Typically it wouldn’t be a big deal for a big-time NFL prospect to be down in Mobile, Al., around this time. But players participating in the week of the Senior Bowl are typically just that, seniors.
LSU junior Tyrann Mathieu is hanging around Mobile not to participate in team practices or Saturday’s game, but to rub elbows with some possible future employers, according to Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio. Typically juniors have to wait for the NFL Scouting Combine in February to make an impression with NFL teams, but Mathieu’s agent, Patrick Lawlor, encouraged him to get an early start.
The player known as the “Honey Badger” was dismissed from Louisiana State for reportedly failing multiple drug tests. He entered drug rehab rather than transferring from LSU, and then re-enrolled at school merely as a student. Mathieu got in trouble with the law in October for possession of marijuana.
Mathieu played with the Tigers during his true freshman and sophomore seasons in 2010 and 2011. The cornerback/special teamer was known as a playmaker during his time in college. He recorded four interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, two touchdowns on punt returns, 11 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in his two seasons in Baton Route, La.
