While many teams are dealing with finding replacements for players leaving early for the NFL draft, LSU received some unexpected good news just hours before the declation deadline Monday.
Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’Davious White, both stars of the Tigers’ defense, will be back for the 2016 season.
“These are special guys,” LSU head coach Les Miles said in a statement. “They have a real fondness and enjoyment for this football team. They are leaders; Kendell makes all the calls from the Mike linebacker spot and Tre’Davious wears No. 18, which has always been the mark of a leader. Decisions like this aren’t easy to make. These guys took their time, got all of the information necessary to make a real educated and quality decision.”
Beckwith and White are the latest in a rash of LSU draft-eligible juniors who announced their intention to stay with the Tigers for their senior seasons. Included in that group is wide receiver Travin Dural, center Ethan Pocic, defensive end Lewis Neal, defensive tackle Christian LaCouture and defensive back Rickey Jefferson.
“This is a windfall for us,” Miles said of the juniors returning. “For the first time, we return a big senior class. Anytime that you have a senior dominated team, you recognize that you are going to play with leaders, and guys always play their best year of football when they are most mature.
“This is a great decision for all of these guys. They are going to get their college degree and they will all improve their draft position. This is a great day for LSU and our program.”
Beckwith, who was in his first full season as starter, was second on the team with 84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2015. White, a three-year starter at cornerback, was named All-SEC after notching 44 tackles and seven pass breakups.
For more LSU news, visit TigerBait.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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