Caiden Bellard quickly identified his LSU offer as the biggest moment in his recruiting process thus far announcing his arrival as one of Louisiana’s premier prospects.
“That day was just like, ‘Oh dang, it’s real — my dreams are really coming true to get to this level, the SEC level,'” he smiled as he recounted.
But that day, Feb. 13, has proven just the tip of the iceberg for one of the state’s biggest recruiting blow-ups thus far this offseason and, the 2028 Lafayette Christian running back said, just the tip of the iceberg for his own work and drive to become one of not only the best prospects in Louisiana, but one of the best in the country.
“I’d say when I got my LSU offer, after that — well, I really got the Houston, then I got the LSU,” he said. “And I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m becoming that guy, so I’ve got to keep working and I’ve got to keep grinding, because I know there’s other people around the world that’s getting there too. And I don’t just wanna be the best around here — I want to be the best in the world. So it’s like I’ve gotta keep working, keep grinding. So I’d say now it’s pretty comfortable for me, like it’s pretty normal, but I’ve gotta keep going.”
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound workhorse was one of just four underclassmen at any position in any classification to earn an LSWA all-state selection this winter after a sophomore campaign in which he racked up 1,523 yards and 21 touchdowns.
UTSA last spring and Wyoming, Houston and LSU early this offseason kicked off Bellard’s offer list — all before he celebrated his 16th birthday — and TCU, Louisiana (Lafayette), Liberty, Illinois, Ohio State, Florida State, Miami, Arkansas, USC and Louisiana Tech have all followed since then.
“It’s been really good,” he said. “It took off really fast. I’ve just got to stay humble, just got to keep working. I’m really blessed for it.”
Bellard said his strength through contact and explosiveness have been areas college coaches have said has caught their eyes.
This offseason, he’s continuing to work on taking his long speed and agility and balance to next levels, and he’s also attacked opportunities —including the 7-on-7 circuit all spring and Saturday as the lone pure running back at a 4th Quarter Mentality wide receiver retreat — to showcase and further develop his route-running and pass-catching.
“I feel 100% good catching — my hands are legit,” he smiled again. “You throw my the ball, and I’m catching it and going to score… Houston’s seen some of my 7-on-7 catches. TCU’s seen some. LSU. They’ve all seen I can catch the ball on 7-on-7 highlights, and they’re just saying that I can basically really do it all, and I’ve just got to keep going.”
All that said, at least one other SEC program that hasn’t yet offered is also already making an early impact in his recruitment, going back to his childhood fandom.
“Georgia, that’s my dream school,” he said ahead of a visit this week to Athens. “Watching the running back, Trevor Etienne (Jennings), that went there.”
Bellard admitted with a smile that he didn’t grow up a fan of any in-state programs, but rather was interested in the idea of exploring opportunities to branch out farther from home.
But he said his perspective is beginning to change as he starts more seriously weighing options for where he may take his future.
“Really what college that can make me better as not just a player, but a person,” he said. “Really just looking for what feels like family and stuff like that.”
