LSU WR commit Mannie Netherly to take Texas official visit

Four-star LSU Tigers wide receiver commit Mannie Netherly will make use of an official visit hosted by the Texas Longhorns, according to 247’s E.J. Holland. The Crosby, Texas native is the 26th-best receiver and the 192nd-overall prospect for the class of 2017 in ESPN’s rankings.

Netherly verbally committed to LSU on June 24th, but the Tigers’ shaky 1-1 start has perhaps created an opening for the Longhorns.

The 6’2 receiver is listed as a “hard commit” to LSU by 247 Sports, and 55% of Crystal Ball picks predict Netherly going to LSU.

Previously, Texas A&M was thought to be second in the race for Netherly’s talents, but the Longhorns are riding recent recruiting momentum from the win over the Fighting Irish. Rest assured that Netherly noticed, especially in comparison to the struggles of the Tigers on offense.

The big wide receiver also has a relationship with Texas quarterback commit Sam Ehlinger that the two developed during the weekend of the state track meet.

Wide receiver isn’t an urgent need for the ‘Horns, as Texas already has the pledge of four-star wide receiver Damion Miller for the class of 2017 and should only be losing senior Jacorey Warrick next season. However, with the importance of weapons at wide-out in Sterlin Gilbert’s offense, the more playmakers the merrier.

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Netherly’s decision to “for sure” visit both LSU and Texas mirrors that of another top Tiger pledge. Top ranked cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. announced on September 7th that he will be giving the ‘Horns an official visit in addition to his LSU trip.

It’s too early to tell whether Texas is making up significant ground on LSU recruiting territory, or if these in-state recruits are simply taking advantage of their expense paid visits. However, the fact that Texas was so quickly mentioned by both as an official visit destination is a positive sign.

Netherly is taking his official visit to LSU this Saturday along with Kary Vincent Jr. and a bevy of other commits. Netherly has not yet scheduled his Texas visit, but Charlie Strong tends to host recruits late, so expect Netherly on campus sometime in January.