UPDATE 11/25/2013 11:39 p.m.
LSU senior running back Alfred Blue was given an early Christmas gift last week.
But now confusion surrounds how he’ll utilize it.
Presented with a fifth year of eligibility after a knee injury sidelined him for all but three games last season, Blue was coy Monday night as to whether he’d return to Baton Rouge for a fifth season or declare for the NFL Draft.
Nola.com’s Jim Kleinpeter reported earlier in the day that the Boutte, La. native wouldn’t return to LSU and forgo his extra year.
“I’m going to sit down at the end of the season with coach [Les] Miles, the coaching staff and my parents and make a good decision,” Blue said Monday night. “I really don’t know. I’m going to see how it all plays out.”
Blue did confirm he’ll join the 15 seniors going through senior day ceremonies before Friday afternoon’s game against Arkansas, joking he could go through the ceremonies twice just as former Tiger offensive lineman Josh Dworaczyk did during his career.
Playing behind sophomore starter Jeremy Hill, Blue has appeared in 11 games this season, totaling 300 yards on the ground with one touchdown. He saw action in all 13 games in 2011, rushing for 539 yards and seven touchdowns and appeared the clear-cut starter headed into 2012.
A knee injury against Idaho early in the 2012 season derailed those plans and Blue’s role in the running game has since become less defined.
While not asked specifically about Blue, Miles called the decision to return to school or declare for the Draft a personal one that he lends his opinion to.
“I have been as animated and as opinionated and as forthcoming as I could possibly be,” Miles said. “Frankly, it’s their decision.”
The deadline to declare for the NFL Draft is Jan. 15, 2014.
Trey Labat also contributed to this story.
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Sources told Nola.com’s Jim Kleinpeter Monday that LSU senior running back Alfred Blue will not take the fifth year of eligibility he was granted last week.
Blue, who received the fifth year after missing all but three games last season due to an injured knee, has appeared in 11 games this season, totaling 300 yards on the ground with one touchdown.
LSU spokesman Jake Terry could not confirm the report, but said Blue would be available to the media during the post-practice interview session slated for 6:45 p.m.
