​Ruston High safety Jayden Anding recently verbally committed to sign with LSU football prior to the completion of his senior season this fall.Anding is the second member of the Bearcats’ 2027 class to cite LSU as a future destination, joining tight end Ahmad Hudson in coach Lane Kiffin’s fold. The senior recently told the USA TODAY Network why he chose the Tigers over runner-up Ole Miss.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“A lot went into my decision, but at the end of the day, LSU just felt like home,” Anding said. “The relationships I built with the coaches were a big part of it. They believed in me from the beginning and showed me how I’d fit into their program.”The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Anding was a key defender in Ruston’s drive to the LHSAA Non-Select Division I state championship game last fall. The 4-star recruit recorded 49 tackles, three pass breakups, recovered a fumble and picked off three passes returning two for TDs as a junior. He holds offers from a wealth of schools including Oklahoma, Miami, Arkansas and Mississippi State.TOP COACH: David Franklin’s ‘my boss, my mentor and my friend whom I love dearly’TOP ATHLETE: Here’s why Ruston’s Ahmad Hudson is Times’ Male Athlete of the YearRuston’s Jayden Anding runs with the ball after an interception against the Ouachita Lions, Friday, October 10, 2025, Hoss Garrett Stadium, Ruston, LA.“Being able to play in Death Valley, compete in the SEC and stay close to home also meant a lot to me,” Anding said. “I feel like LSU gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player, as a student and as a person. So, it was the right place for me.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnding said his summer plans outside of football are not a big deal.“I’ll be chilling most of the time,” he said. “I don’t really go anywhere — too busy.”Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here’s why Ruston defender Jayden Anding chose LSU football