LSU Football: Ed Orgeron comments on Derek Stingley’s latest honor

There’s no doubt that Derek Stingley is going to go down as one of the greatest defensive backs in LSU football history.

That’s saying a lot, considering some of the impressive names that have played for the Tigers over the years, such as Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, Jamal Adams, and Tre’Davious White.

On Tuesday, Stingley cemented his status as a legendary player at LSU.

The Tigers announced on Tuesday that Stingley will wear the No. 7 jersey for LSU in 2021.

“A relatively new tradition at LSU, the No. 7 jersey has become associated with a player who is a dynamic playmaker while also displaying all of the qualities necessary to build championship teams around,” read a statement from the Tigers.

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron praises Derek Stingley

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron made it clear this week that Stingley is more than deserving of wearing the coveted No. 7 jersey in 2021.

“Derek is very deserving of following in the footsteps of some of the great players in LSU history in wearing the No. 7 jersey,” said Orgeron in a release. “Derek is an outstanding young man from right here in Baton Rouge who represents our program with tremendous character and a desire to make all of those around him better.”

Stingley, who was rated by 247Sports as the No. 2 overall player in the 2019 recruiting class, burst onto the scene as a true freshman for the Tigers.

In 2019, during the Tigers’ incredible national championship run, Stingley led LSU in interceptions (6) and passes defended (15).

The Louisiana native was a member of the All-SEC first team in 2019 and 2020. He’ll almost certainly earn that honor again in 2021.

Unfortunately for LSU fans, this will most likely be Stingley’s final season in Baton Rouge. The stud cornerback is already viewed as a potential top 5-10 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.