LSU Football: Opting out was not an easy decision for Ja’Marr Chase

LSU football’s Ja’Marr Chase won’t play for the Tigers in 2020.

National analysts/talking heads have been hesitant to give LSU football much of a chance to defend their national championship in 2020, mostly due to the mass exodus of talent from Baton Rouge this past offseason.

I’ve been steadfast this offseason in suggesting that LSU is a threat to reach the College Football Playoff, thanks to elite players like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Chase won’t be playing this year after deciding to opt out of the season.

The loss of Chase significantly weakens LSU’s offense. And while Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron isn’t too worried about replacing Chase, there’s no doubt that LSU won’t have the same offensive firepower as they would’ve had with him on the roster.

For the most part, fans have expressed feelings of understanding at Chase’s decision, even though it means LSU may not be quite as good in 2020.

And that’s the way it should be. Because this wasn’t an easy decision for Chase.

LSU football’s Chase wrestled with the decision

Throughout the offseason, Chase was adamant that he was playing in 2020. He was described as “hungry” to keep LSU at the top of the college football world.

That’s why it was a bit surprising when Chase decided to opt out. But it wasn’t a decision that he made on a whim. And it wasn’t an “obvious” decision for him.

“He was torn up for a couple of days leading up to the decision,” said Chase’s father this week to 104.5 in Baton Rouge.

Chase doesn’t have an agent, so this isn’t a money thing. He’s simply doing what he believes is best for him family.

Regardless of how the Ja’Marr Chase era ended, he should absolutely go down as an LSU legend.