APAs the collegiate pipeline to the NFL continues to trickle right along, LSU has suffered its first loss to the 2012-13 early-draft carousel.
The mother of linebacker Kevin Minter confirmed to the Baton Rouge Advocate that her son is leaving the Tigers to enter the April NFL draft, which was followed shortly thereafter by a confirmation from the player himself to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Joe Schad of ESPN.com had previously reported the development.
“It’s been an honor to play at LSU under Coach Les Miles and Coach (defensive coordinator John) Chavis,” Minter, who has already hired an agent, told the Times-Picayune in a phone interview. “They helped me get where I am now. I’ll always bleed purple and gold.
“I was surprised at how fast it happened this year. I always knew I had the potential.”
Following a season in which he led the Tigers with 15 tackles for loss, Minter was named first-team All-SEC. He was also named Defensive Player of the Game for his performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Minter told the Times-Picayune that he expects to be taken in the neighborhood of the third round.
Good luck, Kevin.
As much as I hate to see him leave, like all of the good players do for us I know he’ll be an assett for any program because he’s a winner and class act. Kevin, go get em and show em your talent and everybody from the SEC will be proud; well almost everybody. Yeah, I know we’ve still got some who feel that LSU is over rated and shouldn’t even be considered for membership but those of us who know better can appreciate winners. Next will be Big Sam (Montgomery) and his partner in crime Mr. Mingo, then Eric (Reid), etc. Damn wouldn’t I love to be the owner of a team that had nothin but winners from the SEC on it,haha. Ok, call me crazy and off the wall but I’m proud as a new ma ma bout my conference.
Tiger Roar on FaceBook is reporting that Kevin received his degree in December.
Double congratulations, Kevin.
Hate to see you go Mint. Hopefully the Saints can snag you. Gotta love a tackling machine.
Thanks Minter for a great year and nothing but success to you in the future.
I would love for him to be available in round 2 or later (no chance), for Carolina. I miss having a badass named Minter on our defense.