LSU’s victory against Ole Miss on Saturday was more than just the final home game of the season.
It also marked the final chance LSU could showcase the appeal of a Saturday in Tiger Stadium to recruits in the class of 2011. The Tigers capitalized on the festive atmosphere and hosted some of the nation’s top uncommitted recruits.
Former University of Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger headlined the list of visitors making the trip. Mettenberger has listed LSU as one of the favorites to land his services, and many expected him to announce his commitment after the game.
However, the junior college quarterback has not yet announced his decision.
Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com, said Mettenberger’s coach at Butler Community College would like him to visit the University of Arkansas before making a commitment.
Mettenberger has thrown for 2,512 yards and 31 touchdowns this season and has led his team to the junior college national championship game Dec. 5. He has reportedly narrowed his decision down to LSU and Texas A&M, but other schools may still be in the mix.
Duron Carter, son of former NFL receiver Cris Carter, also made his first official visit to LSU since leaving Ohio State following the 2008 season. Carter was ruled academically ineligible for the 2009 Rose Bowl and transferred to Coffeyville Community College.
The 6-foot-3-inch wide receiver fits the mold of the tall wideout LSU has been looking to add to its recruiting class, Dixon said. LSU recruited the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native out of high school, but Carter chose his father’s alma mater instead.
“They just wanted to see what kind of kid he was like,” Dixon said. “They want a big receiver and preferably someone that can come in right away like a [junior college] guy. I think if things check out this weekend, he’ll be a take.”
A trio of uncommitted Louisiana recruits also attended this weekend’s game in Tiger Stadium for the final time as high schoolers. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., offensive lineman Greg Robinson and defensive lineman Mickey Johnson all made the trip.
Dixon said nothing has changed with the three recruits’  interest levels.
“Odell’s going to be pretty pro-LSU and still in LSU’s corner,” Dixon said. “Greg is going to be pretty torn on things down to the last minute. Mickey is going to be one of those kids that LSU will watch because he’s got some academic questions.”
LSU also hosted a handful of recruits from the class of 2012 including Dutchtown safety Landon Collins, Houston quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe and Buford, Ga., offensive lineman Vadal Alexander.
Dixon said Alexander, who measures 6 foot, 6 inch and 310 pounds, has potential and could possibly be a big get for LSU.
“Getting him on campus for the first time this year was big,” Dixon said. “He saw a really good game. He’s a kid that gets out there and takes a lot of visits for a kid that age. Comparatively speaking, he probably saw one of the better games of the year. Certainly that’s going to rub off.”
Dixon said the lively atmosphere of LSU’s narrow victory against the Rebels could play into the minds of all the recruits in      attendance.
“Everyone was super impressed because of the atmosphere and how into it the fans were,” Dixon said. “The team played well. It was crazy. The crowd was crazy. Everyone I know after games like that is really pleased.”
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]