LSU's JaCoby Stevens, a former Oakland football star, to return for senior season

Cecil Joyce
Murfreesboro Daily News Journal

Former Oakland star and LSU junior JaCoby Stevens will return to the Tigers for his senior season, he tweeted Wednesday.

Stevens, who started at safety for the Tigers, helped LSU claim the national championship with a 42-25 win over Clemson on Monday.

Stevens wrote in the tweet, "The 2019 season has been an absolute dream come true. Only God can write a script like this. As a kid growing up in Nashville, my dream has always been to play under the lights in Death Valley. Another dream was to be a national champion while suiting up in the purple and gold as an LSU Tiger. I thank God that I have had the opportunity to realize both of those dreams.

“After winning the national championship, I feel like this is only the beginning to something special. After much thought, prayer and talking with my family, coaches and the people closest to me, I have decided to return for my senior year in pursuit to leave my legacy at LSU.”

A former Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Football selection at Oakland, Stevens recorded 90 tackles and three interceptions during his junior season at LSU, including seven tackles and a sack during the national championship game.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder is projected by NFL Draftsite.com as a second-rounder (38th overall) in a 2021 mock draft.

Stevens' teammate and former East Nashville standout Jacob Phillips announced he was declaring for the NFL Draft earlier Wednesday. The inside linebacker led LSU in tackles this season.