Why Did Dave Aranda Choose To Stay At LSU? The Players, Coach O, & His Family

LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda joined ESPN 104.5 FM’s morning show, Off The Bench on Thursday and explained why he turned down Texas A&M this offseason to stay in Baton Rouge.

While Aranda didn't talk about his new $2.5 million a year, four-year deal, he did mention three important reasons why he decided to stay at LSU; The players, Ed Orgeron, and his family.

Here is what he had to say about the players:

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"I love the players here, he said. "I immediately think of the linebacker corp. I think of Devin White and the improvements that he's made, his hunger to be a better a player. He's at the office before I am on Sunday's, wanting to know how he can get better. I know he's going to have a great year this next season."

"I think of (freshman linebacker) Patrick Queen. He has improved every day and is one of the most improved guys we have. I know we're going to play well, I know we are going to be improved."

"You can take that thought and apply it up front with (defensive linemen) Breiden Fehoko seeing the field and Rashard Lawrence with another year. The safeties coming back and (cornerback) Greedy Williams with another year. I really feel like we’re going to be a good defense. I want to be a part of that."

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About coach Orgeron:

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"And being able to coach for Coach O," he said. "I have so much respect for him and the way he treats us as coaches and how he treats the players. I know the players love playing for him. They want to win for him and want to work hard for him."

"He talks really openly about where we’re at and what we’ve got to do to be better. The players gravitate to that. They want it Blount and he will say it that way. There is a great respect factor there. I feel good about the direction where that is going."

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About his family:

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"My wife and my kids, they do love it here," he said. "We’re having people over for the Super Bowl. My wife is planning this and planning that, the friends we’ve had. It’s something we’re blessed to be around and have.”

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You can listen to the full interview here.