News: LSU’s Derek Stingley will wear No. 7 Jersey for 2021 season

No. 7 has long been an honorary number to sport as a member of the LSU Tigers. Legendary players like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu and Grant Delpit all wore No. 7 helping make it as iconic as it is today.

After Ja’Marr Chase had elected to opt out prior to the 2020 season, many fans and media members wondered who would wear No. 7. Several names were thrown around and discussed before the program ultimately decided on safety JaCoby Stevens, a veteran leader within the program who was known for his leadership and toughness in the locker room.

Now that we’re entering the 2021 season, very few people had doubts as to who would receive the honor of wearing No. 7, and on Tuesday LSU made it official.

Star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will wear No. 7, and judging by the tweet he sent out today, he’s quite happy with receiving that honor.

“It’s an honor to be part of the legacy of players that have worn the number 7 jersey.” Stingley said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to upholding the tradition and the standard of play that has been set by the group that has come before me.”

Stingley is widely regarded as the best cornerback in college football. He will without a doubt be a top-ten draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, this time next year.

Maybe, even higher.

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Stingley’s coverage skills, size, length, and technique make him as close to a can’t miss cornerback prospect as you’ll see in college football. When you factor in the way his coaches and teammates rave about him, it’s easy to see why NFL Draft evaluators have already fallen in love with Stingley.

If Stingley can have another impactful season helping LSU’s defense bounce back, his name will be talked about a whole lot over the next 12 months.

The 2021 season will be a huge season for the LSU Tigers, as it will be for Derek Stingley.

No. 7’s time is now.