The coronavirus pandemic has already taken an extensive toll on college sports — one which has now extended into the fall to affect football.
Granted SEC teams do play, one thing programs will constantly have to monitor is new cases and a potential outbreak. If LSU sees a spike at some point in the season, it could mean that the roster slims down quickly.
In that case, LSU could be forced to have players come on the field to play both offense and defense.
One player to watch in that case is cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is coming off of one of the most impressive true freshman seasons we’ve ever seen.
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In an a radio appearance with WWL back in May, Tigers coach Ed Orgeron hinted that we could see Stingley play both ways in the future.
“During recruiting, I promised him two years on defense and then the next year, the third year, I think you’re going to see Derek play both ways for us,” Orgeron said.
Regardless, Stingley is going to play a large role on the defense in several different aspects in 2020.
“I think this year you’re not going to see us just use Derek in man free coverage, I think you’re going to see him blitzing, I think you’re going to see him use his talents in some places where we need him on defense,” Orgeron said. “I think Bo’s going to mix it up where he’s going to have our corners doing different things.”
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Stingley was a steady factor in 2019, totaling 38 tackles, 31 solo, 15 passes defensed, six interceptions and one fumble recovery, also contributing on special teams with 17 punt returns for an average of 9.6 yards per return in 2019.
Based on Orgeron’s comments, it sounds like the 2021 season would be the ideal time to give Stingley a role on the offense.
But it’s reasonable to assume we could see that happen sooner rather than later depending upon how the Tigers fare through the pandemic.
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