5-Star RB Leonard Fournette Commits, Saves Day for LSU at UA All-America Game

Leonard Fournette has never played a down of tackle football in a college uniform. But the New Orleans high school legend has already turned into the savior of LSU football.  

Fournette, the No. 1 high school recruit in the country according to the 247 Composite Rankings, announced his commitment to LSU at the Under Armour High School All-American Game. He chose the Tigers over Alabama and Texas. 

Fournette saved a rough day for LSU head coach Les Miles. The high school all-star game was tabbed as "5 for 5" by LSU fans, as five 5-star recruits made their college commitment with the Tigers as finalists. 

Wide receiver Speedy Noil, defensive lineman Gerald Willis and cornerback Tony Brown spurned LSU for Alabama, Florida and Texas A&M, respectively. 

Fournette was joined by safety Jamal Adams in choosing LSU. Adams strengthens a defensive back class that was already one of the best the Tigers have ever had.   

Noil, Willis and Brown are all special talents that LSU will miss. But all of their announcements came before Fournette. His decision means the most. 

The Tigers will more than likely be without All-SEC running back Jeremy Hill next season. Hill's backups are solid, but not special players. Fournette can be the difference-maker the Tigers need on offense with a new starting quarterback under center. 

If Fournette were to not choose LSU, social media in Baton Rouge would have taken it harder than a loss to Alabama. But his commitment was massive considering the Tigers went 2-of-5 on their 5-star targets. 

Fournette's commitment means as much for morale as anything else. LSU fans on social media began to melt down as Noil, Willis and Brown committed elsewhere. But Fournette ended the day with a bang.

Miles did anything he could to get Fournette, including subtweeting him. He knows how important the St. Augustine running back is for LSU's future. 

Fournette said on Twitter he will be wearing jersey No. 7. He will be the first to wear the number at LSU since Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu in 2011. 

"

I ain't wearing 5 in college I'm wearing 7 💯

— LeonardFournette (@_fournette) January 1, 2014"

Verbal commitments are never official with universities. Nothing is finalized until national signing day. LSU fans must remember most players can still sign anywhere they may please in early February. 

But LSU fans don't care. They will probably put the No. 7 replica on back order by the end of the day.   

Fournette is already an LSU legend. Not only for Tigers fans, but Miles as well.