The LSU Tigers will be without a key defensive starter when spring practice begins next week.
Brody Miller of The Athletic reported on Thursday that starting linebacker Micah Baskerville was not currently with the team.
Baskerville is not in the NCAA transfer portal.
Brooks Kubena of The Advocate reported that Baskerville would not participate in spring football due to academics, per an LSU official.
This is a tough blow for new linebackers coach Blake Baker as he is already faced with replacing Jabril Cox.
[lawrence-related id=16287]
In eight games last season, the 6-foot-1, 231-pound Baskerville recorded 55 tackles, including 4.5 for loss. Baskerville isn’t necessarily a playmaker but a consistent and steady performer in a unit with plenty of questions this spring.
Baskerville started five games in 2020 after the Tigers replaced Damone Clark in late October.
The Tigers hope Clark bounces back from a difficult season and that young linebackers Antoine Sampah and Josh White are ready for larger roles this spring.
LSU added Clemson transfer Mike Jones Jr., who is expected to start at linebacker in 2021. The Tigers also added junior-college transfer Navonteque Strong to the 2021 roster, and he will also be in the mix to start.
[lawrence-related id=16270]
News: #LSU starting linebacker Micah Baskerville hasn't been with the team this spring, and an LSU spokesperson confirms he is not enrolled in school.
Baskerville, who became a steadying force the second half of LSU's season, could still return. https://t.co/JEkYGHKHYq pic.twitter.com/TOfgeRVoAJ
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) March 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/BKubena/status/1370208661453336576?s=20
[vertical-gallery id=15607]