With the 2013 LSU football season in the books, the time is coming for many Tigers to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives: to return to LSU for another season or forego their remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.
LSU had a school-record 10 underclassmen declare for the 2013 NFL draft, and LSU will undoubtedly see another significant crew leave early this year.
Junior wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. make up two of the most popular prospects that could possibly depart LSU this offseason.
In his post-game news conference Wednesday, Miles denied reports that he said Landry and Beckham were officially on the way out during his post-game radio show.
“I have not said that,” Miles said. “I think there is a chance that could happen, but that’s not my place.”
Landry told Nola.com he will make his decision on Friday.
Sophomore running back Jeremy Hill denied having even thought about declaring for the draft, saying he’s purposefully avoided the topic until after the season was over.
“Once I get back home, I’ll talk to my family and coaches and things of that nature, but it hasn’t crossed my mind yet,” Hill said.
Other possible players that could depart early include junior defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson and senior running back Alfred Blue.
LSU coach Les Miles became emotional while discussing players departing, saying it’s great to watch his them achieve their goals, but still difficult to see them leave.
“You really grow with them a little bit,” Miles said. “You really share their lives, see who they are. You miss them. You say goodbye, so you miss them.”