One of the area's top high school football players is closing in on a decision for college.
Westminster Christian running back/linebacker Kyle Horde, who is ranked as the No. 26 player in h by 247Sports, expects to announce his choice in the next two-to-three weeks.
Horde is expected to choose between Tulane, Houston and Texas State, which the senior said remain his top three schools. He visited Tulane and Houston officially this summer and took in Texas State during a trip for Junior Day.
"Houston was a great week for me, a really fun, great experience," said Horde, who mentioned the Go-Kart racing was a highlight of that visit.
"Tulane felt like family, felt like home."
Horde enjoyed bowling during his visit to Tulane, which landed a commitment from St. Augustine receiver Ray'Quan Williams, the No. 24 in-state prospect, over the weekend.
"My top three check off all the boxes," he said. "I got a taste of San Marcos (home of Texas State).
"As I pray, it will be what the Lord tells me."
Texas State, which sent a coach to Horde's spring game at Loreauville (as did Tulane), picked up a commitment this week from Alexandria defensive lineman Bryson Phoenix (No. 29 in h).
As a junior, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Horde earned Class 1A all-state honors by rushing for nearly 1,200 yards while averaging more than 10 yards per carry. On defense, he totaled 116 tackles with three sacks and an interception.
"With our coaching staff, we have set a standard with how we run the program here now," said Horde, who led the Crusaders to a 12-1 record, No. 1 seed and a semifinal appearance in the Division IV select playoffs.
"This isn't the old WCA. We're not trying to take steps backward. We're trying to keep going forward. Even when I leave, I want to see the program keep taking steps forward."
WCA coach Byron Porter beefed up the nondistrict schedule with games against Class 1A perennial power Kentwood, Class 5A Live Oak and Lafayette Christian, which will feature the running of top tailback recruit Caiden Bellard against Horde's talents at linebacker.
"Kyle has like 16 offers," Porter said. "I think he has a bright future. Having him and Jack Hunt at linebacker was like having coaches on the field last year. They suggest stuff to me now.
"Everybody feeds off them."
Porter said he never worried about the recruiting process affecting Horde in anything but a positive manner.
"Kyle's a humble kid," he said. "He has good parents. He understands. He gets it."
And when Horde announces his decision, a college will be getting a player who is immediately noticeable with his size and athleticism, especially in Class 1A football.
"He looks good," Porter said. "Kyle definitely gets your attention when he walks into the room."