BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

Louisiana-Monroe’s 72nd-ranked rushing offense picked up a big commitment Monday afternoon when two-time All-District offensive tackle Kerry Raymond of East St. John committed to the Indians.

Wildcats head coach Larry Dauterive is excited that his star lineman will have a chance to play on the next level.

“After transferring here at the end of his sophomore year, he made the switch to the offensive line from the defensive side because we were in critical need of help,” Dauterive said. “We put him at left tackle and he has been solid for the past two seasons.

“There is no question that he was our most consistent offensive lineman. We also had to play him on defense this year and he was solid on the other side of the line of scrimmage as well. I think the Indians are getting a tremendous football player.”

At 6-3, 285, Dauterive expects a position move for Raymond and perhaps a switch to the other side of the line of scrimmage for good.

“If he does play offense, he’ll probably move to guard,” Dauterive said. “They may move him to defense because he has really good hands.”