Pipeline to Louisiana Tech
Ruston High linebacker Zheric Hill announced his commitment to Louisiana Tech on Sunday. The two-year starter helped the Bearcats win a state championship in 2023. Photo by Josh McDaniel
Zheric Hill’s dream of playing Division I college football became a reality over the weekend.
Hill, entering his senior year at linebacker for Ruston High this fall, announced his verbal commitment to Louisiana Tech on Sunday after an official visit with the Bulldogs.
Before committing to Tech, Hill held offers from Northwestern State, ULM, Southeastern Louisiana, and Lamar, among others.
“The feeling is surreal,” Hill said. “I dreamed of all of this when I was a kid growing up — just being able to commit to a program like Tech. I’m at a sense of relaxation knowing that I’m going into a locker room with familiar faces too.”
Hill’s future experience at Tech could pass for Ruston High 2.0 with Jadon Mayfield, Hill’s longtime linebacker running mate with the Bearcats, entering his freshman season at Tech this fall. Along with Mayfield, Tech has former Bearcats Jaden Osborne, Dyson Fields, and Christian Davis on its 2024 roster.
Until then, Hill will lead another strong defensive unit for the Bearcats this fall with hopes of making another deep postseason run. Hill, a two-time All-District 2-5A selection and two-year returning starter, has put up 231 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 4 fumble recoveries over the last two seasons. He played a large role in helping the Cats capture a Division I Non-select state championship in December.
When Hill joins the Bulldogs in 2025, he expects his production at the prep level to carry over and fit seamlessly into the plan Tech defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson wants to build.
“The scheme of how they want to use me is really good and it’s like a family there,” Hill said. “I mean, the coaches are just extraordinary, man. They made me feel wanted since day one, and it’s in my backyard so why not was how I felt about it.”
