From one LSU standout to another, Tyrann Mathieu is a big-time supporter of the current star for the LSU Tigers, Derek Stingley Jr.

“Duh he’s no. 7,” Mathieu tweeted in response to a Pro Football Focus tweet about Stingley being must-watch TV and the best athlete on the field this fall. “If he win Thorpe or Heisman I’ll donate another million to LSU.”

Stingley has lived up to his 5-star potential as he contributed to LSU’s national championship. In 2019, Stingley finished with 38 tackles, six interceptions and 15 passes defended. The star corner was limited to seven games in 2020 and ended the year with 27 tackles and a forced fumble. Overall in his career, Stingley has six interceptions and 26 pass breakups; he’s also recorded 65 tackles, recovered a pair of fumbles and returns punts for an average of 11 yards.

Earlier this month, coach Ed Orgeron announced that Stingley Jr. would wear the famed No. 7 jersey for the 2021 season.

LSU proudly claims it’s DBU and Stingley may be the best DB ever at LSU. Stingley has been a two-time All-American and All-SEC selection. He’s a Thorpe award favorite heading into the 2021 season and is a projected top-five pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The tradition started when Mathieu inherited the number from Patrick Peterson in 2011. Since then Leonard Fournette, DJ Chark, and Grant Delpit have all worn the number. Last year JaCoby Stevens wore No. 7 after Ja’Marr Chase opted out of the 2020 season.