Eleven LSU football players to study abroad in Senegal

Eleven LSU football players will get a unique opportunity to soak in a different culture this offseason. According to a press release from the team, the players are set to travel to Dakar, Senegal next week for a study abroad program.

The LSU football players traveling to Senegal are: running back Noah Cain, receiver Chris Hilton, offensive tackle Emery Jones, receiver Malik Nabers, linebacker West Weeks, running back Josh Williams, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, offensive lineman Bo Bordelon, receiver Javen Nicholas, defensive lineman Fitzgerald West and long snapper Slade Roy.

This marks the first time that LSU football has participated in a study abroad program. The trip will last eight days, with the players set to leave May 13 and return to Baton Rouge on May 21.

“One of the things that I have tried to do since coming to LSU is to not only set the standards and the process of building a program that graduates champions, but to help our players establish an identity outside of football,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “To get the opportunity to study abroad is an experience that student-athletes really don’t get the chance to do so for our players to be able to participate in this unique educational program is something that I think will have a lifelong impact on them.”

The itinerary for the program give the players a wide array of unique experiences during their time abroad. According to the press release, it will “purposely explore the course themes of race, sports, and civic engagement in a Senegalese context.”

The courses will also reportedly tie in how the culture of Senegal has direct ties to the state of Louisiana. The student athletes will learn Senegal’s Wolof language, engage in a service-learning opportunity with an international NGO, and meet local Senegalese families.

Kelly hopes they will return home having broadened their educational horizons after the trip.

“I want our players to have the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and to really take ownership in their studies and to understand that there’s much more out there than just being a football player,” he said. “The opportunities of being an LSU football player go far beyond the field so I want to use the study abroad program to help them understand that. This is one of those pieces that we can continue to build on as we work with their identity outside of football and they are excited about it.”