Recruiting: Neville OT Zalance Heard commits to LSU

LSU gained a major commitment Thursday for the 2023 class when Neville offennsive lineman Zalance Heard became the 22nd overall pledge for the Purple and Gold.

The ninth Louisiana commitment in LSU’s current class also considered Nebraska, Baylor, Florida, Florida State and Houston before ultimately deciding on the Tigers.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Heard began his prep career as a defensive tackle at Bastrop. With an eye toward the future, he transferred to Neville and played offensive tackle as a junior. In his first season on offense, Heard earned All District and All-State honors as a right tackle opposite teammate Will Campbell, the starter as a true freshman at left tackle to start the season for LSU.

Heard moves exceptionally well for his size and has great feet. He’s a mauler who demolishes opponents and plays hard snap-to-whistle with a nasty attitude.

LSU assistants Brad Davis and Joe Sloan collaborated on the recruiting process with Heard.

Rated as the second best prospect in the state for ’23 by On3, Heard is considered the fifth best offensive tackle and the 50th ranked overall prospect in the country.