LSU football linebacker announces 2024 return

Tis the season for decisions and announcements, particularly when it comes to the 2024 college football season. For coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers, this means they’re beginning to sort out their roster for the upcoming season in addition to preparing for their rapidly approaching bowl game. Today, things got a bit more clear for the defense, as LSU football linebacker Greg Penn III announced his return.

LSU football linebacker Greg Penn III to return for the 2024 season

There was a lot to not like about the Tiger defense in 2023. Still, one positive to take away is the fact that there was plenty of youth spread throughout the entire unit.

Many of what were considered veterans on the roster were sophomores and juniors, while teams throughout the country had entire teams filled with fifth and sixth year players.

Now, as we begin to look ahead to the 2024 season, this could quickly turn a struggling group into one that thrives. The players know the coaching staff better and they gained plenty of experience throughout this past season. Now all they need is for some top performers to return for another year.

Today, things got off to a good start, as LSU football linebacker Greg Penn III announced that we more than likely haven’t seen the last of him in Baton Rouge.

“As of right now, I plan on coming back next year,” the veteran linebacker told the media this afternoon.

Notably, he mentioned wanting to get the 2024 year off to a hot start, with an opportunity coming up on New Year’s Day vs. Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“I think everyone wants to start off going into 2024 on the right note. So I think us going out there and coming out with the victory will help us do that.”

The veteran linebacker hoping for an improved defense

The Tiger defense struggled thoroughly throughout the 2023 season. While the offense was one of the very best nationally, things were as close to opposite as it gets on the other side of the ball.

Through 12 games, they allowed 409.2 yards and 27.75 points per game, ranking No. 101 and No. 78 respectively. For anyone who’s ever followed the LSU football program, these are jarring numbers.

Historically, the Tigers have been a defense led program, and if you ask the players, they plan on getting back to those ways as soon as they can.

“I think we just need to go out there and show improvement,” LSU football linebacker Greg Penn III said. “Obviously, this whole year, we haven’t played to our standard. Everybody in the building knows that. The guys in the room know that, we know we need to play better.

“I think everyone’s looked in the mirror and we know that we need to play better, and I think starting in this bowl game, having great execution and going out there and playing hard will really help us going into the next year.”

The 2024 year is getting off to a fast start as coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers will make their way down to Florida on December 26, before facing off against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 11:00 a.m. CST as LSU looks to earn their 10th win of the season.

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