This has to be filed under one of the least shocking developments of the 2021-22 college football season. Top LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr officially declares for the 2022 NFL draft.
He released his statement through The Players Tribune, in which he says goodbye to LSU.
Everything went so fast, to be honest. When I was young, I played football simply because I loved it, not really thinking about the future. Just enjoying the game, having fun. Then it got to this point where I was a part of this special bond at LSU. Becoming a national champion and being a part of the real DBU. Those experiences will last me a lifetime, and I’m proud to say I contributed to that. I’ll always rep LSU and the brotherhood forever.
Right now I know that I am ready to lock in and focus on what’s next. I wanted you to hear it from me first that I’ll be declaring for the 2022 NFL draft.
Stingley went on to thank LSU and the fans for their support. He is viewed as the No. 1 cornerback in the class and habitually mocked in the top four to either the Houston Texans or the New York Jets.
While the last two seasons haven’t been anywhere near what was expected, his 2019 campaign seemed to tell everyone what they needed to know about the top prospect of the 2019 class. He leaves a national champion and will now focus on preparing for the jump to the NFL.