It took one stroll onto the grass at Rosenblatt Stadium for Aaron Nola to know where he wanted play college baseball. It wasn’t the genes. It wasn’t the hometown feeling. It was the chance of playing in the College World Series at LSU. “When he walked onto the field at Rosenblatt Stadium, he got chilly bumps,” said A.J. Nola, Aaron’s father. “He said he wanted to pitch on that mound for LSU. For a 16-year old to express a want like that is pretty significant.”Nola, the younger brother of current LSU shortstop Austin Nola, is a junior flamethrower at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. Aaron has already committed to LSU.Fans were wowed last season when Austin stepped into a starting role for the national-champion Tigers. Austin started 36 games, hitting .240 three home runs and 18 RBIs. Aaron could be better than his brother, the pair’s father said. “Aaron is definitely a better pitcher than Austin was,” A.J. said. “He’s got him on the mound. Austin always had a live arm but Aaron is a better pitcher.” The duo could theoretically play together at Alex Box. Austin will be a senior by the time Aaron arrives on campus. But the plan could be derailed. If he plays well enough, Austin could be bona-fide pro prospect after his junior season. Austin was drafted out of high school in the 48th round by the Colorado Rockies. Still, the Nola parents hope Aaron and Austin will get the opportunity to play together. “Speaking for my wife Stacie and I, it’s a parent’s dream come true for them both to be at LSU together,” A.J. said. “It might not work out that way, but if it did, we would love it.” Aaron said he would love to get the chance to play with his brother. The distance in age has hindered the chances in previous years, with Austin always on the way out just as Aaron was arriving. “It would be cool,” Aaron said. “It would be a good experience for both me and him. I never really got a chance to play with him before.”A.J. said the two are extremely close — and have become even closer since Austin left for college. “They’re really close now that Austin is out of the house,” A.J. said with a laugh. “The fact they don’t see each other every day makes them closer.” Aaron agreed. He said the two used to clash, but the separation between the two has made their bond stronger. “We used to fight a lot when he lived with us, but when he moved out, I didn’t see him that much,” Aaron said. “We got closer. We don’t fight anymore.” While the two share baseball talent, they aren’t that similar in the way they progressed through the sport. Austin was always a solid hitter and defender, but never came around as a pitcher. Aaron was the opposite.”Aaron was always a late bloomer in athletics as opposed to Austin,” A.J. said. “Aaron was always a good pitcher but has turned into a solid hitter this season.” Aaron won’t use any of his newfound hitting aptitude at LSU — he will only pitch. He identifies himself as more of a spot pitcher, known for his location rather than speed. The younger Nola currently sports a 6-0 record for the Bears.”I’m more of a spot guy,” Aaron said. “I have a fastball, a changeup and a curveball. This year, everything’s been working. I got my changeup to work more this year.” Aaron is presently nursing a sports hernia which has him sidelined until May 10. He received a plethora of interest from other colleges. He said while LSU always remained his top choice, he would have chosen Central Florida if LSU hadn’t offered. A connection with Golden Knights coach and former LSU assistant coach Terry Rooney was his main draw. “Coach Rooney wanted me,” Aaron said. “I was actually thinking about going there because they wanted to see me pitch, and he wanted me to go there. That was my second choice besides LSU.” Aaron also said he has no doubts about coming to LSU after committing early. The combination of the hometown school, a winning program and the chance to play with his brother were too much to refuse when the scholarship offer came. “It’s for sure,” Aaron said. “I early committed. I’m very excited.” —-Contact Chris Branch at [email protected].