Louisiana defensive back Mekhi Garner was part of the exodus from Lafayette following the hiring of Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Billy Napier to the same position at Florida.

Garner was a key player in the secondary for Napier during his time with the program. In 2020, he registered 27 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 7 passes defensed, while landing on the All-Sun Belt 3rd team in 2021 after totaling 31 tackles, 8 passes defensed, and 2.5 tackles for a loss.

It wouldn’t have been surprising to see Garner follow his former head coach to Gainesville and look to increase his profile in the SEC. On Tuesday, he announced that he will indeed play in the SEC, but it won’t be in Florida. Instead, Garner will remain within the state and play for Brian Kelly at LSU:

New beginnings!! #chos1en #newera @CoachBrianKelly pic.twitter.com/38hTLPifW3

— Mekhi Garner (@TheMekhiGarner) January 11, 2022

“I am very appreciative of everyone at (Louisiana) that has helped me during my time there. I will never forget the memories with my teammates there,” Garner wrote. “Also, thank you to all of the coaches that have offered and recruited me. I am blessed to say I am 100% committed to LSU. Geaux Tigers.”

A successful season at the SEC level after a strong run at Louisiana should be enough to get Garner some major NFL Draft looks for 2023, so he’ll be motivated to make the most of a new opportunity in Baton Rouge.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.