For the second straight day, the LSU defense lost a member of the unit. Coach Ed Orgeron announced on Tuesday that DE Justin Thomas has left the team.

Thomas appeared in 5 games last season with 8 tackles, a sack and 2 tackles for a loss. In 2018, Thomas played in 4 games, recording 4 tackles and half-sack for a 4-yard loss. He had a career-high 3 tackles to go along with half-sack in home-opener against Southeastern Louisiana. Thomas also chipped in a tackle in the win over No. 2 Georgia.

Thomas was expected to be in the mix as a backup defensive end, and possibly challenge for a starting position, under new coordinator Bo Pelini.

Thomas was a 3-star prospect out of Daphne, Alabama and was listed at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds.

The news of Thomas’ departure follows two other defensive players electing to opt out on the season. DB Kary Vincent Jr. and DE Neil Farrell each have opted out of playing this season.