Ed Orgeron weighs in on Derrius Guice playing in LSU's bowl game and his NFL future

When the LSU Tigers take the field for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Year’s Day, they’ll have star RB Derrius Guice in the backfield.

Guice is a likely first-round pick if he decides to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft, but unlike Leonard Fournette last year, he won’t sit out the Tigers’ bowl game.

On Tuesday, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said Guice’s decision to play means a lot to him and to the LSU program:

Orgeron on Guice playing in the bowl: "Means a lot. Derrius loves football. He wants to finish strong. I'm sure he's motivated."#LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 12, 2017

It’s important to note that Fournette was dealing with an injury last season around bowl time, while Guice is now seemingly fully healthy after dealing with injuries earlier this year.

Everyone seems to think Guice will eventually declare for the draft, but Coach O said he hasn’t heard for sure what Guice’s plans are:

Orgeron on Guice: "I'm not sure he's making a total decision on leaving after talking to him. We'll see."

Guice toying with the idea, despite being a 1st rounder, of returning, sounds like. #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 12, 2017

Coach O would certainly love to have Guice back next year, but if the star running back can make first-round money by going to the NFL, he should strongly consider it.

He hasn’t made a decision yet, though, so LSU fans can hold out hope that he’ll be back for one more ride in 2018.