Temple, Texas (Temple HS) running back Lache Seastrunk celebrates after the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey
In yesterday’s 10th annual US Army All-American Game, Temple running back Lache Seastrunk got the football in his hands only four times. However, there certainly didn’t seem to be any disappointment for Seastrunk as he celebrated with his West team after its 30-14 win over the East at the Alamodome.
“We got the win – that’s all that counts,” Seastrunk said afterward. “Winning and being out there with that talent.”
His four touches were a 22-yard return on the opening kickoff, a 5-yard run 3 minutes into the game, a run for no gain midway through the third quarter and a 2-yard gain on a screen pass in the middle of the fourth.
Now in his third year as a starter for the Temple Wildcats, Seastrunk is rated the nation’s No. 20 recruit in the ESPNU 150, No. 5 among running backs and No. 3 among Texans. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder entered his senior year with 3,043 rushing yards and 37 total touchdowns, just 27 yards and five touchdowns shy of breaking school records set by Delarrius Wilson in the early ’90s.
Last year, Seastrunk was a Class 5A All-State honorable mention selection after rushing for 1,511 yards and 14 touchdowns on 173 carries (8.7 yards per carry). He added three receiving touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a score before Temple lost in the first round of the Class 5A, Division I playoffs.
Memphis’ recent addition to Seastrunk’s list has left many wondering if the interest is legitimate.
When asked after the game yesterday if he had legitimate interest in Memphis, Seastrunk responded simply, “Yes, I do.”
To go along with Memphis, other teams on Seastrunk’s list of possible suitors include Oregon, USC, Auburn and LSU. Since Auburn appears to be the team to beat for Marcus Lattimore’s signature, it appears likely that Seastrunk is unlikely to sign with Auburn at this point. With Pete Carroll appearing to be on his way out at USC, it is very likely that this will effect the Trojans’ recruitment of Seastrunk.
“It has a great impact on my decision, but we’ll just see what happens,” replied Seastrunk about Carroll’s possible departure.
Seastrunk warms up before the U.S. Army All-American Bowl / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey
Seastrunk said that he will likely make he final decision in the coming weeks, possibly after January 15th. When asked about any future visits or leaders, Seastrunk was very non-commital.
“I have three to take, I don’t know where they will be,” Seastrunk said. “I’m not ready to name any favorites yet, either.”
Keep your eyes peeled for a decision anytime soon from Seastrunk. As stated in yesterday’s featured column, Memphis has come on. It’s better to come on late than never. For Memphis, it would be far better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Handicapping the race
Word recently is that Auburn and USC have fallen back in the back for reasons already stated in this article. Additionally, the primary recruiter for Seastrunk at LSU was new Memphis head coach Larry Porter, which has led many to believe that LSU has also fallen back in the pack. With those three losing steam in the race for the talented back, many feel as though Oregon is the heavy favorite to land Seastrunk. At this point, the Memphis Tigers are still an unknown commodity.
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