LSU Football makes an interesting choice for jersey No. 7 wearer

Jersey numbers are a big deal, especially in Baton Rouge, where No.’s 7 and 18 are earned. Today, LSU Football announced their next No. 7 wearer.

Today, LSU Football head coach Brian Kelly announced that offensive tackle Will Campbell has earned the right to wear jersey No. 7 in 2023. Yes, you read that correctly.

NCAA rules mandate that offensive linemen must wear a jersey number between 50 and 79. Thus, Campbell cannot technically wear the No. 7 on the field. Instead, the left tackle will wear a No. 7 patch on his No. 66 LSU Football jersey.

Typically, LSU Football awards jersey No. 7 to an expected playmaker. Bypassing skill position players and awarding the digit to an offensive lineman is an interesting move. Nevertheless, Tyrann Mathieu, a former No. 7 wearer, is a fan.

Will Campbell was one of the top offensive line recruits for 2022 and made an immediate impact in Baton Rouge as a freshman. Campbell earned the starting left tackle position coming out of his first fall camp with LSU Football and has not looked back.

Kelly spoke highly of his sophomore blind side protector in a statement that explained the jersey number selection.

"“Will Campbell has made such an impact on our team in such a short period of time and embodies the qualities to join the legacy of the players that have come before him.”"

The history of the No. 7 jersey tradition in Baton Rouge started with quarterback Bert Jones, who won the AP Player of the Year award in 1972. The Tigers honored Jones by taking the No. 7 out of circulation until 1979.

The No. 7’s heritage caught national attention during Patrick Peterson’s freshman season in 2008. Like his predecessor, Jones, Peterson was among college football’s best performers and remains one of the most decorated players in LSU Football history.

Kayshon Boutte wore the No. 7 for LSU Football last season.

It’s neat that an offensive lineman is receiving recognition despite the numerous playmakers on Kelly’s roster. Conversely, we’ll miss seeing the actual jersey No. 7 on the field for a couple of years.

We’re assuming Campbell and his No. 7 patch will be a mainstay until he departs for the NFL draft following the 2024 season.