It is kind of an awkward time for underclassmen thinking of entering the 2017 NFL draft. On the one hand, most of the top guys have to have pretty much decided that they will be turning pro this winter, but with their teams still involved in the fight for bowl positions, they don’t want to be a distraction if asked about their plans. LSU junior RB Len Fournette, who is projected to be a top 5-10 pick this coming April, gave the politically correct ‘I’m 50-50’ answer as to whether he would be entering this year’s draft which is actually pretty much a foregone conclusion. At the same time, a total of 9 other LSU seniors have received all-star game invitations. ILB Kendell Beckwith, C Ethan Pocic and CB Tre’Davious White, for example, have been invited to the Senior Bowl, while WR Travin Dural, OLB Tashawn Bower, OG Josh Boutte, TE Colin Jeter, DT Christian LaCouture and LB Duke Riley have received invitations to the NFLPA game. LaCouture is perhaps the most interesting invite as he did not play this fall after he suffered a season-ending injury during preseason camp and would be eligible to return to school next season, but is not expected to seek a redshirt year. In fact, the school has confirmed that LaCouture will take part in Senior Day activities … Elsewhere, Michigan junior DT Maurice Hurst has said he’s leaning toward returning as a fifth-year senior next season, rather than turning pro. However, Hurst also indicated that he won’t make final decision until after the decision. although sources indicate that he is indeed inclined to return to school for another year.
