BREAKING: Travonte Valentine is back at LSU
By Ryan Bartow August 8, 2016
Former LSU defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is back with the Tigers and has been ruled eligible to play right away, as first-reported by 247Sports.
He’s now on LSU’s campus, and the elite JUCO product will practice immediately with the Tigers when camp begins this week.
This is a major shot in the arm for LSU’s program heading into the 2016 campaign.
Valentine has three years of eligibility remaining to play for the Bayou Bengals.
This time around, the Tigers get not only a bigger and stronger Valentine, but more importantly a more dialed-in individual.
“I want to focus on my three years at LSU to graduate and hopefully win a few National Championships,” Valentine said. “I’ve matured as a man since I left and want to prove myself to the wonderful fans at LSU.”
Valentine originally signed with LSU and was on the squad in 2014, but wasn’t eligible to play, thus redshirting. He was dismissed from LSU last summer due to team violations.
Valentine played last fall at Yuma, Ariz./Arizona Western Junior College. He then transferred to Perkinston, Miss./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
There, Valentine returned to his once promising form. Valentine was as impressive as anyone in the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, at times being unblockable. It’s what helped brand him as a national Top 50 blue chip prospect.
Valentine said his former position coach Ed Orgeron came down to see him during the Spring Evaluation Period and left impressed. The LSU defensive line coach saw the flashes of greatness he saw just two years prior.
“Coach O said I can be one of the best defense tackles in the country if stay focused,” Valentine said. “If I stay away from the bad crowds and cling to my teammates.”
The four-star recruit has worked tirelessly to improve his conditioning and power.
Valentine (6-4, 330) bench presses 225 pounds 30 times and power cleans 315 pounds. He runs a sub 13-second 110-meter dash.
Valentine is ranked as the nation’s No. 1 defensive tackle in JUCO for this cycle by the 247SportsComposite.
With a positive support system in place, Valentine is refreshed and excited about his second chance as a Tiger.
He’s ready to make it count this time.
He’s grown and matured, both physically and mentally. He knows not too many people are lucky enough to have a second chance, especially with the same team.
It’s his time to shine and make good on his blessings.
“I feel being around my teammates will help me focus,” Valentine said. “I'm focused this time. I'm older, more mature and hungry for a National Championship.”
It’s rare in college football to land a ready-to-play, impact talent on the opening days of camp, especially one that’s already familiar with his surroundings.
Valentine isn’t your regular newcomer. He’s a guy that can help right away.
He can provide a big-time combination with Davon Godchaux at nose guard in Dave Aranda’s vaunted 3-4 defense.
Not too many in the nation can have Godchaux wear down a center or guard and then tap in a Valentine to push that lineman into submission.
Valentine also has the goods be able to command double teams, which should allow defensive linemen like Christian LaCouture, Lewis Neal and others to get better match-ups.
Orgeron now has that weapon in his ****nal.
“I’m a team player and want to help Christian LaCouture hold the middle down and allow Godchaux to play to his strength,” Valentine said.
Most of all, Valentine realizes this is his potential winning lottery ticket in life. It’s come around again, and in the same shade it did originally.
He’s more prepared this time to cash it in.
“I understand some don't want me back,” Valentine said. “I’m just going to work hard on and off the field. I know it’s a privilege to wear the purple and gold.”
