FIVE FORMER LSU TIGERS ADD NAMES TO PROJECT GRADUATION LIST
BATON ROUGE – Graduating Champions is the mission of the LSU football program under head coach Brian Kelly.
That mission is not just for current players, but also applies to those who have come before – the ones who helped lay the foundation on which the four-time national championship program is built.
Four more former Tiger football players accomplished the mission on Friday as they officially become LSU graduates. The list includes Trindon Holliday, Grant Delpit, JaCoby Stevens and Jay Ward. All four won national championships in football and now they are LSU graduates.
Holiday was part of LSU’s 2007 national championship team, while Delpit, Stevens and Ward were all members of the perfect season in 2019.
“Our mission is not just about our current players,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “It’s about former players and reaching out to them to make sure they understand that we are here and ready to help in any way we can. We want to assist them and build that bridge so they can come back and graduate.
“We are very proud of our four former football players for sticking to their commitment of earning their degree and being part of our mission and that’s graduating champions. It gets difficult sometimes, you get distracted, life takes a different turn and priorities then change, but it’s great to see the guys stick with it and earn their LSU degree. It’s a proud moment and I want to congratulate them on this accomplishment.”
The four football players, along with former baseball pitcher Jesse Stallings, all took advantage of LSU’s Project Graduation program, an initiative formally implemented by the Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes in 2010. Project Graduation is a program put in place to assist former LSU student-athletes return to school and obtain their degree.
Since the inception of the program, nearly 100 former LSU student-athletes have returned to school and earned their college diploma.
“The mission of Project Graduation is to help former student-athletes return to school and graduate,” said Jason Shaw, the Director of Academic Affairs for the Cox Communications Academic Center and the Project Graduation coordinator. “There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing our Project Graduation students make the commitment to return to school and finish what they started.
“It’s a very proud moment for all of us in the Academic Center. Many of these student-athletes have gone on to play professional sports or start a career outside of athletics and to watch the commitment they make and what it means to them to get their LSU degree is special.”
Holliday, who last played for LSU in 2009, spent six years in the NFL before retiring from the league following the 2015 season. He left campus just six hours shy of earning his degree and decided last spring to complete his final two classes in order to graduate.
“I got a call from (quarterback coach) Joe (Sloan) telling me about Project Graduation and how close I was to finishing my degree,” Holliday said. “He put in touch with Jason (Shaw) and Walt (Holliday) in the academic center and I was able to get those final six hours done this summer.
“Getting my degree means everything to me” Holliday said. “My daughter will be there to watch me walk across the stage so that’s going to be very exciting for my family.”
Stevens returned to campus after two years in the NFL. His undergraduate degree has allowed him to join the LSU football coaching staff as a graduate assistant this year.
“LSU has already done so much for me and my family,” Stevens said. “From allowing me to represent the state of Louisiana on the football field and helping me by guiding me into this next chapter as a coach. To finally be able to call myself an LSU graduate means so much.”
Stevens said getting his degree would not have been possible without Project Graduation.
“LSU’s Project Graduation program is amazing. There are so many people who worked with me and helped me achieve this great accomplishment. People like Walt Holliday, Jason Shaw, Beth Rex, and Miriam Segar all were with me for every step of the way.
“This (program) is something that every athlete who hasn’t finished their degree should consider. I will forever be grateful for it. Things like Project Graduation is what makes LSU so special and it’s what sets us apart from others. Project Graduation is the epitome of Graduating Champions.”
Ward, now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, said, “I’ve worked really hard over the past few years so it’s awesome to see all of that hard work payoff. Being able to say I’m an LSU graduate and a national champion means a lot to me.”
With his college diploma, Delpit joins elite company at LSU – graduating, winning a national championship, earning first-team All-America and being named the winner of a national award (he won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2019). Delpit made it back to campus for graduation before returning to Cleveland for the Browns’ preseason game against the Commanders on Friday night.
Playing golf in Tiger Stadium
A good experience in Tiger Stadium playing golf from the different sections. There’s a 9 hole course and you just follow the holes around Tiger Stadium and play golf.
I think the 8 and 9 iron are probably the best to land it by the nearby flags. It’s definitely a fun experience to play golf in Tiger Stadium in a high altitude as you rain golf balls from above.
In addition to the 9-hole course, Stadium Golf Tour offers golf simulators, a putting and chipping challenge, tours of the Lawton Room and the Jeff Boss Locker Room, and much more!
The event is designed for all skill levels and is perfect for families, college students, avid weekend golfers, date nights, and even those who have never picked up a club before!
Get out to Tiger Stadium from March 16th to the 19th to experience a fun adventure of hitting golf balls and a chance to tour the LSU Football Locker-room.
LSU’S WILL CAMPBELL NAMED SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF WEEK
BATON ROUGE – LSU true freshman Will Campbell has been named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his dominant performance in Saturday’s win over Florida.
Campbell, the starter at left guard for LSU in six of seven games this season, shared SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors with Darnell Wright of Tennessee.
Campbell started victories at both Auburn and Florida as this year’s LSU team became the first in school history to beat Auburn and Florida on the road in the same season.
In LSU’s win over Florida, Campbell played all 70 offensive snaps and graded out the highest among all Tiger offensive linemen. Campbell wasn’t called for any penalties in the 45-35 win and didn’t allow a sack or a quarterback pressure.
As an offense, Campbell anchored a line that helped the Tiges rack up 28 first downs and 528 total yards. LSU also converted 8-of-12 third-down opportunities and both fourth-down chances. The Tigers averaged 4.7 yards per rush.
In addition, he helped pave the way for running back Josh Williams’ 106 yards on 17 carries. Williams averaged 7.6 yards per rush on his way to the best output of his career.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels rushed for three touchdowns and passed for three more becoming the first player in school history to account for six touchdowns in that fashion in a game decided in regulation. Daniels finished the Florida contest with an LSU career-best 349 passing yards as he connected on 23-of-32 passes.
LSU returns to action on Saturday when the Tiges host seventh-ranked Ole Miss at 2:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium.
LSU 45 Florida 35, LSU qb Daniels shines in win
A shout out to Billy and friends. I met a diehard Ole Miss fan today in Austin, Texas. A fun an debatable conversation, good stuff. I am looking forward to the Ole Miss vs LSU match up this Saturday at Tiger Stadium which will be televised on CBS at 2:30pm.
LSU just beat a good Florida Gator team at home, 45-35, Jayden Daniels had 6 touchdowns, 3 in the air and 3 on the ground, with 44 yards on the ground, LSU WR Boutte had 6 receptions and 115 yards, LSU rb Josh Williams had 14 carries for 108 yards. LSU receivers Jenkins, Johnson and rb Emery each caught a touchdown pass. Pretty amazing turnaround for LSU after getting beat by Tennessee last week 40-13. We don’t know what LSU Coach Kelly said to the troops but it was enough to spark the Tigers to another win in SEC Play.
Speaking of Tennessee, they pulled off a last minute victory over Alabama 52-49, pretty amazing effort by Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, 385 passing yards and 5 touchdowns, with 56 rushing yards, and Tennessee kicker McGrath kicked the winning field goal. The University of Tennessee is asking fans to help pay for 2 new goal posts which the SEC fined the Volunteers $100,000, they have raised 44,000 dollars so far.
In other SEC games Ole Miss beat Auburn 48 to 34, it looked like Auburn was gonna get back in the game, but Ole Miss went ahead and added a few more touchdowns.
LSU Football – Times of Interest vs. Florida State
September 4, 2022 * New Orleans, La. (Caesars Superdome) * ABC
Saturday, September 3
3:30 p.m. Team departs campus
(Team stopping to eat in Metairie)
6:30 p.m. Team arrives at Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Sunday, September 4
4:20 p.m. LSU departs hotel for Caesars Superdome
4:30 p.m. LSU arrives at Caesars Superdome
4:30 p.m. LSU Game Day presented by Three Olives pregame radio show live from Manning’s Restaurant (519 Fulton Street, New Orleans)
- Hunt Palmer, Brandon Taylor, Marlon Favorite
4:30 p.m. Gates to Superdome open
6:00 p.m. LSU Sports Radio Network live from Caesars Superdome
- Chris Blair, Doug Moreau, Gordy Rush
- Listen free at www.LSUsports.net/liveor on LSU Sports Mobile App
6:23 p.m. National Anthem performed by Amanda Shaw
6:26 p.m. Florida State band pregame show
6:30 p.m. ABC on the air
6:31 p.m. LSU band pregame show
6:38 p.m. Florida State takes the field
6:39 p.m. LSU takes the field
6:41:30 p.m. Coin toss at midfield
6:44 p.m. Kickoff: LSU vs. Florida State in Allstate Louisiana Kickoff
LSU OPENS FIRST TRAINING CAMP UNDER BRIAN KELLY
BATON ROUGE – LSU coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers officially opened preseason practice here Thursday afternoon with a shorts and helmets workout indoors at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.
Kelly and his staff welcomed 110 players to the practice field as the Tigers began their preparations for the season-opener against Florida State. LSU opens its first season under Kelly on Sunday, Sept. 4against the Seminoles in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Thursday’s workout was the first of two for the Tigers scheduled indoors. LSU will remain inside for practice on Friday followed by its first outdoor session on Saturday morning when the team will workout in helmets and shoulder pads. LSU’s first workout in full pads will come on Tuesday.
Today’s session was about getting the players back into the structure of practice and understanding the expectations when on the field.
“I was really proud of the way they were focused on what we asked them to do,” Kelly said. “It’s understanding the technical and tactical aspects of practice. That’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to lay down the programming so when we get to Florida State, just press play and go play fast. They did a nice job today.
“They tenets of what we want in practice – running out and doing it the right way, not having guys on the ground, not being sloppy – was really good for me. We’ve come a long way since the spring so it’s good to see that retention and feeling good about how to practice the right way.”
Thursday also marked the return of preseason All-America wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who missed most of last season and the entire spring with a lower leg injury. It was Boutte’s first practice session since Kelly took over as head coach.
“This was my first glimpse at him and he’s an explosive player,” Kelly said. “He’s learning how to practice. Today he was a guy that I had to remind a little about how to practice the right way. He’s so committed, he’s worked so hard. I’m excited for him. I just like the fact that he’s totally committed to what we are doing and how we are doing it.”
A year ago, Boutte was among the nation’s leading receivers when he suffered his season-ending injury against Kentucky. In just over five games in 2021, Boutte caught 38 passes for 509 yards and nine touchdowns.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will be at Tiger Stadium Saturday for the LSU Football Spring Game
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burreaux and WR Ja’Marr Chase will stop by the LSU Football Spring Game this Saturday at Tiger Stadium. I am sure they want to show their support for LSU Coach Brian Kelly and LSU Football Team. Fans are looking forward to see the new team that will be turning heads this year. LSU got former Ohio State CB Sevyn Banks in the portal, so he will be displaying his talents on Saturday. 5th year senior Myles Brennan will be airing it out on Saturday and displaying his skills as well.
LSU Coach Brian Kelly has been running a tight ship on the LSU football team, schedules, meetings and training regiment is a big priority. I heard thru other media outlets there’s no more loud music in the LSU Football Locker-rooms, sounds like it’s a thing of the past. It’s been reported Brian Kelly is a lot like Nick Saban, strict, discipline and a focus to win. I am sure we won’t see the LSU offense airing it out perhaps more of a running game as John Emery returns to the Football in Tiger Stadium come Saturday. See y’all there Tiger Fans !
LSU’S KEVIN FAULK SELECTED FOR 2022 CLASS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
BATON ROUGE – LSU running back Kevin Faulk, perhaps the greatest all-purpose player in the history of the Southeastern Conference, has been named to the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation announced on Monday.
Faulk, who remains the SEC’s leader in career all-purpose yards and the school’s all-time leading rusher, becomes the 11th LSU player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. He’s joined in the Hall Fame Class of 2022 by 17 players and three coaches.
“All praise goes to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Faulk said. “This is an honor that wouldn’t be possible without my great teammates, coaches and everyone who helped me along the way. It’s a tremendous honor but for me, it was a team effort. I’m so humbled and honored to be included among the great list of players and coaches in the Hall of Fame Class for 2022.”
A 1996 first-team all-American as an all-purpose player, Faulk still holds the all-time SEC record with 6,833 all-purpose yards, a mark that was fourth in FBS history when he finished his career. During that 1996 season, he led the SEC in all-purpose yards and ranked second in the league in rushing. Faulk followed up his all-America campaign by leading the SEC in rushing during both his junior and senior seasons, and he also topped the league in scoring as a senior. The three-time first-team All-SEC selection was the first player in LSU history to average more than 100 yards per game during his entire career.
Setting 11 school records by career’s end, Faulk still holds LSU career marks for rushing yards (4,577), rushing touchdowns (46), all-purpose yards (6,833) and 100-yard rushing games (22). The 1995 SEC Freshman of the Year ranks fourth in the conference in career rushing yards and is tied for third in career rushing touchdowns. A two-time LSU MVP, Faulk led the Tigers to two top-15 final rankings and three bowl victories, earning offensive MVP honors following the 1995 Independence Bowl after setting LSU bowl records with 234 rushing yards and 271 all-purpose yards. Faulk owns LSU’s single-game all-purpose yards record (376 vs. Houston, 1996), and ranks fifth in school history with 832 punt return yards. He is also a member of the LSU Athletics and State of Louisiana Sports halls of fame.
Taken in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Faulk spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise. The 2016 New England Patriots Hall of Fame inductee led the team to three Super Bowl titles (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX), and he holds the franchise record for career all-purpose yards.
Following his pro career, Faulk served as an assistant football coach from 2013-17 at his former high school, Carencro High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. He then served on the coaching staff at his alma mater, LSU, from 2018-21. He annually hosts a free youth football camp in Louisiana, and he founded the Kevin Faulk Foundation to support youth. He is the cousin of 2017 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Marshall Faulk from San Diego State.
Faulk will become the 11th former LSU player enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame joining end Gaynell “Gus” Tinsley (Class of 1956), end Ken Kavanaugh Sr. (Class of 1963), halfback Abe Mickal (Class of 1967), quarterback Doc Fenton (Class of 1971), safety Tommy Casanova (Class of 1995), halfback Billy Cannon (Class of 2009), halfback Jerry Stovall (Class of 2010), running back Charles Alexander (Class of 2012), quarterback Bert Jones (Class of 2016), and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (Class of 2020).
Former LSU coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame include Dana Bible (Class of 1951), Biff Jones (Class of 1954), Bernie Moore (Class of 1954) and Charles McClendon (Class of 1986).
The 18 first-team all-America players and three standout coaches in the 2022 Class were selected from the national ballot of 78 players and seven coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, the 99 players and 33 coaches from the divisional ranks and the NFF Veterans Committee candidates.
“We are extremely proud to announce the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from Ole Miss. “Each of these men has established himself among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to immortalizing their incredible accomplishments.”
The 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 6.
Who will start at QB for LSU Tigers in the Texas Bowl ?
According to the LSU Tigers coaching staff response, “We have a multitude of quarterbacks taking reps during practice, Garrett Nussmeier being one of them,” interim coach Brad Davis said Tuesday. “We’re working through some things right now to be able to have him play for us and still maintain his redshirt. That’s something obviously that’s in process. If that were denied — for whatever reason — we have some contingencies in place.”
Davis declined to share specifics about LSU’s plans. The Tigers have walk-ons Matt O’Dowd and Tavion Faulk behind Nussmeier at quarterback, and fifth-year senior wide receiver Jontre Kirklin once played scout-team quarterback.
The NCAA gave LSU a timeline for its decision about Nussmeier, Davis said, but he didn’t reveal any details. The team began bowl practices Monday afternoon.
LSU TO FACE AUBURN AT 8 P.M. IN TIGER STADIUM
BATON ROUGE – LSU’s game against Auburn in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, October 2 will kickoff at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN, the Southeastern Conference announced on Monday.
LSU’s last 8 p.m. kickoff in Tiger Stadium came in 2018 when the Tigers beat Ole Miss, 45-16, on September 29. That game was also televised on ESPN.
It will be the first nighttime kickoff for LSU and Auburn in Tiger Stadium since 2013 when LSU posted a 35-21 win on September 21.
LSU (2-1) returns to action on Saturday when the Tigers travel to Starkville for an 11 a.m. contest against Mississippi State (2-1). Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN.