Tulane will be without one of its top defensive players this spring as he figures out some academic issues.
Royce LaFrance, who led the team with six sacks and was third on the team with 11 tackles for loss, will miss all 15 spring practices as he sorts out his academics and makes a path toward graduation, according to coach Curtis Johnson.
Johnson noted that LaFrance’s absence would be a chance for younger players to gain valuable experience.
"It is good though because now we can get some guys like Ade (Aruna, a sophomore defensive end) in there,” Johnson told NOLA.com “Ade is taking every rep and I have seen Ade improve from early on into late in the practice. It gives me a chance to look at some other guys and I know what Royce can do but I think academics are most important. I think Royce will graduate if we can get this thing done."
LaFrance has had discipline issues before. He was suspended for the first half of last year’s game against Tulsa. It was the second consecutive season he started the year on the bench because of disciplinary action.
Johnson also announced freshman wide receiver Leondre James was suspended for the spring because of a violation of team rules. James played in 12 games in 2014 and had 15 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown. He also averaged 18.1 yards per kickoff return.
Without James, the Green Wave will have limited depth at wide receiver this spring.
For more Tulane news, visit TheWaveReport.com.
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