After weeks of uncertainty, LSU defensive end Marquise Hill announced Monday he will pursue a professional football career rather than return to school for his senior season.
Hill made the decision after getting cleared by the NFL to be eligible for the league’s draft in April. Hill initially entered his name into the draft, but withdrew it on Jan. 18 just before the 72-hour window for underclassmen to declare closed.
His initial application to the league came into question because of possible involvement with an agent, but he has since been cleared and is eligible for the draft.
“Even though Marquise decided to pull his name from the NFL Draft earlier this month, his involvement with an agent put his eligibility as a collegiate player in question,” said LSU Associate Athletics Director for Compliance Chris Howard. “Rather than go through an appeal process to regain his eligibility, Marquise has decided to forego his senior season and make himself available for the NFL Draft.”
Hill started 13 games for the Tigers in 2003, registering 40 tackles, including 10.5 for losses. He added six sacks and a team-best 24 quarterback hurries for a squad that finished No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense and total defense.
“When I came to LSU, it was to be a part of a great program, to win a national championship and get a college education,” Hill said. “We won a national title and I’m working very hard to get my degree. I want to thank Coach Saban, the coaching staff and my teammates, who gave me their friendship, advice and support. I’m sorry that I will not be a part of next year’s team.”
During his career, Hill started 25 games for the Tigers and finished with 108 tackles and 10 sacks, including one against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.
“We want to support all of our players in what they choose to do,” LSU coach Nick Saban said. “We have a very good agent-education program here at LSU that helps inform and educate our players. We will continue to work with our players to ensure that they make the best decisions possible regarding their careers, both on and off the field.”
Tigers to face Oregon State
Looking to fill the void on the 2004 football schedule with a quality opponent, Senior Associate Athletics Director Dan Radakovich announced Monday that the defending BCS National Champion LSU Tigers will open next season by hosting Oregon State on Sept. 4 in Tiger Stadium.
LSU was originally scheduled to host Virginia Tech to open 2004, but the Hokies pushed the game back to 2007 because of schedule conflicts.
“One thing about football scheduling is it has become a year-round thing,” Radakovich said. “We are very happy to get this behind us.”
LSU fans became familiar with Oregon State toward the end of the 2003 season, hoping the Beavers would upset Pac-10 rival Southern California to send the Tigers to the national championship, though LSU still advanced to the Sugar Bowl. The Beavers finished 2003 at 8-5 and beat New Mexico 55-14 in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Oregon State became available when Temple University approached OSU officials about opting out of the conclusion of a two-game contract.
Radakovich said LSU did not want to get into another home and home series with a school, such as it did with Virginia Tech and Arizona.
Final contract terms are still pending and will be settled over the next in the next few days.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our team against a tradition-rich program at a venue known throughout college football,” said Oregon State Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis in an OSU press release.
By adding LSU to their schedule, the Beavers will play both national champions from the 2003 season. Oregon State hosts AP National Champion USC on Nov. 6.
“This is a great opportunity for our program,” OSU head coach Mike Riley said in a press release. “I have a great deal of respect for coach Saban and the LSU program, and I know our team is excited to compete against the defending co-champions.”
The game will mark the Beavers’ fourth trip to Tiger Stadium. OSU fell to the Tigers in 1976, 1981 and 1982.