LSU has landed a major commitment for the 2016 class, reeling in a verbal pledge from five-star defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence on Friday morning.

Lawrence made his college announcement at Neville High shortly after 10:30 a.m., choosing the Tigers over Ohio State and a double-digit offer list. Lawrence made official visits to both schools and welcomed both coaching staffs in-home in Monroe this past week.

The commitment extends LSU's lead over Ohio State and the rest of the field in the chase for the No. 1 class in the 247Sports Team Rankings. The Tigers passed the Buckeyes on Thursday for the top spot following the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Willie Allen.

Meanwhile, Lawrence is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 5 defensive tackle in the 2016 class, the No. 20 overall prospect in the country and No. 2 player in Louisiana.

LSU area recruiter Bradley Dale Peveto and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron are credited with bringing Lawrence into the class.

The Tigers now have 22 commitments for the 2016 class, including defensive line commitments from Lawrence, Edwin Alexander, Glen Logan, Andre Anthony and Caleb Roddy.