Ed Orgeron has no issue with Leonard Fournette’s decision.
Fournette, who missed four games this season with an ankle injury, announced he will not play in LSU’s bowl game and signed with Roc Nation Sports agency on Monday, giving up his college amateurism status.
The New Orleans native decided to not play in LSU’s postseason game because of a lingering ankle injury and is focused on rehabbing his ankle back to 100 percent.
If Fournette were healthy, he would playing in the Tigers bowl game versus Louisville on Dec. 31, Orgeron said.
“Every individual case is different,” Orgeron said. “Leonard’s case was an injury. If Leonard was a 100 percent he would be playing with us. I do believe myself, personally, if you’re 100 percent then you should finish off with your team. But there’s individual circumstances that are different for everybody.”
Orgeron said Fournette wanted to be with the team, but ultimately his decision was best for his family.
“We wanted to give Leonard the ability to do what’s best for him and family,” Orgeron said. “We thought that was best for him and his family, so we’re fine with it.”
Canada in contact with juniors
New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada flew in town last night to recruit juniors to return to school, Orgeron said.
Canada, who was hired on Dec. 14, met with a few juniors personally to discuss returning for their senior seasons and spoke on the phone with a few of their parents.
“Get them to know Matt Canada,” Orgeron said about Canada contacting juniors. “Obviously they want to know he’s going to use them. He has a great personality. They’re excited about his resume. They’re excited when they talk to him.”
The newly-hired offensive coordinator will call plays for Pittsburgh in its bowl game against Northwestern on Dec. 28, but has also been in contact with recruits.
Orgeron noted the 44-year-old coach has added new life to LSU’s coaching staff
“Matt Canada has brought some juice,” Orgeron said. “He’s fired up. He’s a relentless recruiter. He’s always on the phone. Texting guys, getting after it. He has a vision of building a championship program.”
Most draft-eligible LSU players are still “undecided” including junior wide receiver Malachi Dupre who told reporters last week that a report about him entering the draft was untrue.
Other notes
LSU is off this weekend for Christmas break, but the Tigers will resume bowl preparation on Monday.
Orgeron said LSU will practice in Baton Rouge on Monday and Tuesday and will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Orlando.
“Our guys should know the game plan by now,” Orgeron said. “It’s a matter of polishing it up, doing it faster. Most of the game plan is in right now.”
Junior linebacker Donnie Alexander and freshman linebacker Devin White will both be relied on to replace senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith, Orgeron said.
Beckwith, who tore his ACL in LSU’s 16-10 loss, will not play in LSU’s bowl game.
Alexander started in Beckwith’s place versus Texas A&M, registering five tackles.
“Donnie has good speed,” Orgeron said. “He has good instincts. Obliviously we want him to get a little bit bigger. I don’t know if you can replace a guy like Kendell right away, hopefully we can do it.”
LSU junior running back Leonard Fournette (#7) runs the ball down the field for a touchdown on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 during the Tigers 38-21 victory over Ole Miss.
