Derek Stingley Jr., one of the top defensive backs in college football, announced on Thursday in a post for the Players’ Tribune that he will forgo his senior season at LSU and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.
“Growing up as a kid in Baton Rouge, just a few miles from LSU, I always dreamed of playing for the Tigers,” wrote Stingley. “Hearing the fans in Death Valley, getting to have my friends and family watch me in the stands while I wore the purple and gold. It’s something I had always envisioned … and the reality was better than anything I could’ve imagined. I still remember that first Tiger Walk during my freshman year. I’ll never forget, it was my first spring game and I was so excited to finally get to walk that legendary route to the stadium. It was like slow motion, being with the team and seeing all the fans there. It was amazing. I soaked up every minute of it.”
Stingley made an instant impact as a true freshman during LSU’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019. His 38 tackles, six interceptions and 21 passes defended were good enough to earn First-Team All-America honors from multiple outlets, including CBS Sports and the Associated Press.
“I can’t say thank you enough to LSU and the fans for the support that you have given me throughout my time there, and how much I appreciate the moments we have shared together,” Stingley wrote. “They will never be forgotten. To my family that has been there every step of the way, thank you … your support means everything to me. I hope I continue to make you proud.”
Let’s break down what to make of Stingley’s decision now that his future has been determined.
Draft status remains high
The follow-up to Stingley’s breakout freshman effort did not go as planned, as…
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