LSU junior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is coming back.
Sheppard has decided to put off an NFL career for one more season and return for his senior season. He is only 15 hours away from graduating with a degree in general studies.
“I felt like coming back to LSU for my senior season was the best decision for me, my family and the team,” Sheppard said in a news release. “This decision allows me the opportunity to get my degree and try to help the team win another [Southeastern Conference] title and a national title.”
Sheppard led the Tigers with 110 tackles this season, good enough for fourth in the SEC.
LSU coach Les Miles also announced in the release that junior offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale and junior wide receiver Terrance Toliver will both return for their senior seasons.
Barksdale has started the last 26 games for the Tigers at right tackle. Toliver racked up 735 yards on 53 catches with three touchdowns.
“We are excited that all three of these guys have decided to return to LSU for their senior seasons,” Miles said.
Junior safety Chad Jones announced Monday he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, which takes place April 22-24.
 
—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at [email protected]