‘There is no downside for you.’

I’ve given LSU grief for how Elliot Porter was treated, so it only seems fair to applaud what they’ve done here.

LSU signed quarterback Brandon Harris of Bossier City (La.) Parkway on Thursday to a financial-aid agreement, one of the first recruits nationally known to have used an NCAA rule interpretation issued last month that allows early-enrolling players to secure their scholarships months ahead of signing day.

Harris, No. 58 in the ESPN 300 and the third-ranked dual-threat QB in the class of 2014, announced the moment on Twitter, saying he was excited to sign a letter of intent with the Tigers.

He did not, in fact, sign a letter of intent. The differences are notable and fall in favor of the student-athlete.

LSU, after receiving Harris’ paperwork, is now obligated to honor his scholarship, unlike the scenario for a traditional recruit who offers a non-binding verbal commitment; however, Harris is not tied to the Tigers. He could enroll elsewhere or sign a binding letter of intent with a different school in February.

Additionally, the Tigers are no longer limited by NCAA regulations that restrict in-person contact with Harris, phone calls and home visits.

Wow… that’s actually decent.  Is it the precursor of a trend?  Too early to tell, probably, although the article goes on to note that Ohio State’s done the same thing.

Of course, we won’t actually know for sure how this plays out until we see what Nick Saban does.

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UPDATE:  Michael Carvell has more on this.