LSU Offers Carthage Running Back Keaontay Ingram

One of the top college football programs in the nation extended a scholarship offer to Carthage junior running back Keaontay Ingram on Wednesday.

LSU became the 22nd Division I FBS school to offer Ingram (6-0, 198), he announced via Twitter.

Ingram, who is the state's No. 1-ranked running back prospect according to both Scout.com and 247sports.com, now holds offers from all the major in-region programs -- Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

The Bulldogs' star running back also has invitations from national powerhouses Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, and UCLA.

Ingram burst onto the scene as a sophomore during Carthage's run to the Class 4A Division I semifinals, but emerged as an undeniable force last season in helping the Bulldogs to their fifth state championships since 2008.

In 2016, Ingram closed the season with the Offensive MVP award in Carthage’s 31-17 win against Abilene Wylie for the title. He scored on the ground twice in the title match, including the tying touchdown that brought the Dawgs back from a 14-0 deficit.

Ingram eclipsed 2,200 rushing yards in 15 games, scored 31 times on the ground and caught 46 passes for a little more than 400 yards.

LSU has a long and illustrious track record for producing great running backs. Former standout Tigers backs include Joseph Addai, Alfred Blue, Stevan Ridley, Spencer Ware, Kevin Faulk, Jeremy Hill and, most recently, Leonard Fournette.

The Tigers parted ways with longtime coach Les Miles following a 2-2 start to the 2016 season, and hired Ed Orgeron and his temporary replacement. Orgeron guided LSU to a 5-2 finish, including a dominating 29-9 bowl win over Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and Louisville.

Orgeron's interim tag as head coach was removed following the season.

Like all college football prospects currently in their junior year of high school, Ingram will become eligible to sign with any school that offers him in February of 2018.

2018 East Texas Football Players With Division I FBS Offers

• Tre Allison, John Tyler, OLB, 6-0, 200 — committed to SMU; additional offer from ULL, Mississippi State (3)
• Chance Amie, Tyler Lee, QB, 6-3, 190 — offers from Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Colorado State, Iowa State, Syracuse, ULL, Virginia (7)
• Xavier Benson, Pleasant Grove, LB, 6-0, 200 — offer from ULL (1)
• Dekalen Goodson, John Tyler, DE/OLB, 6-2, 215 — offers from Mississippi State, Texas State, ULL (3)
• Trae Hall, Henderson, QB/ATH, 6-3, 185 — offer from ULL (1)
• Conner Henson, Harmony, OL, 6-4, 250 — offer from ULL (1)
• Chasen Hines, Marshall, C, 6-3, 340 — offers from Arizona, Baylor, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Minnesota, North Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech (14)
• Tevailance Hunt, Texas High, WR, 6-2, 180 — offers from Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, North Texas, Tulsa (8)
• Keaontay Ingram, Carthage, RB, 6-0, 198 — offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCLA, UTSA (22)
• Malik Jackson, Lufkin, WR, 5-8, 165 — offer from Arkansas State (1)
• DeMarvion Overshown, Arp, ATH, 6-4, 196 — offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, SMU, South Carolina, Southern Miss, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, UTSA (25)
• Tyree Wilson, West Rusk, LB, 6-5, 225 — offer from ULL, Washington State (2)