LSU football coach Les Miles has rolled out the red carpet for a slew of high-profile prospects during his six years in Baton Rouge.
Miles was able to sway blue-chip recruits such as former wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, junior cornerback Patrick Peterson and sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard to join his team on their official visits.
This weekend, Miles will attempt to convince Butler (El Dorado, Kan.) junior college quarterback Zach Mettenberger when LSU opens its doors for what may be the biggest visit of Miles’ tenure.
“In terms of guys that are coming in during the season and the importance of the quarterback position, this could be the most important recruit for the program since [former running back] Kevin Faulk,” said Derek Ponamsky, recruiting analyst for Bayou Bengals Insider.
Mettenberger’s impression of LSU this weekend could go a long way in determining the quarterback depth chart next season, with juniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee entering their senior seasons and currently the only scholarship players under center.
“Everybody knows we certainly need a quarterback,” Miles said.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 228-pound pocket passer would bring more experience than the average incoming quarterback.
Mettenberger has led Butler Community College to an undefeated campaign this season, completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 2,512 yards, 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
“People are buying into him being the solution at quarterback,” said Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com. “LSU has a little more confidence in a guy that’s been in the [Southeastern Conference] and has been successful at the junior college level.”
Mettenberger spent his freshman year at Georgia and was competing with freshman quarterback Aaron Murray for the starting job last spring when he was kicked off the Bulldogs for violating team rules. Mettenberger later pled guilty to sexual battery.
Mitch Olson, Mettenberger’s former coach at Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., said Mettenberger was always a model citizen in high school.
“He was a very coachable kid, a very likeable kid,” Olson said. “He did something stupid, paid the price, and he’s working to get back.”
Olson said he was surprised when he heard Mettenberger was released from Georgia.
“If I had a daughter his age, I’d be happy if he would date her,” Olson said.
Olson said he has talked to Mettenberger about his decision.
LSU “seems like a place that would be good for him,” Olson said. “Zach fits into the team atmosphere they have at LSU.”
Olson said LSU would get a strong-armed passing quarterback with the potential to make a few plays with his feet in Mettenberger.
“He’s not a blazer, but he can move in the pocket and has a cannon of an arm,” Olson said. “He’s a great kid with a lot of potential.”
Lee said Mettenberger’s visit will be an chance for him to learn about the LSU football program.
“When they come here, we try to help them out and show them what LSU’s all about,” Lee said. “It’s a great opportunity for those guys to be a quarterback.”
Rivals.com recruiting analyst Mike Scarborough said Mettenberger’s visit will be the deciding factor on his commitment.
Mettenberger’s decision could come as soon as Sunday. He would have the opportunity to practice with the Tigers for their bowl game if he commits soon because he would enroll for the spring semester.
“I feel like it’s probably around 85 percent,” Dixon said of the chances Mettenberger commits to LSU. “Everything I’ve been told and I’ve seen points to LSU being the main school he’s looking at.”
Mettenberger will compete for the starting job if he picks the Tigers, according to Dixon.
“Miles has opened up the quarterback competition in the past when people thought there was not going to be a competition,” Dixon said. “He’s going to want to find the right guy.”
The former Georgia gunslinger has three years of eligibility to play three seasons.
Scarborough said Arkansas and Ole Miss have been added to the list of Mettenberger’s scholarship offers, which also includes Alabama and Texas A&M.
“I asked him if he’s going to visit [Arkansas and Ole Miss], and he said, ‘Maybe,'” Scarborough said.
Mettenberger would be LSU’s second quarterback pledge for 2011. LSU already has a commitment from 2011 quarterback Stephen Rivers from Athens, Ala.
Another junior college recruit will be visiting LSU this weekend.
Scout.com four-star wide receiver Duron Carter, the son of former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter, is coming to the Ole Miss game this weekend.
Carter began his career at Ohio State before transferring to Coffeyville Community College.
“LSU wants a guy who’s 6-foot-4,” Dixon said. “Carter fits the bill.”
 
–
Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]