LSU Football: The reason Derek Stingley Jr will continue to be elite

LSU football’s Derek Stingley Jr is already the best defensive back in the nation.

LSU football cornerback Derek Stingley Jr had an incredible true freshman season for the Tigers in 2019.

Not only was Stingley the Pro Football Focus freshman of the year, he led all FBS cornerbacks with a 91.9 coverage grade in 2019.

The scary thing for the rest of the SEC is that Stingley is only going to get better over the next two years, before he’s inevitably a top five selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

But Stingley can’t just put it on cruise control because he had a tremendous freshman season. He will have to continue his hard work and dedication.

LSUSports.net’s Cody Worsham recently pointed out that talented freshmen who shine “eventually stumble” because they get caught up in self-doubt when failures inevitably occur.

That won’t be an issue with Stingley. And that’s why he’s going to continue to be elite.

LSU football’s Derek Stingley is ready for adversity

Stingley isn’t going to be hampered by self-doubt that arises from failure.

That’s because failure motivates Stingley. That’s what drives him to be better. He knows failure happens for all athletes. But for Stingley, it’s used as fuel.

“Stingley’s rare mistakes seem to bring out the best in him”, wrote Worsham.

“Most players choke on their negative thinking. Stingley chews on his, finding focus where others find fear. He doesn’t worry about making another error; he seeks redemption for one already made,” added Worsham.

Stingley’s unique ability to put errors behind him and take his play to a higher level is why he’s already a superstar in college football.

And it’s why he’s going to be a star in the NFL, too.

We haven’t even seen the best of Derek Stingley Jr yet.

Good luck to the quarterbacks and wide receivers in the SEC over the next two years. You’re going to need it.