LSU DB Jay Ward declares for 2023 NFL Draft
LSU defensive back Jay Ward declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Wednesday, he announced on Twitter. Ward displayed terrific versatility in Baton Rouge, playing both corner and safety.
In 2022, he started eight of 12 games played, notching 57 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and grabbing an interception against Mississippi State.
In 2021, Ward made starts in all 11 games he played in, mostly at safety. He finished third on team in tackles with 71 and led the Tigers with two interceptions while adding four pass breakups and blocking a kick against Auburn.
After winning a National Championship and playing in 13 games in 2019 as a freshman, he played in nine games with three starts in 2020. Jay Ward finished year with 29 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions, including a key interception at Florida. He blocked a kick at Arkansas to hold onto a win for LSU.
Jay Ward pens emotional letter to LSU
Ward penned a letter to Tiger Nation when he announced his decision.
“I would like to thank the man above because without him none of this would have been possible,” Ward wrote in his tweet. “I would also like to thank my coaches, family, friends and loved ones who have stuck with me through the bad and good along this journey.
“I would also like to thank the best school in the nation for allowing me to chase my dreams. I was able to make many memories and create bonds that will live with me forever.
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“My time in Baton Rouge has been special, but I have reached a point in my career where I have to make a decision about my future. I will be pursuing a lifelong dream and declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.”
A full-time starter for the past three seasons, Jay Ward originally committed to the Tigers in 2019 as a three-star prospect. According to the On3 Consensus, the Colquitt County product ranked as the No. 47 cornerback in the nation.
The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.
The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.
