Bulldog Valentines: The Athletes Who Stole Our Hearts

Who are the Tech athletes, past or present, that you loved irrationally during their time in Ruston?

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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This article highlights three Louisiana Tech athletes - one from football, one from basketball, and one from baseball - who captured the hearts of fans during their time playing for the Bulldogs. The author shares personal memories and the impact these players had on their fandom for Louisiana Tech athletics.

Why it matters

These athletes represent the passion and loyalty that Louisiana Tech fans have for their school's sports teams. Their standout performances and memorable moments helped shape the author's lifelong connection to the Bulldogs and showcase the power of college athletics to inspire irrational love and devotion.

The details

The three athletes featured are: 1) wide receiver Troy Edwards, who put up video game-like numbers in just three seasons with the Bulldogs football team; 2) point guard Alex Hamilton, a three-time All-CUSA selection and CUSA Player of the Year who was one of the most complete players in Louisiana Tech basketball history; and 3) infielder Taylor Young, a multiple-time All-American and CUSA Defensive Player of the Year who set numerous program records and embodied the "Bulldog Man" mentality as a leader of the baseball team.

  • Troy Edwards played for Louisiana Tech from 1996 to 1998.
  • Alex Hamilton played for Louisiana Tech from 2012 to 2016.
  • Taylor Young played for Louisiana Tech from 2018 to 2022.

The players

Troy Edwards

A wide receiver who played for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team from 1996 to 1998, racking up 6,031 total yards and 57 touchdowns in just three seasons.

Alex Hamilton

A point guard who played for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team from 2012 to 2016, earning three All-CUSA selections, CUSA Player of the Year honors, and AP Honorable Mention All-American recognition.

Taylor Young

An infielder who played for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs baseball team from 2018 to 2022, setting program records in games played, hits, runs scored, and hit-by-pitches while earning multiple All-CUSA and All-American honors.

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The takeaway

These three athletes represent the passion, loyalty, and irrational love that Louisiana Tech fans have for their school's sports teams. Their standout performances and memorable moments helped shape the author's lifelong connection to the Bulldogs and showcase the power of college athletics to inspire devotion.