No. 2: Derek Stingley Jr, Cornerback
What 247Sports Says…
LSU’s pass defense may have finished last nationally in passing yards allowed per game last year, but Stingley remained among the top cover corners in the SEC. And don’t forget how historic Stingley was as a true freshman. He finished the 2019 campaign as a unanimous All-American, PFF’s top-graded cornerback and led the SEC with six interceptions. Stingley, the highest-rated cornerback prospect in Top247 history, should be the preseason favorite for the Thorpe Award in a loaded year for defensive backs.
What We Say…
Before Eli Ricks led the team with interceptions as a freshman, Derek Stingley Jr pulled off that feat in 2019. He was one of the top catalysts on that defense that won the 2019 College Football Playoffs national championship. Going into year three, Stingley is looking to return to his old form. While he didn’t record a single interception, he was third on the team in passes defended and forced one fumble. He did deal with some injury issues last season, Stingley looks to rebound and prove that LSU has the best two cornerbacks in college football.
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