During almost the entirety of his time in Baton Rouge, LB/pass rush specialist Arden Key has been a difference maker.

The 6-foot-6, 238-pound Key made the Freshman All-American team in 2015, then followed up that performance by setting LSU’s single-season sack record with 12 last season.

Though Key has always made headlines on the field, his biggest splash may have come during the offseason. After the conclusion of LSU’s 2016 season, Key announced that he would be stepping away from the game for personal reasons.

Now, fans are eagerly anticipating news on their star pass rusher’s return – and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has an update.

When asked about Key during an event in Alabama, Aranda told AL.com that he was “hopeful” for his return and said that he hopes to hear news within the week.

“Arden’s been around, so I’ve seen Arden. Arden’s looking good. We get back together next week with a full staff. … I anticipate at that time that we’ll hear about Arden’s direction and where he’s going and whether he’ll be with us or not.”

Though his hope may be strong, Aranda says that he is prepared to move on without the star LB if the situation plays out that way.

“I’m very hopeful that he will be (back). I think we have a defense with Arden and a defense without Arden. There’s two very separate entities there. I’m pulling for the one with.”