LA Tech 2016 Newcomers

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech head football coach Skip Holtz announced the signing of 16 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, wrapping up a successful day bringing the program's 2016 newcomer class to 18.

In all, the class that Holtz is bringing in includes 14 players out of high school with four junior college transfers. Of the newcomers nine are on defense, seven are on offense with two athletes that could play on either side of the ball. Additionally, two walk-ons - Jon Randall Belton and Kennedy Madison - will be joining the program as walk-ons.

Both the defensive and offensive lines got a bolster with several playmakers signing with the Bulldogs. Rick Petri's defensive line, which loses potential first round draft pick Vernon Butler among others, adds five new faces including Livonia High School product Willie Baker, a four-star defensive end from New Roads that is rated as the 43rd-best defensive end in the nation.

Meanwhile Robert McFarland's offensive line continues to build depth with four additions. Drew Melancon has been enrolled since the start of the winter quarter and will be available for spring drills while Burleson, Texas product Kody Russey broke his own Texas state deadlift record by lifting 715 pounds.

While strength and size have been added up front, athleticism and speed will be bolstered on the outside. L'Jarius Sneed is a 6-1, 180-pound athlete out of Minden that was a two-way player at Minden High School while David Beasley signs with Tech after being rated as the top-ranked safety and No. 14-rated player overall in Arkansas.

The 2016 class includes players from all across Bulldog Country with eight players from across Louisiana and four from Mississippi. In all, seven states are represented including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas.

Melancon has already enrolled at Louisiana Tech while quarterback Jack Abraham and defensive back DaMarion King, both of whom signed financial aid papers last month, are expected to be enrolled for the spring quarter and available for spring practice.

Spring practice will start with the first session on Friday, March 11 and will wrap up with the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 16.

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