Though LSU and Alabama don’t meet for the BCS National Championship until Monday, the Crimson Tide earned one victory Thursday when five-star recruit Landon Collins committed to the Tide. Collins, a safety from Dutchtown High School in Baton Rouge, told ESPN following his announcement during the Under Armour All-American Game that he felt more comfortable in Tuscaloosa and has dreamed of playing for Alabama coach Nick Saban. “I felt so much at home at Alabama,” he said. “I have so much trust in those coaches and I get along so well with the players. That is why I ultimately picked Alabama.” Collin’s former high school teammate and current LSU safety Eric Reid said he spoke with him numerous times during his recruitment and was disappointed he wouldn’t be joining him in the Tigers’ secondary. “I told him that I couldn’t say I agree with him,” Reid said Friday. “I wanted him to play with me again. But I’m proud of him. He’s worked hard. I’ve seen him do it. He has every right to go to whichever school he wants to.” Collins will join another former Dutchtown Griffin in Tuscaloosa, sophomore running back Eddie Lacy. Reid said the three players have a close relationship that won’t be altered by the LSU-Alabama rivalry. “We all grew up together,” Reid said. “We know what each other are like. We know the hard work we’ve put into this. I can’t be mad at him for choosing where he wants to go to school. It’s his decision and it’s his life.” The on-field success of Reid, Lacy and Collins have placed a national spotlight on Dutchtown football. Regardless of who wins Monday, Reid said, the small Louisiana town will earn a victory. “Somebody from Dutchtown is going to come home with a ring, so I guess it’s a win win,” he said.
Football: Reid has no hard feelings for former teammate Collins
By Hunter Paniagua
Sports Writer
Sports Writer
January 6, 2012