By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

West St. John junior defensive end Ronnie Feist officially committed to LSU Saturday at the university’s first Junior Day of 2011.

Feist was named St. John Parish Most Valuable defensive player by L’Observateur for 2010, as well to the LSWA Class 1A All-State team and the defensive MVP of District 8-1A.

“I’m looking forward to representing my state,” said Feist. “That idea made the biggest impact on me. I want to help show people that the best football in the nation is played in Louisiana, and there’s no better way to show that than to play for LSU.”

West St. John coach Robert Valdez said that it was a proud day for West St. John, which had just send two of its players sign to play at the collegiate level on Wednesday’s National Signing Day — Darzil Washington (Texas A&M) and Cailin Cola (Nicholls State).

“He’s a tremendous student athlete and a very, very good football player,” said West S. John coach Robert Valdez. “Your goal as a coach is obviously to win every game and win that state championship, but your more important goal is to help the kids in our community reach these levels. I’m just extremely excited and proud of Ronnie.”

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Feist projects as a linebacker for the Tigers. He totaled 11 sacks for the Rams and a staggering 27 tackles for loss.

“(The LSU coaches) love his tenacity,” said Valdez. “He’s a versatile, fierce competitor. He just doesn’t stay blocked.”

Feist said he had already just about made up his mind before attending Junior Day. He had received word that an offer might be forthcoming, but he wasn’t sure how soon.

Saturday, he learned for sure.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said. “I have some friends on the team. I like the coaches, and it’s a chance to play close to home. I’m really looking forward to it.”