Erath’s Ross Granger signs with LSU-E

Erath senior Ross Granger is a bright student who has garnered massive success in the classroom and on the field.

He was offered an academic scholarship to Tulane University, but baseball trumped everything in his decision. 

Granger decided to extend his baseball-playing career by signing to play with LSU-E.

“It was about baseball,” Granger said. “At Tulane the baseball wasn’t there. I wasn’t getting too many looks from over there and that’s the one thing I want to do in college and that was the thing that I said if there was no baseball in it for me then I’m not going do it.”

Granger showed interest in the University of Texas at Tyler and Centenary College, but in the end he said he felt LSU-E offered what he was looking for.

“I looked at UT Tyler and Centenary and the academics were kind of equal, but it’s the tradition that they have at LSU-E and the potential for growing as a player and a person that I really liked,” he admitted.

Granger’s 6-foot-2 build and work ethic were some of the traits that drew LSU-E to him, according to Bengal head coach Jeff Willis.

“Not only is he talented and left handed, but he has a tremendous work ethic and he has tremendous character as well.”

Willis, in his 13th year at the helm of the baseball team, has developed the team into a powerhouse.

Willis currently has a 597-154 record and he has guided his squad to seven College World Series appearances with four national championships.

Granger said Willis was a big part of his decision and he hopes to be part of the winning tradition at the school after he has played for coach David Jordan for four years.

“It was a big day for him (Granger),” Jordan said. “He’s a leader for us. He is the kind of kid that’s going to compete. That’s why LSU-E likes him and that’s why we like him. He’s a bull dog who’s going to give us his best stuff.”

Granger scored a 33 on the ACT Test and Willis said Granger’s intellect played a role in LSU-E’s recruitment of him.

“We’ve always gone out and tried to recruit the best students we could find because for one thing you don’t have to worry about if they will be academically ineligible and the other part of it is they bring a baseball IQ to the game,” Willis said. “To be able to win at a high level, not only do you need to be talented, but you have to have a baseball IQ and he (Granger) brings all of that to the table as well.”

Now that Granger’s decision is in the rearview mirror, the pitcher said it takes a huge burden off him and he can concentrate on playing ball with his teammates and bringing a state championship to Erath.

The Bobcats are currently 11-4 and ranked No. 13 in the most recent Class 3A power rankings. Granger said he has high expectations for his crew.

“I think this is by far the best chemistry we’ve had in my four years,” he said. “We trust each other and I love playing with these guys, it’s fun. We say it’s business before we go out and play, but I just have fun with these guys. That’s what’s going to put us over the top of the other four teams I’ve been on. I think we’re going to go far.”