Feb. 2, 2005

RESERVE, La. (AP) - Ryan Perrilloux, considered one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation, agreed Wednesday to play football at LSU.

Perrilloux, who signed a scholarship letter of intent, made his announcement at the East St. John High School library, choosing LSU over Texas and Mississippi State.

He said LSU was the best choice for him and for his family. He said he had not told coaches at Texas and Mississippi State of his decision, but he planned to later in the day.

Perrilloux becomes the second highly coveted quarterback to sign with LSU in the last three seasons. JaMarcus Russell of Mobile, Ala., just completed his freshman season with the Tigers after redshirting in 2003.

Russell shared time with senior Marcus Randall in 2004 but never fully took control of the offense, leaving the race for the starting job open for 2005. Russell and Matt Flynn, who will be a sophomore this season, are the only two quarterbacks on scholarship at LSU.

Perrilloux completed 225 of 342 passes for 3,546 yards and 30 touchdowns last season and ran for 1,460 yards and 37 touchdowns. He ranks second in Louisiana high school history in total offense with 12,715 yards and fourth in passing yards with 9,025.