LSU picked up an interesting 21st commitment for the 2013 recruiting class, when offensive lineman and Alabama pledge Andy Dodd decided to swap sides to the Tigers.
At 6-4 and 325 pounds, Dodd, of Lindale, Ga., is listed as a guard by the major services (ranked 11th by 24/7 and 22nd by Rivals), but per Derek Ponamsky on Baton Rouge radio Friday evening, will likely work at center when he arrives. Dodd made the call to switch after attending LSU's camp this past week.
Guard to center doesn't sound like a radical transition, but interestingly, Dodd plays tight end for Pepperell High School. Highlights below the jump.
Interesting prospect, with some very interesting highlights -- seriously how often do you get to watch your o-line recruits catch touchdowns? Shows some good athleticism, and a mean-streak in blocking -- two of the first two qualities I believe Greg Studrawa looks for. Making the transition to center isn't always as easy as one would like, but Dodd will have time to grow into the job.
This leaves four or five spots left in the 2013 class, depending on how the back-counting rules work, so things should be interesting these next couple of months. There are at least two more in-state kids LSU will hold a spot for in defensive end Tim Williams and linebacker Kendall Beckwith. Plus a couple of out-of-state fish that some believe LSU has on the hook in d-lineman Greg Gilmore and DBs Rashard Robinson and Priest Willis. I have to admit, I thought the team might've been done on the offensive line front, but insuring depth for the future is key, and Dodd is an athletic mauler that also drew offers from Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.