LSU celebrated the new year when Ali Gaye, junior defensive end, tweeted that he would return to the program for a second season.
Of all the potential players who were on the fence to return to school or follow the NFL, Gaye had to have the highest priority. Gaye was the All-SEC from the second team after chasing 38 tackles and four sacks out of pocket in 2020.
Gaye came to LSU as one of the highest-ranked JUCO players in the 2020 class and had a spectacular debut against the Mississippi state. Gaye had a total of 11 tackles, he added nine more rabbits and hit a few passes. He finished 2020 on a high note against Ole Miss. Gaye made six tackles, fired Matt Corral twice, selected Corral and forced the game into the fourth quarter.
With the return of Gaye, LSU should have one of the better defensive lines in the country. A top four (three?) From Gaye, BJ Ojulari, Jaquelin Roy and Maason Smith looks awfully good on paper.
Gaye is the second player of impact to decide to return to LSU. Center Liam Shanahan tweeted on Christmas Eve that he would take advantage of the extra year of fitness the NCAA grants to all fall athletes.