LSU has a prospective new mascot.

His name is Harvey, but if he checks out with the university veterinary staff he’ll soon be known as Mike the Tiger. More specifically, Mike VII.

https://twitter.com/lsu/status/897921565974724608

It’s kind of like when Joseph Ratzinger got a new gig and everyone started calling him Pope Benedict XVI.

But I digress.

Just like the Tigers football practices, Harvey will not be seen by the public or the media until his quarantine ends in a week or so. It’s kind of like a recruit awaiting approval from the NCAA clearinghouse.

Once white puffs of smoke emerge from Tiger Stadium to announce the inauguration of Mike VII, it will mark the continuation of a popular tradition that’s nearly a century old.

Mike VII replaces, naturally, Mike VI, who died of cancer last October. Mike VI’s terminal diagnosis was made public weeks before his passing and lots of folks stopped by his habitat near Tiger Stadium to say goodbye.

Plenty more are eager for a chance to stop by and say hello to the eventual Mike VII, whose picture was released to the media earlier this week.

At just 11 months of age, Harvey has a lot to learn about being Mike VII. Fortunately for him, though, Mike VI left behind some tips for him to follow.

Fortunately for you, we got an exclusive look at it.

Here’s what Mike VI had to say:

“Hello, Mike VII. Welcome to LSU.

“Sorry I’m not around to show you the ropes, but we Siberian Bengals are pretty sharp. You’ll pick things up fine.

“First, it’s important to develop a good, long-lasting relationship with the head coach even though you’ll have much greater job security than he’ll have. I don’t know this Ed Orgeron guy too well. He talks kinda funny, but so did my guy, Les Miles. Miles used to stop by after practice and we’d munch on some grass together. Good dude.

“I do know Coach O is a Louisiana boy, so he’ll appreciate all us Mikes.

“As for you, remember, you’re the boss. If you don’t want to sit through the Chattanooga game, no one’s gonna make you. Half the season-ticket holders won’t show up for that one. Why should you? Save yourself for Auburn and Arkansas and A&M. On the afternoon of the Chattanooga game, just act like you’ve got a stomach ache. They’re not gonna try and force you into that little cage they use to wheel you around the stadium.

“Speaking of cages, they’re gonna call that thing you live in a habitat, but don’t let them fool you. It’s a cage. It’s a relatively nice cage, but a cage nonetheless.

“Now, stage fright. You’re bound to have some, especially in the beginning. There are going to be lots of people in that stadium and they’re going to be looking for you. All you have to do is when they wheel you around the stadium, roar a few times and everybody will be happy. The fans’ expectations are a lot lower for you than they are for the football team. If you growl a little louder when you pass the other team’s bench, all the better. Listen for people yelling, “Tiger bait! Tiger bait!” That’s your cue.

“Now for the good stuff. You’ll be very well fed. You’ll be universally loved — and feared. You’ll have your own personal vet and the kids from the vet school are great.

“All in all, it’s really a pretty easy gig. Hasn’t changed much in 83 years.

“Love,

“Mike VI.”