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Joe Burrow ushered in a new era of offensive football for LSU in 2019 when he tossed 60 touchdown passes and led the Tigers to the national championship, and stars inside the state of Louisiana have taken notice. Walker Howard, a four-star prospect and the No. 62 overall player in the Class of 2022, committed to coach Ed Orgeron's program on Friday morning. Howard is the son of former LSU quarterback Jamie Howard, who threw for 6,158 yards and 34 touchdowns in four seasons with the Tigers (1992-95).

"I'm absolutely going to take that lead role," Walker Howard said, according to 247Sports. "Quarterback is probably the most important position on the team because you're the leader and the energy of what is going on every play. I want to help us pick up the best players around the country and win us a national championship."

He told 247Sports that his mother Kathryn -- who passed away in 2018 after a fight with cancer -- was a guiding force in his decision.

"I'm very excited and I know she is smiling down on me right now and is happy as can be. I know my mom is proud of me right now for committing to LSU,"he said. "She always talked about how cool it would be for me to play at LSU and I'm making that a reality now."

Howard is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound star for St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. He is the third-ranked pro-style quarterback and the fourth-ranked player in the state in the Class of 2022 despite completing just 13 passes on 29 attempts through two high school seasons. Gabe Brooks, midland regional recruiting analyst for 247Sports, filed this scouting report on LSU's newest commitment.

"Lean, athletic build with adequate frame that should gain some mass with continued growth,m Brooks wrote. "Consistent elite camp performer across multiple events as a freshman and sophomore. Consistent, accurate passer, particularly over the middle in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Good touch on deep throws and timing routes, especially to the sidelines. Promising athleticism verified as a freshman in a combine environment (4.76 40, 4.46 shuttle). High-profile QB recruit despite not starting as a freshman or sophomore. Lacks varsity game reps/experience entering junior season. Much more broad evaluation context will become available during and after 2020 season. Despite game experience, one of the most heavily recruited 2022 QB's in the country. Projects to high-major level with multi-year starter potential."

LSU currently has five commitments in the Class of 2022.