Prior to his official visit to Arkansas over the weekend, Louisiana linebacker Giovanni LaFrance said a commitment was likely if the trip went well.
About 24 hours into the visit, LaFrance had seen enough and decided to be a Hog.
“The fans, the coaching, the history of Arkansas,” he said. “It’s the only sports team in the state, so I love it. I can’t wait to get here.”
LaFrance, 6-1, 239, 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of New Orleans St. Augustine High School, picked the Razorbacks over more than 15 scholarship offers from other schools, including Louisville, Utah, Arizona State, California, Tulane, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.
Hog linebacker commitment De’jon Harris has been urging LaFrance to be his teammate.
“That’s my guy,” LaFrance said. “I can’t wait to get up here with him.”
He recorded 99 tackles, 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss this past season. He also rushed 33 times for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns while also having 5 receptions for 55 yards.
He was scheduled to visit Louisville this weekend but won’t make the trip.
“I’m done,” he said.
LaFrance is rated a four-star prospect by national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network.
“I’m still working on a lot of stuff,” LaFrance said. “Everybody’s not perfect. My strengths are that I can read stuff quick, I love to tackle, and I’m a leader on and off the field.”
He was planning to visit Utah instead of Arkansas, but Coach Bret Bielema extended an offer last Tuesday, and he changed his plans.
“I’m real happy,” he said. “The recruiting process was a blessing, but at the same time it was kind of stressful. All of the coaches were trying to get me to go to their school. Now that it’s over, I’m just ready to come to college and ball.”