When LSU takes the field for the Fiesta Bowl against UCF on New Year’s Day, the Tigers will do so with only one of their two draft-eligible star defenders.

While LB Devin White is planning on suiting up, star DB Greedy Williams will sit out to get ready for the 2019 NFL Draft, where he’s expected to be a first-round pick.

On Tuesday, White said he doesn’t want people to judge Williams harshly. He said it was a tough decision for Williams, adding that he’ll be able to take care of his young daughter with the money he makes in the draft:

“At the end of the day, we’re two different people,” White says. “We play for two different reasons. I respect his reason. I talked to him while he was making his decision. He told me he felt like he was ready to go pro and he said he felt like he shouldn’t play in the game because of a lot of past incidents with a lot of other top players at the position.

“I’m around his daughter just as much as he is and I couldn’t do nothing but respect it. Me and Greedy were together before he came out with it and I mean, he cried like a baby. That’s how much he wanted to be around us. That’s what a lot of people don’t know — it wasn’t an easy decision for him. …

“He’ll take care of his daughter and his family for the rest of his life.”

While White will certainly miss playing alongside his friend one last time, it’s really cool that he gave such a good answer to this question, defending Williams against those questioning his desire and loyalty.