LSU Football: Derek Stingley on offense could still happen in 2021

Nearly a year ago, LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron was asked about stud defensive back Derek Stingley playing on the offensive side of the ball.

Orgeron told reporters last May that Stingley’s dad wanted the young defensive back to focus on defense during his first two years at LSU, then he could play on the offensive side of the ball in year three.

Well, it’s year three and there’s still no sign of Stingley taking snaps on offense.

So is it going to happen?

Derek Stingley could play some offense for LSU football this fall

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron recently explained to reporters why Stingley hasn’t taken any snaps on the offensive side of the ball this spring.

“I talked to his dad, I talked to him. We have a new defense coming in,” said Orgeron last week (via 247Sports). “I want him to be able to learn the defense this spring. Obviously, it’s a lot of the same things for the corners. You’re either in press-man or you’re in zone, but he wanted to be able to master the defense before we even think about moving him to offense.”

“That’s something we’re going to discuss this summer before camp,” added Orgeron.

I think this is definitely the right approach — Stingley’s long-term future is at cornerback. He needs to master LSU’s new defense before he even thinks about offense.

Though at the same time, there’s no doubt that Stingley would be an asset to the Tigers on the offensive side of the ball.

Stingley’s dad made it clear during the recruiting process that his son is just as good on offense as he is on defense.

“He has played both ways. In my opinion, he’s just as good of a wide receiver as a DB,” said Stingley’s father to 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge in 2018. “His hand-eye coordination is sick.”

I think we’ll end up seeing Stingley in a few offensive packages this fall, but I can’t imagine he plays much on that side of the ball. He’s simply too valuable at cornerback to risk an injury by playing wide receiver.