For LSU OL Ethan Pocic, his time in Baton Rouge has come to a close.  In a heartfelt farewell note to Tigers fans, Pocic, an Illinois native, looks back on his time in the Bayou and why he feels “part southerner.”

I learned to eat and love crawfish, say “y’all”, and throw beads at Mardi Gras parades. I am thankful to my teammates/friends, coaches, weight room staff, athletic trainers, academic support staff, and LSU’s great fan base for supporting me every step of the way. I wouldn’t have been able to graduate college and became the football player I am today without their support.

I can honestly say after living here through four football seasons that I am now part southerner and have loved every second of it. I will never forget what it felt like to play in front of 100,000+ fans in Death Valley on Saturday nights. As a kid, I never would have thought I would have the privilege to play for and graduate from LSU.

Pocic’s full letter is available on LSU’s official site.