LSU linebacker Tahj Jones, three teammates ineligible to play

Baton Rouge, LA, United States (4E Sports) – LSU coach Les Miles announced that veteran linebacker Tahj Jones and three other players will not play this season but refused to divulge reasons behind their ineligibility.

Aside from Jones, offensive lineman Evan Washington, tight end Tyler Edwards and linebacker D.J. Welter will not also see action for the Tigers this year.

A source close to the program said the four were ruled academically ineligible but Miles refused to confirm it. “Those guys will not play this year. I don’t know if I can tell you specifics,” Miles said.

The situation was a big blow to the Tigers’ roster depth as they have already lost Tyrann Mathieu to dismissal while junior offensive tackle Chris Faulk, freshman wide receiver Travin Dural and sophomore defensive end Jordan Allen are out for the season with injuries.

Before LSU’s season opener, Miles announced that Jones had been ruled academically ineligible but was undergoing an appeal. He has not played in either of the Tigers’ two games this season.

Miles has been planning to start Jones as s strong-side linebacker. While Jones is ironing out his problems, fellow junior Luke Muncie will continue to start in his place.

The 6-2, 205-pound Jones saw significant playing time as a reserve with one start, registering 27 tackles, while Edwards played in 39 games in three years with one start and one pass reception for 10 yards. He was mainly used as a blocker in multiple tight end sets.

Welter played in seven games last season and had five tackles while Washington was redshirted in 2010 and did not play last season due to injury.

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