Ed Orgeron makes bold statement on Derek Stingley Jr., NFL Draft decision

Could Derek Stingley Jr.‘s time in an LSU uniform be up?

The former five-star and All-SEC corner underwent surgery on his foot to fix an injury he sustained on Sept. 22. Recovery could drag on for the rest of the season and, as a 2019 signee, Stingley is eligible to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron addressed the elephant in the room on the SEC coaches’ teleconference on Wednesday. Will Stingley return for another year?

“I think if he can, I think he will,” Orgeron said. “Knowing Derek, talking to him, he wants to come back to this team. But obviously, that’s a decision that the family has to make and I think for each individual that’s different.”

After news of his surgery broke, Stingley shared that he’s doing everything he can to return this season, but said nothing of 2022.

“I appreciate all of the support from LSU and the fans,” Stingley said. “I’m doing all that I can to return to the field as soon as possible. I want to finish out the season with my teammates, and I will do everything I can to get healthy so that I will be able to play again this year.”

Stingley’s impressive resume

In LSU’s 2019 national championship season, the then-freshman had six interceptions and 38 tackles. He was the most decorated first-year player in the history of the storied LSU program and the first true freshman to start every game. Stingley was a consensus All-American in 2019.

Despite logging just eight tackles and a forced fumble in three games this season, the Louisiana native is still NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper’s No. 1 cornerback prospect.

The Baton Rouge product had injury issues last season as well, appearing in seven of LSU’s 10 games. He missed the 2020 opener against Mississippi State due to illness and sprained his ankle against Missouri in October. On a punt return against Arkansas in November, he suffered a concussion. Despite missing games, he was first-team All-SEC.

Could NIL help out the Tigers?

Name, Image and Likeness money has been able to convince high school seniors to enroll in college early but could it keep a potential first-rounder like Derek Stingley at LSU for one more year?

Just a day ago, Stingley signed a NIL deal with Louisiana-based food delivery service Waitr, according to WAFB reporter Jacques Doucet.

On top of Waitr, the LSU star has deals with Raising Canes, Walk-On’s, a Baton Rouge-based Bistreaux & Bar, and Jimmy Granger’s Ford dealership.

On3’s Ashton Pollard contributed to this report.