LSU football starter Neil Farrell returns to team after opting out due to COVID-19

LSU football got some good news with the return of starting defensive lineman Neil Farrell who returns to the team after opting out in August.

LSU football has been decimated with defections from last year’s National Championship team. After 14 players were picked in the NFL Draft and more signed as undrafted free agents, the losses continued in the offseason with players opting out due to COVID-19 concerns, including Biletnikoff winner and All-American, Ja’Marr Chase.

The defensive line was hit hard with losses with Neil Farrell and Tyler Shelvin opting out. Shelvin opted out primarily to prep for the NFL Draft, but Farrell opted out due to COVID concerns when his grandmother was in the hospital fighting the virus.

But Farrell is returning to the team this week after his team voted to allow him to return to the starting lineup at one of the defensive end spots, which could be among the best in the SEC and across the nation. The Athletic reported the news and the vote to allow Farrell to return to the Tigers.

Farrell tweeted his grandmother was getting better and he missed football so with Farrell back, it brings a starter back to the lineup and increases the depth in the interior of the line.

Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini should have a good group with which to work this season despite the losses to the NFL Draft and transfer portal in the offseason and preseason.

With Farrell back, Glen Logan and Apu Ika figure to compete for starters reps opposite him. And the reserves include a group that includes Jaquelin Roy, Jacobian Guillory, Joseph Evans and Jarell Cherry.

Farrell made three starts in 2019 while appearing in all 15 games, totaling 46 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for loss and 12 run-stuffs. the latter three led LSU defensive linemen. He has the potential to be even better in Pelini’s 3-4 front where he could be a quick, athletic, pass-rusher from the interior of the line.

With a strong 2020 season, Farrell could boost his draft stock which would not have been possible by opting out.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.