5 best LSU football players from the last 10 years
By Zach Ragan
Tyrann Mathieu — DB (2010-2011)
As time has went by, I think some folks have forgot just how great of a player Tyrann Mathieu was at LSU.
Sure, his time ended prematurely when he was kicked off the team just before the 2012 season, but his two years in a Tigers uniform were two of the best years I’ve even seen from a defensive player at any school.
Mathieu was really good as a true freshman, playing in 13 games and compiling 59 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
As a sophomore, Mathieu was lights out.
The Honey Badger had 77 tackles, five forced fumbles (two returned for touchdowns) and two interceptions. Mathieu also returned two punts for touchdowns.
Mathieu finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2011. He was the only defensive player in the top 10. Had he played in 2012, he would’ve been a favorite to win the prestigious award.
It was a joy to watch Mathieu play. I haven’t seen a defender that played with his intensity since he left LSU. And there’s a chance we never will.