LSU has been hit hard in recent years due to underclassmen departing for the NFL early and it appears this season will be no different.
Cornerback Jalen Collins and linebacker Kwon Alexander both announced they would forgo their final year of eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft. Safety/cornerback Jalen Mills has reportedly told his teammates that he will also enter the draft but no formal announcement has been made.
Collins has made monumental strides since his first season on campus. He finished the year with 38 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception. Although he was advised to stay in school for his senior season from the NFL draft Advisory Committee, Collins thought it was the best move for him. Luckily for the Tigers, the cornerback position is filled with talent moving forward.
“After much prayer, meeting with my family, and plenty of thought, I have decided to enter the 2015 NFL draft,” Collins stated on his Instagram account. “I appreciate the opportunities I’ve received at LSU and I would like to thank all of my coaches, teammates and supporters throughout the years.”
Alexander was one of the Tiger’s leaders on defense and will certainly be missed. The Alabama native led the team with 90 tackles this year and certainly proved he could play at the next level.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter, offensive linemen Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins, and defensive back Jalen Mills still have yet to make a decision on their future. Including Alexander and Collins, LSU has lost 20 underclassman to the NFL in the span of three seasons.
If the Tigers want to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff next season, they will certainly need some of their leaders mentioned above to stay in school for one more season.
*Section Photo credit to Chris Graythen, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Derick E. Hingle, USA Today Sports.
