LSU coach Les Miles confirmed during his weekly teleconference Wednesday that junior linebacker Tahj Jones, sophomore linebacker D.J. Welter, senior tight end Tyler Edwards and sophomore offensive lineman Evan Washington will not play in the 2012 season.

He did not give an explanation because of privacy reasons.

It was previously confirmed Jones was appealing an academic eligibility issue prior to the Tigers’ season opener and he has yet to play this season. Junior running back Michael Ford’s eligibility was also revoked, but he has been allowed to play, logging 98 yards on 18 carries between LSU’s two games.

The LSU Football media guide tabbed Jones as the strong-side starter prior to the season. He was the only player of the four who appeared on LSU’s published depth chart prior to Saturday’s matchup with Idaho, listed behind his replacement junior Luke Muncie. He’s followed by freshmen Lamar Louis and Kwon Alexander, the latter of whom has taken snaps in Jones’ absence.

When asked how much more important the crop of freshmen linebackers become in the wake of Jones’ ineligibility, Miles answered, “Imminently.”

“They’re guys that are getting snaps every day, and as they improve, they get to play,” Miles said of the six freshmen backers. “We’re very fortunate to have a quality freshman class and numbers.”

Jones played on special teams as a redshirt freshman in 2010, recording six tackles on the season.

As a sophomore, Jones racked up 27 tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception, spending time as a special teams member and backup linebacker.

Miles also said that an injury will keep sophomore defensive end Jordan Allen off the field for the remainder of the 2012 season.