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South Lafourche’s biggest fish appears to be destined for Music City, Tennessee.
Massive Tarpons’ lineman Bailey Granier announced this week that he has given a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt – the Nashville-based upstart SEC program.
The 6-foot, 7-inch, 320-pound offensive tackle made the announcement via social media – taking to Twitter to share the news of his commitment.
He chose the Commodores over offers from Alabama, Mississippi State, Florida State, Kentucky and several other prestigious colleges across the country.
“Officially committed to Vanderbilt!” Granier’s tweet read. “Can’t wait to get a world class education and win championships!”
In Granier, the Commodores are receiving the services of one of the most powerful offensive linemen in Louisiana.
Recruiting service Rivals.com ranks the South Lafourche left tackle as the No. 31 prospect in the state – a three-star prospect and the No. 5 offensive lineman in Louisiana.
South Lafourche coach Dennis Skains said those points are hard to argue. He believes Vanderbilt is getting a heck of a player.
“He’s a great kid and he’s a great player,” Skains said. “Obviously, run blocking is his strength right now. When he gets his hands on you, it’s all over. It really is. There’s nothing you can do about it. … He’s going to a place he likes and a program on the rise. I think it’s a great fit for him.”
The reasons for Granier’s commitment are three-fold, according to Skains.
The first is the team’s coaching staff, led by head coach James Franklin and also assistant coaches Brent Pry and Herb Hand – who each were instrumental in recruiting the lineman.
Granier has visited Vanderbilt’s campus throughout his recruitment.
The Commodores have also made the trek to South Lafourche to visit the lineman on his home turf – something that also helped to build the mutual interest.
“He really liked the coaches there,” Skains said. “Coach Pry and the head coach and everyone out there – he really liked them a lot. That was sort of the first thing that jumped out to him.”
The second thing was the scheme that Vanderbilt utilizes.
The Commodores primarily run the football, which heavily plays to Granier’s strengths as a run blocker.
The program was once an annual doormat of the SEC.
But under Franklin, Vanderbilt has emerged as a contender.
They have had success in recent years and have now started to follow it up with recruiting that is on par with the rest of the SEC.
Granier is one of 15 players currently committed for Vanderbilt’s 2014 recruiting class who are given at least a three-star rating.
“He was attracted to their vision and their plan,” Skains said. “He liked that a lot. He likes the fact that they run the ball primarily, because that plays to his strengths quite a bit.
“I think it’s a great fit for him because he can go over there and grow. If you go to an LSU or an Alabama and you make a mistake, they have someone who is the exact same size and skill as you ready to take your place.
“At Vanderbilt, that’s not to say they aren’t talented either, but it’s just a place where you can go and grow and learn about yourself and how to play the game at an elite level – which they do over there.”
The last draw, according to Skains, was seemingly the most obvious – the education.
Granier is “a very bright kid,” according to Skains.
He doesn’t figure to have any problems qualifying academically.
Granier is active in FFA at South Lafourche and is one of the senior leaders at the school – both on and off the field.
“He understands that a degree from Vanderbilt will open some doors,” Skains said. “Education played a big factor in this. … But I can tell you they are getting a good kid. We’ve never had any discipline problems with Bailey. He’s a ‘Yes Sir, No Sir,’ kid. He’s always doing what we ask him to do. He’s been a pleasure.
“We’re happy for him. He’s done everything we’ve asked and he said he committed early to focus on winning a state championship.”
South Lafourche offensive lineman Bailey Granier blocks a South Lafourche defensive lineman during the team’s spring practices. After being wooed by several of the best colleges in America, the Tarpons’ lineman committed to Vanderbilt this week.
