Louisiana Tech football commit Vic Sutton on his recruitment, return from injury
Madison Central quarterback Vic Sutton knew his season was over in the MHSAA Class 6A quarterfinals against Oxford. The three-star recruit left the game in the first half after colliding with a Chargers defender, with his helmet and facemask crashing right into his knee.
“Right when I got hit I knew it was over,” Sutton said. “I couldn’t really stand on it and put pressure on it.”
Sutton suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in the Jaguars’ 31-21 victory over Oxford on Nov. 19. He had surgery but and was on the sideline as Madison Central claimed its first state championship since 1999 on Dec. 3.
The Jaguars headed into the offseason with aspirations of winning consecutive state championships while Sutton started his rehab. Meanwhile, Sutton continued to gather interest on the recruiting trail with offers from Virginia Tech, Buffalo and FAU among others.
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Louisiana Tech made the biggest impression on Sutton this summer. He picked up an offer from the Bulldogs after attending a camp with new coach Sonny Cumbie and co-offensive coordinator Jake Brown on June 11. Brown started recruiting Sutton in the fall.
“I went to a camp back in mid-June and as soon as I set foot on campus I just felt the love from everyone,” Sutton said. “The coaching staff was fired up.
“The hospitality was great and I had a good day at camp. I got to show them what I can do.”
Sutton committed to Louisiana Tech on Thursday — he’s the highest-ranked recruit in Cumbie’s 2023 recruiting class. Sutton is the No. 13 recruit in the state and No. 34 quarterback nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Brown’s commitment to staying in contact with Sutton throughout his rehab helped solidify the Bulldogs among his top schools.
“They had no worries about my injury because they know how hard my work ethic is,” Sutton said. “No one is going to outwork me. I’ve been working very hard to get back and I’m not losing a step. I’m going to pick up right where I left off. I just have the best feeling from the coaching staff as a whole.”
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Sutton completed 59.5% of his passes for 1,653 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games last season. He also rushed for 334 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Sutton — a pass first quarterback — believes his ability to move within the pocket with his eyes downfield and extend plays with his legs will translate to the next level.
Those tools will give the Madison Central offense a chance at being one of the best in Class 6A with the return of Sutton, running back De’Andre Pullen and Southern Miss wide receiver commitment Isaiah Spencer.
The Jaguars will have a test in Week 2 in a rematch against Brandon at 7 p.m. on Sept. 2. The matchup will also pit Sutton against fellow Louisiana Tech commitment Jarvis Durr. But Sutton has his sights set on another state title.
"I’m still keeping my head down and working because I still have a lot to prove from last season and just getting back healthy," Sutton said.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Louisiana Tech football commit Vic Sutton on his recruitment, injury
