LSU star defensive end Ali Gaye announces decision on future

While Brian Kelly has hit the ground running in his efforts to rebuild the LSU Tigers football program, he and fans of the team will be excited to know they had one of their key defensive players returning to the team. LSU defensive end Ali Gaye is returning for the 2022 season, he announced on Tuesday. The former JUCO standout for Garden City C.C. suffered a season-ending injury that required surgery as his NFL Draft stock was soaring.

Gaye announced his decision to join the team for one more year on his personal Instagram account with a powerful message attached.

Before his injury, the 6-6, 250-pounder from Edmonds, WA added 19 tackles, (13 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a pass breakup in just four games. He heads into 2022 with 51 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception across 14 games.

LSU adds to D-line via transfer portal

The LSU Tigers are landing transfer portal prospects every day now it seems like. The latest to join Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge is former Missouri defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.

Wingo, a class of 2021 signee, announced his decision on Twitter on Tuesday.

“Back to the Basics,” Wingo wrote, alongside his commitment graphic.

Nebraska, Oklahoma State, USC and more were all in the mix for his services. As this is a first transfer for Mekhi Wingo, he will be immediately eligible to play in 2022.

In 2021, Wingo notched 27 tackles, two TFLs, one sack and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. His performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC Freshman team. Wingo is currently 6-foot-1, 275 pounds.

As a senior at DeSmet, he had 54 tackles as a senior in a COVID-shortened 2020 season. That followed a monster 2019 season when he had 97 tackles including 29 for loss and 15 sacks.