Sidelined for LSU’s season opener because of an offseason arrest, Jeremy Hill and his status for the second game of the season was, at least publicly, up in the air earlier in the week.
Reportedly, that status has been clarified.
Citing a source familiar with the situation, the Baton Rouge Advocate reported Friday afternoon that the running back “will be allowed to play Saturday in the Tigers’ home opener against UAB.” The report comes three days after head coach Les Miles was quoted as saying that "[w]e’ll put him on the field, I guess I should say, when we’re ready.”
Hill will not start -- that job will remain Alfred Blue‘s for the time being -- but is expected to be a part of the game plan.
In late April, Hill was arrested and charged with battery following an incident outside of a local bar and indefinitely suspended. It was thought that arrest violated the terms of his probation for a previous crime – he was arrested two years ago on a felony charge of oral sexual battery involving a 14-year-old girl and later pleaded guilty to carnal knowledge of a juvenile, a misdemeanor -- although a judge later decided that was not the case.
He pleaded guilty to simple battery in July and was sentenced to two more years of probation as well as 40 hours of community service. He was reinstated to the team in early August, although the “additional punishment” Miles spoke of at the time included missing the opener against TCU.
As a freshman in 2012, Hill led all Tigers with 755 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.