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LSU’s Davon Godchaux to Enter NFL Draft

Underclassmen defensive lineman has reportedly made his decision.

By Billy Gomila
LSU v Arkansas Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Earlier this morning NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that LSU defensive lineman Davon Godchaux has made his decision to enter the 2017 NFL Draft and forego his senior season.

Godchaux confirmed his decision on his Instagram account a few minutes ago.

After a lot of thought and prayer with my family, I have decided to enter the 2017 NFL draft. This was a very difficult decision, but I know in my heart this is the best choice for me and my son, Davon Montel Godchaux II. Anytime you leave your home and family it's difficult to do, but LSU will always be my family. There is nothing more exciting than to step on the football field and represent LSU. I will continue to do that in the NFL. I will forever be grateful to Coach Miles, Coach Orgeron, Coach Jenkins, Coach Aranda and Joe Alleva for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams to play the game I truly love. Coach Orgeron has truly been an inspiration to me, and I appreciate and value everything I learned from him. I also want to thank my coaches, the athletic staff , and my professors who have helped me to grow on and off the field. I will surely miss my teammates, my brothers who have been by my side every step of the way. Remember, this is the beginning, not the end and I will also be there for you. Also I want the LSU alumni and the fans to know how much you mean to me. Every time I looked up into the stands and saw all of the LSU fighting Tigers and heard you cheering us on, it made me play that much harder. There are no fans greater than LSU's and no greater feeling than playing in Death Valley! I am blessed to have played for such a prestigious university. I will always be an LSU Tiger ! Go Tigers!!!

A photo posted by GODCHAUX_ERA (@_godchaux) on

As discussed, his family has had a rough last few years, including some serious health problems for his mother. I’m sure he feels the pressure to go out and get a paycheck. He reportedly projects as a second- or third-round pick as of now, and I don’t know that another season would drastically change that status.

Godchaux was a three-year starter here from game one of his freshman season and a consistently good, though never great, player. He also adapted very well to Dave Aranda’s 3-4 defense as a three-/five-technique end, and that’s an experience that should serve him very well at the next level.

While getting him back would be huge for the Tiger defensive line, there’s still a lot returning, including fifth-year senior Christian LaCouture, who missed 2016 with injury. And of course, there's a talented freshman class coming in.

We wish Godchaux the best of luck in his decision.