Leonard Fournette won't play in LSU's bowl game

Good thing LSU has a talented backup running back in Derrius Guice.

On Friday, star RB Leonard Fournette, an expected first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, announced he would not be able to play in the Tigers’ bowl game on New Year’s Eve:

Leonard Fournette and Coach O have decided Fournette will not play in bowl to get his ankle 100 percent for draft, Fournette said at presser

— Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) December 16, 2016

Though some around college football might question Fournette’s decision to sit out to preserve his future NFL career, he said he’s tried his best to make it back, but he’s simply not healthy enough to play:

"I'm not a quitter. I tried to play through it the best as I could." – Leonard Fournette

— Alex Hickey (@bigahickey) December 16, 2016

However, he added he’d still be in Orlando to cheer on his teammates at the Citrus Bowl:

Fournette will be at #LSU's bowl game to "support the team."

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 16, 2016

Fournette now officially ends his LSU career with 3,830 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns.

LSU and Louisville square off on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. Central time. The game can be seen on ABC.