Derek Stingley Jr.’s Heisman chances just got a whole lot better
LSU football cornerback Derek Stingley could make an even bigger impression on Heisman Trophy voters this year if he plays wide receiver.
Could star LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. pay on offense in 2021?
According to Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron, “that’s up to him.”
Orgeron said LSU has discussed the possibility of Stingley Jr. playing wide receiver on Sports Talk with Bobby Herbert and Kristian Garic on WWL in New Orleans.
“He may try a little offense in fall camp, see how it works,” Orgeron said. “Obviously, we’d like to use him, but that’s totally up to him. I gave him that opportunity and him and his daddy agreed. He’s spent two years playing corner. He’s ready.”
LSU could use some help at wide receiver as they work to replace the impact of Terrace Marshall Jr. It’s not the craziest idea in the world.
Derek Stingley Jr. could be a weapon at receiver for LSU in 2021
Stingley Jr. is one of the best cornerbacks in the country going into the fall. He already looks like a potential Top 10 draft pick.
Now he has the chance to do something none of LSU’s recent run of outstanding corners has managed: Winning the Heisman Trophy.
It matters that Stingley Jr. is considering contributing on offense. It’s pretty much the only way defensive players can get into the Heisman conversation.
The last defender to win the most prestigious award in college football was Charles Woodson of Michigan. How did he do it? He was the best defensive player in the country. Adding 231 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver and a touchdown as a punt returner put him over the top.
Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was fifth in Heisman voting in 2011 thanks to his stellar defense and exciting special teams highlights. Mathieu actually pledged $1 million to the Tigers if Stingley Jr. manages to win the Heisman.
Playing cornerback and receiver can be done successfully. Adoree’ Jackson, the 2016 Thorpe Award winner, starred on defense while catching 39 passes for 628 yards and six touchdowns during his three years at USC.
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