Brian Kelly on Lance Heard's absence, what's next
LSU offensive tackle Lance Heard did not travel with the Tigers to Tampa for the Reliaquest Bowl matchup with Wisconsin.
Instead, Heard remained in Louisiana as he mulls over his future with the program.
I think we’re going to have those conversations. I think he’s looking at his role at LSU, evaluating it,” Kelly said on Friday during the ReliaQuest Bowl’s head coaches press conference. “There’s been some conversations. We’re taking some time. We’ll reengage and have some more conversations after the game.
“But I think it’s a good time right now for us just to focus on those guys that are with us right now, then we’ll pick up the conversations with him and his family after the bowl game.”
“He is looking at his role at LSU and evaluating it,” “We will pick up the conversations with him and his family after the bowl game.”
Kelly didn’t go into further detail on Heard’s decision not to travel, only adding that he wanted to put the focus and attention on the Tigers who chose to stay with the team and travel to Tampa for the bowl matchup with Wisconsin.
Heard, a true freshman, played in all 12 games for LSU this season. He earned one start, getting the nod at right tackle vs. Army as Emery Jones recovered from injury.
Heard was the No. 22 overall prospect in the country, No. 4 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 2 prospect in Louisiana when he left Neville High a year ago.
Campbell battling the flu as LSU preps for Wisconsin
While Heard did not travel with the team to Tampa, the offensive line still had all five starters available and on hand for practice to begin the week.
On Friday, left tackle Will Campbell was absent from practice as he battles the flu. Kelly said Campbell will rest across the coming days and is expected to start for the Tigers on Monday.
Campbell, left guard Garrett Dellinger, center Charles Turner, right guard Miles Frazier and right tackle Emery Jones all made the trip and are expected to start vs. the Badgers as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier makes his first collegiate start. LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft, though Daniels will be on the sidelines with the Tigers for the game.
LSU is set to take on Wisconsin on January 1 at 11 a.m. CT.
