Ruston State Champion DB Aidan Anding Chooses LSU Over Texas, Arkansas

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Ruston High School’s star defensive back, Aidan Anding, has committed to LSU, choosing the Tigers over finalists Texas and Arkansas. Standing at 6’0″ and 165 pounds, Anding has drawn national attention with offers from programs like Arkansas, Miami, Texas, and TCU. He is ranked as the No. 18 player in Louisiana and the No. 46 cornerback in the country by Rivals, while On3 lists him as the No. 37 cornerback nationally and the No. 13 player in the state.

Ruston enters the 2024 season with high expectations, led by Anding. After initially focusing on basketball, Anding joined the football team as a junior, playing a pivotal role in the Bearcats’ undefeated season and state championship. As the only returning starter in the secondary, Anding’s leadership will be crucial for a team that has to rebuild its defense after losing key players such as LSU’s Ahmad Breaux and Louisiana Tech’s Jaden Mayfield.

Offensively, Ruston is in strong shape with Tulane commit Joshua Brantley back at quarterback and Jordan “The Jet” Hayes returning to the backfield. Head Coach Jerrod Baugh’s strategy to schedule the toughest opponents in the state continues, preparing the Bearcats for another deep postseason run. Aidan Anding will play a leadership role in the secondary while also making an impact on special teams.