LSU loses defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy to NFL Draft

Junior defensive tackle will not play in Citrus Bowl

LSU junior defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy announced Tuesday he was declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. 

The Baton Rouge native, who prepped at University High, will not play in the team’s Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2 against Purdue.

“Growing up as a kid in Baton Rouge, the ultimate goal is to be a Tiger,” Roy wrote on his Twitter account. “My journey towards being a Tiger started earlier than most as a camper at 11 years old. 

“I attended the Lab for high school on the campus of LSU,” Roy continued. “It allowed me to take another step in the direction of becoming a Tiger. As I look back on my journey the truth is I have always been a Tiger and always will be. My years at the Lab school and LSU have shaped me into the man I am today.”

Roy becomes the fifth member of LSU’s 2022 to declare for the NFL, joining edge rusher BJ Ojulari, safety/cornerback Jay Ward, cornerback Mehki Garner and wide receiver Jaray Jenkins. 

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Roy took on the additional responsibility on LSU’s interior line this season when the Tigers lost defensive tackle Maason Smith to a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of the Florida State season opener. 

Roy finished with a career-high 49 tackles, the seventh best on the team and second among interior linemen. He had a career-best 12 tackles against Texas A&M. He added a 1 ½  tackles for loss and forced a fumble. 

For his career, Roy started in 13 of 35 games. He’s recorded 97 tackles with 13½ tackles and four sacks. 

Roy earned a four-star profile at U-High and was regarded as the state’s No. 1 prospect by 247Sports. He was the No. 71 overall player per ESPN. 

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William Weathers

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