Avery Peterson’s star-crossed career at LSU has apparently come to an end.
“After so much thought and prayers and after talking to the people who I really trust I decided to move on and (fulfill) my dreams and (further) my education elsewhere,” Peterson wrote. “This was really tough for me. I didn’t want to leave LSU. I love LSU football. I love Baton Rouge. I love the people here in Baton Rouge. It really breaks my heart but at the end of the day I have to do (what’s) best for me and my future.”
Peterson’s plans were not immediately known. His decision to leave LSU — which as of Monday afternoon still listed Peterson on the football roster on its website — could not immediately be confirmed by the school.
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Peterson was LSU’s first commitment for its 2012 recruiting class back in 2010. But his prospects of getting on the field for the Tigers went awry right away as he spent the fall of 2012 at Hargrave (Virginia) Military Academy because he wasn’t academically qualified.
Finally qualified and healthy for the 2014 season, Peterson could never secure a key role. He played in only one game, against New Mexico State, and did not record a catch.
Despite his lack of playing time, Peterson thanked coach Les Miles and recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson for having him on the team.
“God has other plans for me and it’s time for me to seek them again,” he wrote. “I will miss this place. I’m thankful for the opportunity. Again I love LSU and I’ll always have a spot for this great university in my heart and I’ll always be a Tiger. God Bless and GEAUX TIGERS!!!”
Peterson’s departure leaves LSU with nine scholarship receivers for 2015. Only one of them, junior Travin Dural, is an upperclassman.
Fournette on Hornung list
Let the award speculation begin for LSU’s Leonard Fournette.
The sophomore tailback was one of 44 players named Monday to the Paul Hornung Award watch list. The award has been given since 2010 to the nation’s most versatile major player.
Also named to the list are Louisiana-Lafayette’s Elijah McGuire, Carlos Henderson of Louisiana Tech, Rashon Ceaser of UL-Monroe and New Orleans native Speedy Noil of Texas A&M.
Fournette rushed for an LSU freshman record 1,034 yards (and 10 touchdowns) last season and led the Southeastern Conference in all-purpose yards with 137.4 per game. He ranked fourth in the SEC with 26.0 yards per kickoff return, and his 1,786 all-purpose yards were the sixth-most in a season at LSU.
Former LSU and current New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. won the Hornung Award in 2013.
Hornung won the 1956 Heisman Trophy and was an announcer on LSU’s former pay-per-view network TigerVision in the 1980s.
Moses is Rivals’ No. 2
They called him their “1A,” but Rivals.com declined to list University High star and LSU commitment Dylan Moses as its No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2017.
That distinction went to defensive tackle Marvin Wilson of Houston Episcopal. Moses (6-2, 225) came in at No. 2, though Rivals recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said it was a close call.
“It’s a strong top five with Moses essentially 1A right now, I believe,” Farrell said. “He’s a dynamic athlete and just dominates at either running back or linebacker, whatever position he chooses to play. If he grows into that edge rusher many predicted, watch out.”
Another LSU commitment, 6-3, 300-pound defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin from Lafayette Northside, is on the Rivals 100 at No. 39.
Rivals lists nearly two dozen scholarship offers for Wilson (6-4, 320), including one from LSU.
Moses, who has been committed to LSU since September 2013, still has two seasons to play at U-High. He is listed as the No. 1 prospect for 2017 by 24/7 Sports and Scout.com. ESPN does not yet have prospect rankings for 2017.
Via- Scott Rabalais, the advocate