Kenny Bell Commits

It's not a surprise, but reports out of Rayville, La., are saying that wide receiver Kenny Bell has committed to LSU. Bell is 6-1, anywhere from 160 to 185 pounds, depending on which website you're looking at at the moment, and runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

Bell is a four-star recruit according to both Rivals and Scout. Rivals had him as the No. 20 wide receiver in the country while Scout placed him 37th in the same category. It came down to LSU and Alabama for his services and he has apparently chosen the Tigers.

ESPN Insider and Scouts, Inc. evaluate Bell (subscription):

Bell is similar to another wide receiver in this class James Jackson. He is lean and has adequate height and very good speed. Is pretty smooth and fluid and is effective both vertically and after the catch on underneath routes. He shows the ability to separate with solid foot quickness. He can build up his speed quickly after the catch. Very smooth as a route runner and shows the ability to consistently gain separation out of his breaks when he works at eating up cushion and setting up corners. Can stop and start quickly into and out of breaks and shows some suddenness to shake defenders down. He is a player that when matched-up down the field can go up and win. He is not real big or physical, but he is willing to go inside and catch in traffic. He has very good change-of-direction skills and shows some elusiveness after the catch. Bell would be very good as a slot in the spread where he can be utilized on crossing routes and certain run plays and work underneath zones. However, he has the speed and quickness to win outside and get deep too which gives a team many option with him. All of his qualities are good, but may not be elite. Isn't quite at the level of former teammate and ESPN 150 player Chris Tolliver from last year. Overall, Bell can run, has quick soft hands and will end up being a very sound route runner at the next level.

That is 17 total commitments for Les Miles and LSU for the 2009 recruiting class, 10 of which earn a four-star rating or better from Rivals. The Tigers are still targeting in-state prospects WR Reuben Randle (Rivals No. 6 overall) and RB Eddie Lacy (No. 66), as well as DT JaMarcus McFarland (No. 2) out of Texas. If LSU can land all three of them, you can bet they'll finis in the top 2 or 3 in the recruiting battle this February.