Because of academics, Travonte Valentine didn’t play a down for LSU last season after coming to Baton Rouge as a highly-touted 2014 recruit. And, it appears, Valentine won’t ever play a down for the Tigers in the future, either.
Wednesday, LSU officials confirmed at the SEC Media Days that Valentine is leaving the football program and will transfer. No official reason was given for the decision to leave the team.
However, the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes, "[s]ources close to LSU say Valentine failed multiple drug tests and missed an excessive amount of class time after enrolling last fall.”
Last year, Valentine dealt with NCAA Clearinghouse issues — the player said another SEC program was the root cause — that forced him to miss the start of summer camp his true freshman season. While he was ultimately cleared to practice, he was not permitted to play in any games because of the lingering academic issues.
Then in April, head coach Les Miles confirmed that Valentine had been suspended, with the specific reason being, again, academics.
A four-star member of the Tigers’ 2014 recruiting class, Valentine was rated as the No. 3 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 7 player at any position in the state of Florida. He had been expected to be an immediate contributor to LSU’s line rotation.
More than likely, Valentine’s next stop will be at a junior college as he looks to get his academic house in order.
(Photo credit: LSU athletics)