Three weeks after being dismissed from the LSU football program, embattled cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was back on campus Tuesday, enrolled in classes for the fall semester.

Speaking for the first time since his untimely exit, Mathieu said his focus has shifted from football to his personal journey as a man.

“I’m just focusing on academics right now and really myself,” Mathieu said. “I’m not worried too much about football.”

Refuting swirling rumors that he would transfer to McNeese State, the 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist and Bednarik Award winner said he’s simply enjoying being back under the stately oaks.

“It feels great [to be back],” Mathieu said. “I’m just enjoying the weather and it feels great to be back.”

Fresh off a stint at the Right Step recovery center in Houston, where he was mentored by former NBA star and recovered drug addict John Lucas, Mathieu credited his stay with steering his life in the right direction.

“I’m finished with that treatment phase and it went well,” Mathieu said. “A lot of issues that I was dealing with, I felt like I got those things handled.”

While it has been firmly stated by head coach Les Miles that Mathieu will not play for the Tigers this season, Mathieu said he will continue to train for whatever his future may hold.

First up, according to Mathieu: graduation.

“I’m just kind of working on the self more than the athlete,” Mathieu said. “As of right now, I’m focusing on graduating.”