Anderson grabs Big 10 offer

Plano (Texas) West 2014 running back Auston Anderson rushed for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns on 168 carries, picking up first-team 10-5A and All-Collin County honors.

Anderson had to make the most of his opportunities, while splitting time with 2015 standout Soso Jamabo, and is quickly making a name for himself by his play on the field. At 5-9, 180 pounds, he has worked hard to become the complete package.

"I mostly pride myself on toughness and not making mental mistakes," Anderson said. "Blocking especially because it's all want and desire. Speed especially since I'm not the biggest guy so I have to make it up by being a notch above when it comes to running away from people. And quickness out of the backfield and being one cut and go and always picking up positive yards."

College coaches have taken notice of his talents, and on Wednesday he received his first offer from the Northwestern Wildcats.

"I've talked to coach Mac (Matt MacPherson) once or twice when he's come to Texas, but I was caught completely off guard. I didn't know I was on their radar," Anderson said. "It's a great school. The education is unmatched and that's what my parents are really excited about. They've contended in the Big 10 and once you get a scholarship from Northwestern you are pretty much set for life."

The early offer has the Wildcats high on his list, but there are plenty of others showing interest. Rice, SMU, San Diego State, Duke, and Louisiana Tech have all shown significant attention, and last week Anderson was able to attend the Tulsa junior day.

"At Tulsa, coach Loepp the recruiting coordinator there, was real good to me. He showed us around the campus and stuff," Anderson said. "They have a beautiful campus. They came off winning the bowl game against Iowa State. They are riding high over there. I really like the coaching staff up there and how they treat their players. They seem to treat them well."

In addition to attending Tulsa's junior day, Anderson also has received invitations to attend events at North Texas and Boise State, and plans to take unofficial visits to Rice and Northwestern.