LSU defensive tackle Travonte Valentine has left the program and will reportedly be transferring to Arizona Western Community College. The story was first reported by Ross Dellenger of the Advocate and has since been confirmed by LSU.
Valentine was a high school All-American out of Palm Bay, Florida and ranked third nationally among defensive tackles. After Louisiana product Gerald Willis III committed to Florida, LSU narrowed in on Valentine and landed the highly touted 6-3, 325 pound target.
He was never ruled eligible by the NCAA in a saga that went on throughout the entire season. It appeared to be an academic issue, which Les Miles hinted at after the spring game this past April. Valentine practiced with the team last fall but was suspended in the spring.
Arizona Western is also the spot where two former recruits from the Class of 2014 have landed. 5-star LB Clifton Garrett transferred out of the university before going to Western, and 4-star DL Trey Lealaimatafao also landed there after being kicked off the team a week ago.