In the run-up to the 2016 season, some had suggested that Leonard Fournette, a likely lock to be a Top-Five pick in the 2017 NFL draft, should sit out the 2016 season even as he has significant insurance policies protecting him.
Saturday night, those with that thought process were nearly given some significant ammunition for their argument.
Fournette, who sustained a “light” ankle sprain during summer camp earlier this month, was upended late in LSU’s loss to Wisconsin at the end of a 15-yard run. The All-American running back limped off the field favoring his left ankle, the same ankle he had injured in camp.
Following the game, head coach Les Miles said he didn’t believe the injury was serious. In fact, the back probably could’ve gone back into the game if necessary, which it wasn’t as Brandon Harris threw a game-clinching interception -- with a classless ending -- shortly thereafter.
“I didn’t see the injury, but I didn’t think it was an injury that is going to keep him from playing some time,” the coach said.
Fournette rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries and also added 38 yards on three receptions. The rest of the Tiger skill-position players combined for 81 yards.
The talented junior and preseason Heisman favorite did set one LSU standard on the lost night, for what it’s worth.With that carry, junior running back Leonard Fournette becomes the fastest to reach 3,000 yards in a career! pic.twitter.com/PkU2lEKln0
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 3, 2016