Lab safety Scott switches to TCU
The switch of colleges for Southern Lab’s Chris Scott is one the safety believes will be more beneficial to his future. Catholic High’s Gabe Guerrero made a similar switch — a change in positions — that certainly paid off in the long run.
After first committing to Baylor over the summer, Scott, a 6-foot, 190-pounder, rescinded that pledge after the Bears changed coaching staffs and their defensive scheme. That left Scott with some late maneuvering in his recruiting process that resulted in him finding a new school — TCU — that fit both his athletic and academic interests.
“The best thing worked out for me,” Scott said.
Two years into his high school career, Guerrero was a 205-pound back-up offensive tackle before being asked to move outside to tight end. Guerrero worked on his speed and route running to go along with his solid blocking skills and the end result was a scholarship offer from Southeastern Louisiana where the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder committed following a recent official visit.
“I just worked hard in the offseason when they told me I would be able to switch positions,” Guerrero said. “I started working on my speed and got a little faster. I started working with (quarterback) Ryan Lewis after workouts and running routes and get better and here I am as a tight end. It just worked out.”
Guerrero, who has a 3.5 grade point average, chose Southeastern over scholarship offers from McNeese State and Northwestern State. He said he plans to room with Catholic High teammate Devan Walker, who recently switched his commitment from McNeese to SLU.
Guerrero and Walker are just part of the increasing list of signees from Catholic High’s District 5-5A championship team. Lewis is committed to Rice, offensive lineman Adam Bertrand to UL-Monroe and wide receiver Spencer Harrell to Northwestern State.
Guerrero said a long-standing relationship with SLU coach Mike Lucas and members of his staff sold him on the Lions along with the school’s commitment to facility upgrades to both the campus and athletic facilities.
“Going into the spring of my junior year, Southeastern and Army were the first ones to start talking to me,” said Guerrero, who caught three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. “Southeastern was the first one to offer me a scholarship and I’ve felt closer to their coaches because I’ve known them longer.”
Scott made an official visit to TCU’s campus in Ft. Worth, Texas, last weekend and received an in-home visit Wednesday from Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson and two members of his staff.
“TCU’s been the most interested in me,” said Scott, who said he intends to make an official visit to Tulsa on Friday. “Coach Patterson is a strong defensive coach so I think it’s the best atmosphere and a place I can see myself playing for the next four years.”
Scott, who is qualified academically, was named the District 7-1A defensive MVP and All-Metro after compiling an impressive season that included 121 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. The fact that TCU graduated two its top safeties, and has a top-flight business administration curriculum, were also major selling points.
Notes
Class 2A All-State defensive back Prentiss Waggner of Clinton cancelled his visit to Nebraska this weekend. Waggner, who has made official trips to Minnesota and Tennessee, has no visits scheduled for Friday. … McNeese State added a commitment from offensive lineman Daniel Paulus (6-4, 300) of Silsbee, Texas.
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