Katy High School’s offensive lineman, Coen Echols, has chosen to commit to LSU instead of opting for Texas A&M or Auburn.
Coen Echols is gearing up for a memorable 18th birthday celebration as the Katy High School senior offensive lineman and four-star recruit officially signed with LSU during the Early Signing Day period. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 295 pounds, Echols, a center, opted for the Tigers over Texas A&M and Auburn, making his birthday even more special.
Expressing his intention to announce his college choice on his birthday, Echols cited the influence of LSU’s offensive line coach, Brad Davis, as a pivotal factor in his decision. Davis’s wealth of experience and success in sending players to the NFL, coupled with a strong personal connection, played a significant role in Echols trusting him with his future.
Echols had initially verbally committed to Texas A&M on June 23 but later decommitted on December 8. The firing of coach Jimbo Fisher and the subsequent hiring of Mike Elko were influential factors in his decision to reconsider his commitment. Echols acknowledged feeling that he committed too early and highlighted Coach Davis as the first person to reach out to him after the coaching changes at Texas A&M.
With 28 offers on the table, Echols, a three-year varsity letterman and two-year starter at Katy, showcased his versatility by playing tackle in his junior year and transitioning to center for his senior campaign. Katy coach Gary Joseph praised Echols’s flexibility for his size, noting his ability to bend well, natural explosion, and continual strength improvement.
Joseph believes Echols could add another 10-15 pounds without compromising quickness and explosion. Echols, who increased his weight from 280 pounds in his junior year to 295 in his senior year, is set to graduate early and join LSU in January.
Reflecting on his journey, Echols admitted that he never expected to reach this point despite others predicting his Division I future. It wasn’t until after his successful junior season that he realized the potential within himself and entered his senior year with an improved mindset and a determination to be the best on the field.
Joseph emphasized Echols’s growth, maturity, and leadership as crucial elements that lifted the Tigers, leading to his election as team captain. Echols, grateful that the recruiting process is now behind him, looks forward to contributing to LSU’s program, aiming to earn a starting position and make a positive impact.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Echols is set on proving himself as a hard worker and a catalyst for change within the LSU program. With his talent, determination, and leadership qualities, Coen Echols is poised to make waves at the collegiate level and beyond.
