Defensive tackle originally signed with LSU in 2014
By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor
The mysterious Mister 105 has reported to LSU Fall Camp.
Dave Aranda may have the big body needed to play nose tackle in his 3-4 defense.
Defensive tackle Travonte Valentine told 247Sports Monday that he’s officially rejoined the LSU football program, concluding a re-recruitment process that’s been oft-rumored since the 340-pounder was dismissed from the program 13 months ago for a violation of team rules.
The news had been expected for some time after LSU’s re-recruitment of Valentine heated up over the spring and into the summer. However, LSU has yet to confirm that he’s been cleared to practice.
Valentine arrived at LSU the first time as a highly-touted prospect out of Miami, but the Southeastern Conference never academically cleared Valentine for his true freshman season. He’s spent the past two years at junior colleges — Arizona Western and Mississippi Gulf Coast — and has three years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
It’s unclear at this point when Valentine will begin practicing — LSU’s first full-squad, full-pads practice was Monday morning — but the addition of his massive frame figures to help beef up LSU at nose tackle, a position of uncertainty on a roster that returns 18 starters.
Junior Davon Godchaux, listed at 299 pounds, began camp as the presumed starter at the position. Junior Greg Gilmore (308 LBs) and freshman Ed Alexander (333 LBs) are also working at nose tackle.
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