By Warren Arceneaux and Rodrick Anderson

American Press

Both of Southwest Louisiana’s all-American running backs are Florida-bound after Lake Charles College Prep’s TreVonté Citizen signed Wednesday with the University of Miami.

Jennings counterpart Trevor Etienne followed up on his commitment to the University of Florida, inking with the Gators early in the morning.

Citizen, a four-star recruit and fourth-ranked running back in the nation by Rivals.com, was the highest-ranked uncommitted running back prospect in the country. He said he chose the Hurricanes over LSU, Auburn and Florida.

“I liked (Miami head coach Mario) Cristobal and how he wants to bring Miami back to when they had guys like Ed Reed, Frank Gore, Sean Taylor and Ray Lewis,” Citizen said.

“I believe in that project and want to be part of that process. To have my name in that mix would be amazing. I’m going to bring a strong work ethic, dedication and hard work. I look forward to being coached up by (Miami running backs coach) Kevin Smith and becoming better than I am now.”

Citizen ran for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns in six games this season before missing the final four games with a hand injury.

Citizen originally committed to LSU last summer, but decommitted after the school fired head coach Ed Orgeron. Running backs coach Kevin Faulk, Citizen’s primary recruiter, was not retained by new head coach Brian Kelly.

Etienne committed to the Gators on Jan. 8 at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

“It feels amazing to be officially official,” Etienne said.

“I fell in love with the campus when I went for my visit in late June. Honestly, them getting coach (Billy) Napier was a huge plus. I have always liked coach Napier. Now I get to build that relationship. The way he runs the offense, the team, the program, the whole nine yards, I love it.

“What he did with ULL is pretty good. I was silently committed before he got the job, so him getting the job was a plus.”

Trevor’s older brother, Travis, starred at Clemson, leading the Tigers to the 2018 College Football national championship, finished his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Etienne rushed for 5,022 yards in his career at Jennings, taking the Bulldogs to the 2019 Class 3A final. He also caught 42 passes for 901 yards with 83 total touchdowns.

Iowa cornerback Crajaun Bennett signed with McNeese State, one of three Lake Areaplayers in the Cowboys’ signing class.

“I ain’t going to lie, I was nervous,” Bennett said. “A lot of kids don’t have the chance. It’s a big opportunity. They have a new coaching staff and its a new feeling at McNeese. It felt like home.”

Bennett made 30 tackles with three interceptions and 10 pass break-ups in 2021.

LCCP offensive lineman Reginald Burks signed with Lamar.

“I loved their facilities and the whole atmosphere over there,” he said.

LaGrange softball player Traelen Humphrey signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and am grateful to all my coaches who helped me grow into the player I am today,” she said. “The atmosphere at Pine Bluff was great and I felt at home there.”

Southwest Louisiana Signing Day

Division I Signings

Football

Trevor Etienne, Jennings — Florida

Crajaun Bennett, Iowa — McNeese

Trevonté Citizen, Lake Charles College Prep — Miami

Reginald Burks, Lake Charles College Prep — Lamar

Division II

Logan Richard, Hamilton Christian — Louisiana Christian

Neiman Sullen, Hamilton Christian — East Texas Baptist

Jordyn Artis, Oberlin — Arkansas-Monticello

Brycen Leblanc, Iowa — Arkansas-Monticello

NAIA

Aidan Duhon, Lake Arthur — University of Saint Mary (Kan.)

Derian Rosario, Lake Charles College Prep — Dakota State (S.D.)

Junior College

Donovan Henderson, Hamilton Christian — Southern-Shreveport

Devante Coffee, Hamilton Christian — Southern-Shreveport

Xabian Doffney, Hamilton Christian – Sussex (N.J.) Community College

Softball

Traelen Humphrey, LaGrange — Arkansas-Pine Bluff