LSU star running back Jeremy Hill might not be ready to walk the trail blazed by 14 LSU underclassmen before him over the last two years to early NFL draft entry. Hill, a third-year sophomore, is leaning instead toward returning to LSU for his junior year, according to theadvocate.com.
Hill's return would be a major boost for the Tigers' offense next season, particularly given that LSU will be breaking in new starters at quarterback, both wide receiver spots, and an undetermined number of positions along the offensive line. Hill rushed for 1,401 yards this season, including 216 in an Outback Bowl win over Iowa, and is among the most talented rushers in the nation. His legal troubles stemming from two arrests, however, will be a red flag for NFL clubs, and theadvocate.com suggested that another year of college to repair his image could be among Hill's motivations to stay.
Hill is currently on probation, but has met most of his probation terms and recently had his court-mandated curfew relaxed. He is set to remain on probation through July, 2015, which would include his entire rookie season in the NFL if he were to turn pro this year.
After losing 10 underclassmen to last year's draft, at least four more this year are headed to the NFL early: defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson, and reportedly wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. Offensive linemen La'El Collins and Trai Turner, Hill and running back Alfred Blue are considering early entry as well.
If Hill were to stay and the rest were to make the NFL jump, LSU's two-year count of underclassmen lost to NFL draft eligibility would reach 17.
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