Local college football fans have a big reason to cheer on the LSU Fighting Tigers come next fall.
Natchitoches Central High School football standout Jo Cryer signed with the Tiger squad in a ceremony held at the NCHS fieldhouse Wednesday evening. With his family at his side, Cryer, a 6-4, 310-pound stalwart of the Chiefs’ potent offense, inked his National Letter of Intent for LSU in front of a crowd of family, teachers, coaches, teammates, and community members.
Cryer, a versatile offensive lineman, graduated from NCHS mid-term and will report to begin classes and offseason training in Baton Rouge at LSU in January. He will be majoring in sports administration.
He originally committed to play for the Ole Miss Rebels, but changed his mind late this summer and pledged to play for the Tigers. In the words of his father, NCHS offensive line coach Bo Cryer, “He was from Louisiana and wanted to stay home.”
Said Jo: “Being from Louisiana, getting this opportunity to play at LSU, it’s very exciting for me.”
As Jo Cryer’s coaches and teachers spoke of him, common themes emerged-that of a fierce competitor and hard worker. In the words of NCHS head football coach, Jess Curtis,“Jo loves us. He has an infectious personality that makes the locker room better. He is one of a kind. He can play all five spots on the offensive line and is a very physical player.”
Cryer is one of four new LSU signees from northwest Louisiana, joined by his former teammate at Many High, linebacker Tylen Singleton, along with Evangel Christian defensive lineman Gabe Reliford and Parkway kicker Aeron Burrell.
“People need to know what north Louisiana football is all about. It’s not only about the south. It means a lot being from the 318 (area code), for sure,” said Cryer.
Reporting and photograph by Kevin Shannahan
