Recruiting: AJ Carter Flips Back to UCLA

Many, La. running back AJ Carter was quick to jump at LSU’s offer during its most recent high-school camp, but today decided to reconsider, shifting his verbal commitment back to UCLA.

Carter had committed to the Bruins originally. He is rated as a three-star prospect, and represented the third running back and the 22nd member of LSU’s 2018 recruiting class. He was the third back to commit in four days, following fellow three-star prospects Chris Curry and Tae Provens.

Per reports, LSU will continue to recruit Carter, as running back is a major need in this class. It does create an opportunity for players like West Monroe’s Slade Bolden, or Hattiesburg, Miss., tailback Fabian Franklin, who is on the record as being very interested in LSU but still has work to do on the academic front. Four-star running back Harold Joiner, long thought a heavy LSU lean, appears to have eliminated the Tigers from contention, as did five-star James Cook. LSU would like to sign at least two, possibly likely three running backs, given that Provens could wind up as a receiver.