Jacoby Stevens awarded #7, Chris Curry and Damone Clark share #18

It waited until the end of business hours on the Friday a week before kickoff, but LSU finally announced who will wear the #7 and #18 jerseys for the season.

Ja’Marr Chase was originally awarded the 7 jersey, but after he opted out of the season the number was left vacant.

Stevens is a senior and three-year starter at safety. In 2019 he totaled 92 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, five sacks, four interceptions, and 15 pass breakups, landing him on the All-SEC second team. Recently Stevens has become more outspoken off the field, leading the team in their social justice initiatives, registering the entire team to vote, and taking time to go speak to local schools.

Many people would have guessed Stevens was going to be a lock for 18, which traditionally goes to the de facto team captain rather than the biggest playmaker. Stevens becomes the fourth defensive back to wear seven after originator Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and former teammate Grant Delpit.

Shortly after Stevens was awarded 7, LSU announced the 18 jersey would be going to both running back Chris Curry and linebacker Damone Clark. This marks the second year in a row an offensive and defensive player share #18 after Lloyd Cushenberry III and K’Lavon Chaisson received the honor in 2019. In 2018 Christian LaCouture and John David Moore both wore the number.

A Baton Rouge native from Southern Lab, Clark is a two-year starter who totaled 50 tackles last year with 4 TFL, and 3.5 sacks.

Curry is a redshirt sophomore from Lehigh Acres, Fla. who reached acclaim for his efforts in the Peach Bowl when he stepped in for an injured Clyde Edwards-Helaire. In the game Curry ran for 89 yards on 16 carries (5.6 yards per carry) with one reception for nine yards. In 2019 Curry ran for 189 yards on 38 carries with three receptions for 23 yards.