
Hurley has committed to LSU head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
And instead of waiting until 2025 to arrive to campus, Hurley has reclassified into the 2024 class – meaning next year will be his final season of high school football before enrolling in school and joining the team at LSU.
It’s a major win for Kelly, quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock in year one on staff as the Tigers were able to secure a 2024 commitment from a high-profile target who entered the day ranked as the nation’s No. 2 quarterback prospect in the country for the 2025 class.
Hurley sends a message with his decision
Upon revealing his decision to both commit to LSU and reclassify into the 2024 class, Hurley shared the following.
“I would like to take a moment to reflect on my high school football journey, as well as to provide an update on my plans moving forward,” Hurley said. “First, I want to thank my parents. I love you and play for you. You’ve made this dream possible. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) for the opportunity to play football at such an amazing and accomplished program.
It is an honor to play for Coach Verlon Dorminey who is more than a coach to me – I love you, Coach. To my TCA teammates and coaches – past, present and future, it is an honor to share the field with you and there’s no place like Conqueror Stadium on a Friday night. We are, and will forever be, champions! To my teachers, trainers and others, like Dr. Tom Gormely, who’ve believed in me, invested in me, and supported me; I want to express my deepest gratitude. I pledge to be the best I can be, and to always serve others.
“My football journey has been filled with the highest moments, including multiple state championships, player of the year and all-state first team awards, countless accolades, a wonderful college recruitment process, and the blessings of traveling and meeting so many other amazing athletes, coaches and people. To God be the Glory.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds and, with that being said, and after long and conscientious discussions with my closest and most trusted confidants, I’ve made the decision to reclassify to the Class of 2024.
“Additionally, after my senior year at TCA, I will be playing college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), where as of today, I am committed.
“To Coach Brian Kelly and the staff at LSU, I want to say, thank you, for the opportunity to graduate a champion and bring a national championship to Baton Rouge!”
Relationships with LSU’s staff helped make the difference
With six trips to Baton Rouge already under his belt, and another coming Saturday for the Top 10 matchup with Alabama, Hurley has been able to continue to build on his rapport with the staff, which in turn played a huge role in reeling in his commitment.
For Sloan, Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, the time spent recruiting Hurley didn’t go unnoticed.
“With every visit to LSU, I’ve come away feeling a greater sense of connection to the school, football program, staff and community. It’s been a refreshing experience and I have to say, when you hear about, ‘the process’ and ‘building relationships’ and ‘go where you are needed and wanted’ — that typifies what I have with LSU and what LSU has with me,” Hurley told On3.
“Since the first visit, LSU and the staff — Coach Kelly, Coach Denbrock and Coach Sloan have all made it clear where I am on their board. They’ve evaluated, graded and vetted me very carefully, against all of the top prospects.”
“Coach Kelly is awesome. Since the first day I stepped onto campus at LSU, I’ve had a relationship with BK. He always sets aside time for me when I visit. He has made it a point to stay in contact with me. BK has watched film with me and we’ve had some conversations about X’s and O’s. He’s told me from day one, ‘I want you to be a Tiger. We want you to be a Tiger. Let’s bring a National Championship to Baton Rouge.’ Those are his words.
“As far as the rest of the staff, I have a great relationship with Coach Sloan and Coach Denbrock. We speak weekly — about everything,” Colin Hurley said. “They’ve visited my high school a few times and stay in contact with me and Coach Dorminey. Of all the college coaches I’ve interacted with, throughout my recruitment process, I can’t recall any who have invested as much in me, as Coach Denbrock and Coach Sloan.”
