By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — It’s been quite the careers for seniors Josh Brantley, Aidan Anding, Zheric Hill and Sam Nations as Ruston High Bearcats.
Still alive in the playoffs, these seniors have all seen the Super Dome twice, brought home a state title, and if they win Friday, will go to the New Orleans for an unprecedented third straight time in school history.
And on Wednesday, all four of them signed scholarships to go on to play collegiately with Anding headed to LSU, Brantley to Tulane, Nations to Northwestern State and Hill staying in Ruston to play for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
“It’s great for these students to use their athletic ability to move on and work on their academic careers,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “It’s special for them and their families. It says a lot about how they were raised and a lot about Ruston High’s teachers and administration that have prepared them to move on.
“These four football guys are very special men. They are all part of our player council, also. It sounds cliche, but anytime your best players are your best leaders, then you have a chance to be really successful. That’s why we’ve been able to do the things we’ve done football-wise. These guys have accomplished a lot through their playing careers that haven’t been done here in a long time.”
All four Bearcats chose to stay in-state, with Anding choosing LSU because of the school’s rich history in developing defensive backs for the NFL while pursuing an education in business and finance. Only playing varsity for two years, Anding’s stock skyrocketed after a stellar junior season, and in the regular season this year, he totaled over 40 tackles, four interceptions and multiple punts returned for touchdowns.
“LSU is the original ‘DBU’ (Defensive Back University),” Anding said. “I really want to play under Coach (Corey) Raymond — that was a big factor in that. I like, too, that I don’t have to move too far from home. And the family, the connections, and the relationship that I built over time with the coaches just this past year — that has all been strong.”
Nations cited Northwestern State’s academic offerings as a major reason as he plans to study kinesiology with the plan to go into occupational therapy school after he finishes his undergraduate. An anchor on the offensive line, Nations has helped the offense rush for a total of 2677 yards with an average of 6.56 yards per carry.
“Academically, (NSU) has everything I want to do,” Nations said. “That’s really what my focus is — it’s to set myself up for the future, and Northwestern State is perfect.”
Brantley, who will be moving to the defensive side of the for the Green Wave, said his familiarity with New Orleans boosted his desire to play at Tulane and study business management. So far through the regular season and playoffs, the 2023 Most Outstanding Player in last year’s state championship game has thrown for 1628 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 682 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“Tulane is home,” Brantley said. “I went down there and loved the coaching staff. I love the environment. It’s a winning program. I’ve been around New Orleans my whole life — it just felt like perfect fit for me.”
Finally, Hill said the support he received from the Bulldog coaching staff cemented his decision to stay home to play for Louisiana Tech and study kinesiology. Through the regular season, Hill finished with 127 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks.
“The coaching staff treats me like family,” Hill said. “They’ve been recruiting me since I was a sophomore. I’m excited to go help turn the program around.”
Hill also has the chance to reunite with former Bearcats Jadon Mayfield and Christian Davis on the defensive side of the ball for Louisiana Tech.
“It’s off the scale how excited I am to play with those guys,” Hill said. “We’ll have great chemistry. It’s a brotherhood.”
Ruston will be hosting Destrehan Friday night with the winner headed to the Super Dome for the state championship on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3:30 p.m.