When Tyrann Mathieu stepped into the national spotlight during the 2011 season, it was thought that if the young defensive back could keep his nose clean he would be one of the all-time greats in college football. Unfortunately, he couldn’t.
Nicknamed the “Honey Badger” for his tenacious play and his never-quit attitude, Mathieu’s fall from grace has been one for the ages.
When LSU coach Les Miles removed Mathieu from the program prior to the start of the 2012 campaign, it was hoped that the electric player who was once considered a Heisman candidate would clean up his act. Once again, he didn’t.
Now out of the LSU picture, the former star has decided to move on with his football career. According to ESPN’s Joe Schad, Mathieu will declare for the 2013 NFL draft.
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While Mathieu’s talent has never been in doubt, his draft stock is very much a question mark. Whether a team decides to take a chance on the enigmatic defensive back is anyone’s guess, but if the Honey Badger can straighten his problems out, he could end up being a draft-day bargain for a team willing to take that risk.
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Tyrann Mathieu
