FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive end pledge Ryder Anderson (6-6, 230) is just one of three returning starters back from a Katy, Texas defense that was arguably one of the best in state history.
Katy went 16-0 and won its record-tying eighth state championship last season while shutting out 10 of its foes – including three of its playoff opponents – and giving up just 62 points all season.
“Obviously it is a different defense this season,” Anderson said. “We only have three starters back from a defense last year that was phenomenal, but we have a lot of talent and we expect to still be really, really good on defense this season.”
Anderson, whose chose Arkansas over Boise State, Colorado State, Yale, Harvard and others, and Katy will open the season with a game Friday night against Austin Westlake.
Katy is ranked No. 1 in the Texas AP preseason Class 6A poll while Austin Westlake comes in at No. 5.
“We are all looking forward to playing Westlake, another great football program and one we can’t take for granted and certainly have to play our best against to win,” Anderson said.
“We are all excited about starting the season after putting in a lot of hard work, including a couple of weeks of two-a-days,” Anderson said.
Anderson is hopeful that he can have a big final high school campaign.
“I just want to have a very productive year on the field and just develop as much as I can so I can be as ready to play in college as I can when I get there next season,” Anderson said.
Anderson hopes to be able to get to Fayetteville for a mid-season game.
“I’m looking at either the Ole Miss or Alabama games,” Anderson said. “Just not sure which one yet, but I want to get up there and cheer them on.”