LSU reportedly losing three players to NFL draft

LSU All-American cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers have decided to enter the NFL draft, according to multiple media reports. LSU has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference with coach Les Miles. Claiborne, who led LSU with six interceptions in the 2011 season and returned one for a touchdown, also won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. In addition, Claiborne was LSU’s top kickoff returner, averaging 25 yards per return with one touchdown that went 99 yards at West Virginia. He is projected to be a potential top 10 pick in the draft. Brockers had 10 tackles for loss for the season and blocked an Alabama field goal in the BCS championship game. A third LSU player, wide receiver Russell Shepard, has indicated on Twitter that he will not return for his senior season. There has been some confusion about whether Shepard would be declaring for the draft or transferring from LSU, but a Tigers teammate told ESPN’s Joe Schad that Shepard informed him of his intention to make himself eligible for the draft. Shepard was a highly recruited quarterback/receiver who never fulfilled his potential with the Tigers. After beginning the season under suspension for breaking an NCAA rule—he discussed with a teammate an ongoing investigation concerning the relationship scouting service provider Willie Lyles had with LSU and other schools—Shepard had only 14 catches for 190 yards and four touchdowns. Shepard’s career numbers in three seasons are 52 catches for 478 yards and five scores. He also rushed for two touchdowns as a sophomore.