DAVIS, Calif. - Senior captain Lan Larison is forging his way to the next level, and his Aggie Pride means he is finishing his collegiate career where it started—UC Davis.

The preseason All-American and Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year has been one of the best running backs in the country over the past two seasons. And after racking up 1,101 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns to go along with 198 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns all eyes were on Larison.

Despite attracting interest from schools at the next level following his standout junior season, Larison chose loyalty over opportunity. "I'm confident I can make it to a higher level from here—that's not even a question," Larison said, emphasizing his aspirations for a professional career.

The Caldwell, Idaho native attributes his strong sense of loyalty, hard work, and dedication to his family. His father, a former Marine, Bob Larison, raised him with the values he learned during service. "I think that's just been ingrained in my life since I was a little guy," Lan remarked, highlighting his father's influence. Bob, who also coached his children, emphasized that he encouraged Lan to be grounded and kind, knowing that his athletic abilities would make him someone people would look up to.

The choice to remain at Davis for his senior year ended up being simple. He explained he "can find joy here better than any other place."

In high school, Larison's dedication was evident; he never missed a single football practice. This "burning desire to win" has been growing in Lan since childhood, another value he credits to his competitive family. "They made me tough," he emphasized.

No matter the competition, Larison wants to win. While football is his primary focus now, he was a multi-sport athlete in high school, participating in basketball, baseball, and rodeo. Larison chose UC Davis after being recruited by former head coach and former Aggie Dan Hawkins, recognizing the campus as a place he could call home. "What makes the Davis community so special is how good the people are here," he said, highlighting the bonds he has formed with teammates and coaches.
 
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play at Davis considering "not many people dip into Idaho for a running back."

"Here at Davis you're sitting around future doctors and lawyers, hardworking people, every day," stated Larison. It's that culture that feeds into the drive of his peers that helps inspire Larison to be the best he can be. Bob [Larison] recounted a story about his son, where after each game, Lan made it a point to connect with kids who wanted to pose for photos our wanted autographs. "Be a good person; it might help you in the long run," Bob remarked.

That's a lesson Larison carried to Davis and continues to follow each day.

UC Davis football assistant coach Kevin Burke (running backs) praised Larison's leadership as a captain, highlighting humbleness and coach ability. "Lan does things on an elite level because he does the little things," Burke noted, stressing the example he sets for his teammates.

Larison expressed his determination to succeed alongside his friends. "When you have that sort of connection with that many people, it makes you want to go out on the field and fight for everyone around you," he said, with ambitions of winning the Big Sky and contending for a national championship. As Larison and the Aggies gear up for the remainder of the season, Larison remains focused on making a lasting impact at UC Davis, both on and off the field.

And so far, he has been achieving those goals, sitting near the top of several national categories, including sitting third in the nation in all-purpose yards. He is also climbing up the record book at UC Davis for both career all-purpose yards and rushing yards.

The team's camaraderie this season is evident; Larison exclaimed, "You want to work hard for the guy next to you and win together. It feels better when you win as a unit." The No. 5 UC Davis Aggies are well on their way to accomplishing their goals, with Larison and his Aggie teammates carrying the way.