WATCH: 5-star early enrollee Derek Stingley looks the part in first spring practice with LSU
Derek Stingley may be the most hyped recruit to land in Baton Rouge since the arrival of Leonard Fournette, and based on LSU’s current depth chart at cornerback, there’s an outstanding chance the five-star defensive back plays a significantly larger role in his first season on campus than Fournette had during his debut season as a Tiger.
Rated as the nation’s No. 1 cornerback prospect and No. 3 overall recruit in the 2019 recruiting cycle by 247Sports Composite Rankings, Stingley made the wise decision to enroll early at LSU in order to participate in the team’s spring practice. The Tigers hit the practice field for the first time on Thursday and No. 24 was one of the highlights from the first day of practice.
“I thought Derek Stingley had a tremendous day,” Orgeron noted during his media availability after practice.
Not only will the team be counting on Stingley potentially starting at corner next season, but he is also being considered as the team’s primary punt returner next season. While projections of how much he contributes next season may be premature, Stingley passed his first test during the team’s first practice of spring.
Several media members in attendance at practice made sure to capture Stingley in action. Here is a roundup of several videos featuring the true freshman defensive back:
#LSU spring practice No. 1 is rolling.
Here’s 5-star freshman Derek Stingley as he kicks off his college career. pic.twitter.com/8jpmutrlqN
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) March 7, 2019
No. 1 recruit Derek Stingley in his first spring practice #LSU pic.twitter.com/XRGGVZEHdH
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) March 7, 2019
5* Recruit Derek Stingley (@JrStingley) running through drills fitting in nicely pic.twitter.com/XZEfdtyJ3d
— Josh Sibley (@RealJSibley) March 7, 2019
Derek Stingley at #LSU practice to start spring. @WAFB pic.twitter.com/alj3QRxMsJ
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) March 7, 2019
And there’s Derek Stingley, the No. 1 corner of the 2019 class. #LSU pic.twitter.com/wypuAifquP
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) March 7, 2019