Make it an even 10 LSU football players leaving the school early to enter this spring’s NFL draft.
And this one was not expected.
But multiple outlets Wednesday reported that LSU offensive tackle Chris Faulk has decided to forgo his senior season for the
lure of the NFL.
LSU officials haven’t confirmed Faulk’s decision, but a Twitter message from Pro Source Sports, which represents pro athletes, said Wednesday that it “is excited to announce that LSU OT Chris Faulk has joined the Pro Source Sports team.”
If true, it would mean Faulk has hired an agent and could not change his mind.
Two of LSU’s other 10 early entries, defensive end Barkevious “KeKe” Mingo and defensive tackle Bennie Logan, have also signed
with the management company.
Faulk was a preseason All-American and projected as a first-round pick by many websites back in August.
But that was before he suffered a major knee injury in practice a few days after LSU’s season opener. He missed the remainder
of the season after having reconstructive knee surgery.
Before the injury the 6-foot-6, 325-pound junior from Slidell’s Northshore High School was considered LSU’s best offensive
lineman.
After redshirting as a true freshman, he earned a starting job late in the 2010 season at right tackle and then started 13
of LSU’s 14 games in 2011 at left tackle.
Most of the scouting reports on Faulk marvel at the athleticism and footwork he has to go along with such a large and muscular
frame.
Louisiana-based NFL analyst Mike Detillier has been quoted as saying that, although Faulk’s injury was significant, he is
ahead of schedule in his rehab and hopes to be able to work out for NFL teams before the April draft.
It continues a mass stampede of LSU juniors to the NFL. Faulk joins Mingo, Logan, defensive end Sam Montgomery, safety Eric
Reid, cornerback Tharold Simon, linebacker Kevin Minter, running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford and punter Brad Ware
in giving up their senior seasons.