Fournette won't play in bowl game; LSU career over
LSU running back Leonard Fournette will sit out the Citrus Bowl as he continues to recover from the ankle injury that has bothered him all season, he told reporters Friday.
Fournette will accompany the Tigers to Orlando for the Dec. 31 game to support his teammates, but won't suit up against Louisville. Instead, the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder will focus on his health and the upcoming NFL draft.
"Just to get 100 percent," Fournette said of his decision not to play another game for LSU, according to Ross Dellenger of The Advocate. He added that his ankle is currently about 85-90 percent healthy.
LF: This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, not playing in the bowl, but it's best for me and my future.
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 16, 2016
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The junior noted he won't require surgery on the ankle, which has been an issue throughout the season. He initially sprained it in fall camp, then re-aggravated it in the season opener versus Wisconsin, and was in and out of the lineup all year as a result.
Fournette's prolific collegiate career will, therefore, end with 3,830 yards and 40 touchdowns on the ground in three seasons. He registered 843 yards and eight touchdowns this year while missing three-plus games due to injury.
Fournette on telling #LSU players about the news: "A lot of them got real emotional."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 16, 2016
When Fournette announced his NFL intentions 11 days ago, he said he hoped to be healthy enough to play in the Citrus Bowl.
Fournette is projected to be a top-five draft selection.