The mass early exodus from Baton Rouge continues today, with a trio of Bayou Bengals confirming what’s long been expected.
In a joint announcement, LSU confirmed that Bennie Logan, Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery have decided to forego their remaining collegiate eligibility and make their way to the April NFL draft. The former is a defensive tackle, while the latter two are defensive ends.
Mingo and Montgomery are viewed as mid-first-round picks, with the former possibly destined for the top 10. Logan, at the moment, appears to be slotted in the neighborhood of the second round.
“We are fortunate at LSU to be able to recruit the style of high school player that can develop very quickly into an NFL caliber athlete,” head coach Les Miles said in a statement. “The good fortune is that we invest in them, coach them and prepare them for the next step of their career. Generally speaking, every one of these guys is in position to return to school (during the offseason) to get their degree and one (Kevin Minter) has already graduated.
“We recruit very talented players with the understanding that there’s a choice that they may have to make following their junior year. It’s an individual decision and one that has to do with them and their family. I met with each player and provided them with as much information as I have so that they can make a quality decision in regards to their future. We wish these guys great fortune as they pursue this next step.”
Montgomery was a first-team All-American in 2011 and named to the second team in 2012, while Mingo was twice named second-team All-SEC.
With the defensive line trio departing, the Tigers have now lost nine players from their 2012 squad and there still might be at least one more departure. Included in that grouping are six defensive starters from a unit that finished eighth in scoring defense and 12th in total defense.
Even for a team deep in talent, that’ll be a tough row to hoe in 2013.