In college football, some schools place special importance on certain uniform numbers. LSU has two of those numbers: 18, which the school brags on its website it is “synonymous with success”; and 7, a more recent tradition that is assigned to “dynamic players”.
The number 7 is often reserved for the player who is most prepared for the NFL. The number can go to an offensive or defensive player and can only be worn by one player at a time. At LSU, more often than not the number goes to a defensive back.
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That was the case in 2021 when projected first-round NFL Draft pick Derek Stingley Jr. wore 7. Stingley played in just three games for the Tigers last year, but his six interceptions as a freshman practically They guaranteed the number.
Who started the No. 7 tradition at LSU?
As far as college traditions go, this one hasn’t covered much ground. He started linebacker Ali Highsmith in 2004. Highsmith had 229 tackles at LSU, 22 for loss. His career culminated in a national championship in 2007 before going to the NFL.
Patrick Peterson followed suit and made the No. 7 what he is today in college football history. He won the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards for the nation’s best defensive back and defensive player, respectively, in 2008 while wearing the number. A feared punt returner as well, Peterson had seven interceptions in his career at LSU and scored defensive and punt return touchdowns. He remains one of LSU’s most decorated alumni, as he has built an outstanding career in the NFL.
Who has worn No. 7 for LSU in recent years?
The players who have worn number 7 for the Tigers since 2004 are a true who’s who. Several are still active in the NFL, and all of them were elite college athletes.
| Player | Years |
| ali blacksmith | 2004-07 |
| patrick peterson | 2008-10 |
| Tyrant Mathieu | 2011 |
| Leonard Fournette | 2014-16 |
| DJ chark | 2017 |
| jonathan giles | 2018 |
| grant delpit | 2019 |
| Pursuit of Ja’Marr | 2020 |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | 2021 |
The clear trend here is that players don’t use the number for several years. It is now used to recognize players’ outstanding careers before they inevitably turn professional. Delpit and Chase are very clear examples of that, and Stingley was no exception.
Who will wear No. 7 for LSU in 2022?
LSU usually makes a big announcement about the number 7 recipient, but new head coach Brian Kelly doesn’t make any executive decisions about the number. He says that 18 and 7 will be left to the team.
Brian Kelly said he’s done the research on the No. 7 and No. 18 and understands the history he has, but he wants to let the team give the jerseys to the guys this year.
“I will honor their wishes in whatever they decide.”
—Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) April 9, 2022
LSU doesn’t have a clear favorite for 7 this year, and there’s a precedent for skipping seasons. No one wore the number in 2012 or 2013, creating a wedge between Tyrann Mathieu and Leonard Fournette. If the number has morphed into an honor for professional achievement, it’s hard to imagine anyone on the current list receiving it.
Where has No. 7 been drafted?
While No. 7 is generally associated with elite talent, it hasn’t always translated to being drafted high.
Peterson, Fournette and Chase were first-round picks, Delpit and Chark were second-round picks, and Mathieu was third-round (LSU fired him his final season for violating team rules).
Jonathan Giles was stripped of the number in 2018, when he was asked to wear number 12 by then-coach Ed Orgeron. Giles later transferred to Texas Southern and finished his college career in 2021.
Stingley is in line to be a first-round pick. Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News projects him to the Giants with the No. 7 pick.
Reference-www.sportingnews.com