While fans love to see what players do on the field, it’s worth recognition when they do something impressive off it.
A trio of LSU players earned degrees during the school’s summer commencement ceremony on Friday. A pair of veterans and returning starters in defensive end [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] and receiver [autotag]Jaray Jenkins[/autotag] each received undergraduate degrees in interdisciplinary studies.
Graduate tight end [autotag]Nick Storz[/autotag], meanwhile, earned his Master’s in Business Administration.
Gaye is a two-year starter who was a Second Team All-SEC selection in 2020. His 2021 season was cut short by an injury after four games, but he returns hoping for a big year playing alongside preseason First Team All-SEC selection [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag].
He came to the United States from Gambia at 12 years old. Now @unos1_ is a college graduate from @LSU.
A proud day for the Gaye family. The American Dream 🎓🇬🇲 pic.twitter.com/epwdTI78Mh
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 12, 2022
Jenkins is coming off the most productive season of his career as he totaled 34 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught the game-winning touchdown pass against Texas A&M last fall. The Tigers are deep at receiver, but the fifth-year player will be a key part of the passing game this fall.
A kid from Jena, Louisiana. @JenkinsJaray has worked hard to fulfill our mission to Graduate Champions. pic.twitter.com/YQr0dumYAw
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 12, 2022
Storz, meanwhile, has one of the more interesting stories on the roster. Originally a baseball player, he joined the football team as a tight end in 2020 but had initially medically retired ahead of last season. However, he is back on the roster, indicating he has been cleared to play.
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