Tre Segarra, a top‑10 running back prospect in the national class, announced his commitment to Louisiana State University on Tuesday, electing the Tigers over the University of South Carolina where both of his parents earned their degrees.
A Family Legacy Meets a New Path
Born to parents who graduated from South Carolina, Segarra grew up playing soccer in Puerto Rico before making the switch to football as a freshman. The transition allowed him to blend his quick‑stop agility with a powerful, vision‑driven running style that has made him a standout at Byrnes High School in Mississippi.
At 5‑foot‑10 and 210 pounds, Segarra combines size, speed, and an uncanny ability to locate tight seams in defenses. His soccer background shows in his sudden changes of direction and his capacity to accelerate back to top speed after a cut, traits that coaches say are rare among traditional rushers.
Coach Kevin Smith’s Praise
Running backs coach Kevin Smith, who previously mentored a similarly built back in Oxford, Mississippi, called Segarra one of the most polished prospects he has evaluated. "His vision, hands, and ability to break tackles are exactly what we need to keep the Tigers’ ground game explosive," Smith said in a statement.
The commitment marks a significant win for LSU’s recruiting class, reinforcing the program’s ability to attract elite talent despite strong competition from SEC rivals. Analysts view the addition as a potential catalyst for a more dynamic rushing attack in the upcoming season.
Segarra’s pledge also highlights the growing influence of non‑traditional football backgrounds. His soccer‑derived footwork and spatial awareness could reshape how the Tigers utilize versatile playmakers, a trend that may ripple across the SEC.