Why Xavier Atkins is returning to Louisiana to play for LSU

2024 four-star Humble (Tex.) Summer Creek linebacker Xavier Atkins reaffirmed his commitment last weekend, sharing that he was shutting down his recruitment. The Jonesboro, La. native is still set on playing for LSU and representing his home state.

He took numerous visits both unofficial and official visits and ultimately, liked what LSU’s doing with its program.

“It was just wild and crazy because me going on visits,” Atkins told On3. “I’m trying to figure out the pros and cons for each school and it was just a crazy experience and like a good time overall, too, but it was just crazy though for sure.”

LSU head coach Brian Kelly took LSU from a .500 football team to SEC West champions in Year 1.

“I see a lot of great things,” Atkins said. “I just like how Brian Kelly rebranded LSU because you got to think about it, when people bring up LSU now you don’t look at LSU where, ‘Oh, that team is undisciplined, they’re bad.’ Brian Kelly rebranded the football team. I feel like we’re gonna do some great things at LSU, especially with the linebackers for we got coming.

“I got mad love for LSU. Every campus I’ve been to or every visit — don’t get me wrong it’s always been a good time — But it ain’t that feeling when you’re in your home state. LSU, it’s just different from everybody else. Everybody can’t do what Death Valley do. Death Valley just hits different.”

Coaching staff plays key role for Atkins

Defensive coordinator Matt House played a key role throughout his recruitment. His position coach kept things real with the four-star as he went through the process.

“My bond with Matt House, it’s always been upfront from the start,” Atkins said. “It’s been some wild times with me going on visits and stuff like that, but my bond with Matt House, it’s real. We connect. The stuff we talk about, how we just handle stuff, my bond with Matt House is amazing. We truly keep it up-front with each other, for sure. I love Coach House, for sure.”

Associate head coach Frank Wilson and recruiting specialist Sherman Wilson also emerged to play roles in his decision.

“What stands out to me about Frank is he’s from Louisiana, so he knows how it feels to grow up in Louisiana, especially as, you know, being a Black kid. It’s kind of tougher a little bit for me because, you know, especially he grew up in a single-household just like me. So, he knows how to relate to Louisiana kids like a father figure,” Atkins said. “With Sherm, the same thing. He’s just an amazing, genuine person. Don’t get me wrong, he got a job to recruit for LSU, but he genuinely cares about kids, for real. That’s what stood out to me about them.”

Now Atkins can fully focus on playing out his senior season. He’s made a big impact on Summer Creek already and hopes to nab a state championship.

“Man, being at Summer Creek, it’s a privilege because the community we have and the people that pour into us, the way we buy in, it’s amazing at Summer Creek. Me overall as a football player now. Bro, I know how to tackle now. I know how to read (offenses). I got stronger. I’m repping like 315. Summer Creek is a football program overall. They don’t lie when they say Texas is like already college. Everything we do is like a college. I’m glad I moved out here for my last year of high school. It was truly the best move for me.”

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Atkins ranks as the No. 260 overall prospect in the country, No. 25 linebacker in the nation and No. 47 prospect in Texas.

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