Video: Harlem Berry discusses his commitment to LSU

St. Martin’s Episcopal junior running back Harlem Berry officially committed to LSU at the Under Armour game in Orlando earlier this week.

Ranked as the No. 1 running back prospect in the country for the Class of 2025, Berry had a tremendous junior season. Starring on both sides of the ball, he was named the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club, Crescent City Sports, NASH ICON 106.1 FM and Friday Night Football Metro Prep Player of the Year sponsored by the R&L Carriers New Orleans New Orleans Bowl.

Berry spoke Friday about his decision and his future, back home at St. Martin’s, saying he made chose in the middle of the football season between LSU and Texas.

“I feel like they can get me to the next level,” Berry said of LSU. “The atmosphere there is just amazing. Out of all the schools I went to, I felt the most loved by LSU. LSU has a history of (running) backs that have been successful. I had my mind made up already to commit early. I want to have a focus on playing and to try to graduate early.”

Ten years ago, Leonard Fournette of St. Augustine was ranked as the top running back in the country and he made his announcement of a commitment to LSU at the Under Armour bowl game.

Berry admitted that he followed the blueprint of Fournette in making his commitment in the same fashion.

While Berry is solid in his commitment, other schools will have time and will still attempt to persuade him to change his mind with another year of high school remaining at St. Martin’s. Among those schools still working feverishly to flip Berry is Texas, which continues to pursue him hard.

Berry did not completely rule out changing directions in his recruitment in the future.

“I haven’t announced that I’m shutting it down so I guess it’s still open,” Berry said.

Berry’s commitment has placed LSU’s 2025 recruiting in the top five, with some services having the Tigers in the top two classes, at this point.

Still, the fact that Berry and his father have deep ties to south Louisiana and the LSU coaching staff, the chances of Berry upholding his commitment appear strong. Being at big LSU games played a huge role in Berry’s decision.

“Last year at the Alabama game, it was exciting,” Berry said. “If it was any game this year, it would probably be the Auburn game. The fan base was into it. The stadium gets loud. The coaches and the way they run their offense impressed me.”

Being from south Louisiana, the reaction to Berry’s decision has been overwhelmingly positive.

“All my friends watching called me to congratulate me,” Berry said. “Everybody’s happy with the decision I made.”

The New Orleans Saints were represented at St. Martin’s and are sending Berry to the Super Bowl.

While Berry still has another year left at St. Martin’s, he is eager to get to Baton Rouge and the SEC.

“I’m ready now,” Berry said.