Unexpectedly and abruptly, Tulane has seen its defensive backfield suffer a rather significant blow a couple of months ahead of spring practice.
A school official confirmed to the Baton Rouge Advocate that cornerback Jordan Batiste has decided to transfer out of the Green Wave football program. No reason was given for the surprising departure.
The paper also reported that Batiste is expected to transfer to Southeastern Louisiana. As that school competes at the FCS level, the sophomore would be eligible to play immediately in 2014.
Despite playing primarily as a nickel corner, Batiste led the team in sacks this past season with seven.. His playmaking ability prompted some people, the Advocate explained, to compare him to former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu.
Over the past two seasons, Batiste started 14 of the 25 games in which he played. 10 of those starts came as a true freshman in 2012. In 2012 and 2013, Batiste was named honorable mention All-Conference USA.
In August of this past year, Batiste was one of five players suspended for Tulane’s season opener for violating unspecified team rules.