Nations commits to NSU
Photo by Josh McDaniel
Ruston OL Sam Nations (55) committed to Northwestern State.
Sam Nations, going into his senior year as an anchor on Ruston’s offensive line, announced his commitment to play college football at Northwestern State on Saturday.
He chose the Demons over an offer from Mississippi Valley State. Nations is now the eighth Bearcat since 2023 to commit to an in-state Division I program, including fellow seniors Josh Brantley (Tulane) and Zheric Hill (Louisiana Tech).
“I feel accomplished being committed to a school like Northwestern State which has a ton of history in their football program,” Nations told the Leader. “And I think it’s very cool that God blessed me with the abilities to take my talents to a Division I level and keep playing the game I’ve always known.”
Nations, a twotime first team All-District selection for the Bearcats starting at center and guard throughout his prep career, has helped Ruston’s run game become one of the best in the state. As Ruston marched its way to an undefeated record and state championship win in 2023, the Bearcats averaged at least 5 yards per carry in 11 of their 14 games, with Jordan Hayes rushing for 1,752 yards while Brantley had 866 yards on the ground alone.
As for his future home in Natchitoches, Nations is excited to get in on the ground floor of the program with a new coaching staff trying to build the NWS brand back up after the Demons canceled their 2023 season in late October due to the death of a player.
“They brought in a whole new coaching staff this year that knows how to win,” Nations said. “Coach (Blaine) McCorkle has a very good record when it comes to rebuilding programs. And I’m looking forward to the future of the program.”
Versatility has been a strength of Nations’ game at RHS, sliding from guard to center and then back to guard during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Recruited to play center at NWS, Nations feels comfortable in the plan his future coaches have for him.
“They are majority under-center just like our offense, which is difficult for guys who have never done that before,” Nations said. “It gives me the edge among other players.”
