LSU prepping without Mathieu

She’s got game: Former Colonel signs in Norway
August 23, 2012
Honey Badger’s dismissal marks a sad day for LSU loyalists
August 23, 2012
She’s got game: Former Colonel signs in Norway
August 23, 2012
Honey Badger’s dismissal marks a sad day for LSU loyalists
August 23, 2012

The Honey Badger will not be a part of LSU’s plans in 2012.


More than a week removed from junior defensive back Tyrann Mathieu’s dismissal, the Tigers are picking up the pieces and are moving forward with their 2012 plans in lieu of Sept. 1’s season opener with North Texas.

“I certainly am rooting for Tyrann,” LSU coach Les Miles said following a practice this week. “But I’m not focused on that. I’ve got games to play and I’ve got 104 guys I have to be ready for. I know that this is a very key time in his life and I hope the decisions that he makes are in the best interest for the long term.”


Mathieu’s dismissal leaves the Tigers without their most explosive defensive player.


The New Orleans native recorded 76 tackles and one and a half sacks.

He also recorded two interceptions and forced six fumbles with five fumble recoveries.


Mathieu was also the most explosive special teams player in America with two punt returns for a touchdown.


He was dismissed from the team last week for a violation of team rules.

LSU officials are unable to specify what led to Mathieu’s dismissal.


It is widely reported that he was let go for violating the university’s substance abuse policy.


Mathieu was suspended for one game in the 2011 season for what was reported as a failed drug test.

Miles answered questions about Mathieu throughout last Tuesday’s media session.


He said he will help the defensive back in any way, but would prefer to talk about current members of LSU’s roster.


“I just think that I want to focus on other things and not those pieces,” Miles said.

One of the things likely on the forefront of Miles’ attention is finding a replacement.


With Mathieu out of the picture, the Tigers are now without their top three cornerbacks from last year – a group already depleted from Morris Claiborne’s NFL departure and Ron Brooks’ graduation.


The Tigers know that Tharold Simon will be one starter.

Sliding into Mathieu’s spot could be any number of players consisting of true freshmen Kavahra Holmes and Jalen Mills and redshirt freshman Jalen Collins.


Miles said the current trio reminds him of when Mathieu, Simon and junior safety Eric Reid all excelled as true freshmen in 2010.


The LSU coach believes this bunch could find the same success.

“I think that when we walk out there in the first game, I think you’ll find out that we’ll have a guy there that can really play,” Miles said.


What should also help to carry the load is the fact that LSU’s offense figures to be better in 2012.

All accounts point to junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger being as good as advertised.

Weeks after the Manning family lauded the junior’s performance at the Manning Passing Academy, Mettenberger built on his strong summer with a five-touchdown performance in LSU’s most recent scrimmage.

“I think that we’re throwing it pretty well out there,” Miles said.

If Mettenberger gets into a funk, LSU’s halfbacks should be able to lessen his load. Sophomore Kenny Hilliard has been one bright spot in a group loaded with stars like juniors Spencer Ware, Michael Ford and Alfred Blue.

Also new to the mix is true freshman Jeremy Hill, who coaches have applauded in summer camp.

“We have numbers there,” Miles said of his backs. “Certainly.”

But no matter how hard LSU tries to shake its former star, people will still have Mathieu on their minds.

Multiple reports indicated following his dismissal that he would enroll at McNeese State and play for the Cowboys in 2012.

But after meeting with the school’s coach, the standout failed to enroll, which prompted another report to indicate that Prairie View A&M and Jackson State could also have a shot at his services.

Later in the week, the Tri-Parish area got in the act, as a report listed Nicholls State and McNeese as Mathieu’s top two choices.

Sources close to the Nicholls State football program confirmed to the Tri-Parish Times this week that the Colonels would consider Mathieu, but that he hasn’t visited the campus.

Several of Mathieu’s teammates at St. Augustine High School are currently on Nicholls’ roster.

But regardless of the Colonels’ roster breakdown, the former Tiger may not play football at all in 2012.

Late last week, a Fox-8 report stated that Mathieu was in a rehab facility in Houston, seeking to overcome his demons.

The report, which contained information from Mathieu’s adopted father, said that the defensive back would be mentored by former NBA standout John Lucas.

That report, combined with an ESPN report by Joe Schad led some to indicate that Mathieu could sit out the entire 2012 season and try to return to LSU in 2013.

Whether that’s on the table remains to be seen.

Miles and the eligible Tigers are too busy preparing for North Texas to think about that at the moment.

“He will not be on this football team this year – I guarantee that’s a fact,” Miles said. “I have no idea beyond that. … He’s a wonderful young man and I think he’s a team player. … He deserves every opportunity.”

LSU junior defensive back Tyrann Mathieu celebrates after a play last season. The player dubbed the Honey Badger isn’t smiling much these days after being kicked off the LSU football team for a violation of team rules. 

LSU SPORTS INFORMATION