LSU Tigers DT opts out of bowl game, preparing for NFL Draft

Since the LSU Tigers announced head coach Ed Orgeron was not going to be retained, there has been massive turnover in Baton Rouge. A mix of transfers, opt-outs, and players heading to the NFL have thinned the LSU on the roster.

On Monday, another player announced they will not be playing against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl in defensive tackle Neil Farrell. He will be opting out and beginning to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

“I Preciate all the love and support, I will not be playing in the bowl game, I’ve decided it’s best that I start my pre-draft process!!,” Farrell said via Twitter on Monday. “Much love to this University And Relationships I’ve built. Forever LSU”

Farrell has been with LSU for five seasons, originally being a member of the 2017 recruiting class. Thanks to the COVID-19 eligibility rules, the defensive tackle was able to return for a fifth season.

He played in all 12 games this season, recording 45 total tackles and 9.5 tackles for a loss. Farrell got two the quarterback twice, having one sack against each of Alabama and Ole Miss.

LSU Tigers reach out to SEC offensive coordinator

National signing day is in the rearview mirror and the main focus for the LSU Tigers and head coach Brian Kelly will be completing the coaching staff. One of the most important positions has yet to be filled in offensive coordinator, with Kelly needing to make a quick move.

According to a report from Football Scoop, LSU has reached out to Georgia Bulldogs offensive coordinator Todd Monken to make the move to Baton Rouge. However, the report also states that he would rather remain on Kirby Smart’s staff.

Monken has been the Georgia offensive coordinator for the past two seasons after coaching in the NFL for four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cleveland Browns. He’s been on the LSU coaching staff before, being the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Heading into the College Football Playoff, Georgia holds a top 10 scoring offense under Monken. Quarterback Stetson Bennett has excelled this season along with a steady run game from a plethora of running backs on the roster. LSU and Kelly could be looking for a similar scheme.