Mills’ NFL Decision on Hold until after the Music City Bowl
For many of LSU’s underclassmen considering entering the 2015 NFL Draft, their draft status has taken a backseat to the Tigers’ preparation for their matchup against Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl.
Junior safety Jalen Mills, who tallied 54 tackles in his first full-season at safety after starting at cornerback throughout his first two seasons, has not given much thought to his decision to stay or leave early.
“I’ve just been focusing on this game. It’s a big game most important for our seniors,” Mills said. “After the game, I will sit down with Coach Miles, the defensive coaching staff and my mom just talk about everything and me coming back.”
Mills said he did not request a NFL evaluation.
La’el Collins Reflects on his Senior Season
While underclassmen mull over the decision to stay or go, senior offensive tackle La’el Collins looked back on his decision to stay for his senior year with no regrets despite the Tigers’ up and down season.
Once the decision to stay was made, Collins said he threw himself into working out to prepare himself in every way possible to take advantage of his senior year.
Collins even worked out at 2 a.m. although getting into the Football Practice Facility was a bit difficult.
“If I want to work out, I’ll find a way to go work out no doubt about it,” Collins said.
Collins excelled in his senior season earning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is given to the Southeastern Conference’s best blocker.
Following the Music City Bowl, Collins will be participating in the Senior Bowl held in Mobile, Alabama, on January 24, 2015. Senior fullback Conner Neighbors will also be representing LSU in the Senior Bowl.
“I accepted my invitation to the Senior Bowl,” Collins said. “I look forward to competing against those great players that are going to be down the…I’m looking forward to it.”
Defense Looks to Improve Next Year
Despite the potential departures to the NFL in the secondary, the defense overall will return many of its starters and younger players look to take on leadership roles.
Sophomore middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith, who started the Tigers’ last six games after taking over the starting job from senior linebacker D. J. Welter against Florida on Oct. 11, has improved throughout the season.
Beckwith said the biggest difference in his performance has been how his understanding of the game has grown through experience, which allows him to make checks he missed early in the season.
Looking forward to next season, Beckwith aims to take control of the defense from his middle linebacker spot.
“This is probably my defense next year,” Beckwith said. “ I feel like I got a little bit of experience now and I know what it is going to take. You got to be that guy anyway as a middle linebacker. I’m up for the challenge.”
LSU Coach Les Miles: Kenny Hilliard will play in the Bowl game
After missing the last two games with a shoulder injury, senior running back Kenny Hilliard participated fully in practice on Monday and will be able to play in the Music City Bowl.
Hilliard was one of several Tigers to graduate after the Fall 2014 semester.
“He’s done all the things that we’ve asked him to do,” Miles said. “He’s part of championship team. He got his degree and really that is the full measure of success: you play championship football and get a degree. One without another is not enough. He accomplished it.”
Miles on Defensive Coordinator John Chavis
Although rumors have surrounded LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis, Miles declined to make any direct statement regarding Chavis’ future.
“I have no real feeling there,” Miles said. “I am really going to speak to all my coaches. I think there is a want to be here and an enjoyment of LSU. I think they recognize the advantages we have as a football program and team. I think they have enjoyed it, but again they are a very talented group of men they have opportunities.”
Competition between Trent Domingue and Colby Delashoussaye at Kicker
Although sophomore placekicker Colby Delahoussaye was the consistent starter through the entire season, he hit a cold streak against Texas A&M was replaced by sophomore kicker Trent Domingue after missing a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Aggies.
Although Domingue went 2-for-3 against Texas A&M, Delhoussaye hit re-entered in the fourth quarter to hit a key 39-yarder to put the Tigers ahead in the final two minutes.
Miles said the competition between Domingue and Delahoussaye is very close and he wouldn’t be surprised if both kicked in the bowl game.