LSU linebacker Michael Divinity Jr reinstated for title game

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — No. 1 LSU has reinstated linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. for the national championship game against No. 3 Clemson.

Coach Ed Orgeron on Tuesday also discussed speculation about passing-game coordinator Joe Brady being sought for NFL jobs. Brady is credited with helping the Tigers to their best season on offense.

Divinity briefly left the team in mid-season and returned to practice on Nov. 18. He was prevented by LSU from playing in a handful of games because of violations of team rules.

Speaking by conference call, Orgeron said a decision was made to let Divinity, a 6-foot-2, 241-pound senior, play in the title game in New Orleans on Jan. 13.

“Mike has been a tremendous pass rusher for us. I know we’re definitely going to use him,” Orgeron said. “He’ll be back in a role, what he’s doing, and we’ll see what fits best.

“It all depends where we need him,” Orgeron continued. “Our inside guys are playing well. We could use him outside in some situations. That could allow JaCoby Stevens to go back to a safety position or a corner position. … And then obviously in our pass rush scheme, Mike is one of our best pass rushers. So I think he immediately goes back to starting on our dime (six-defensive back) package.”

Divinity has played in five games this season and has four tackles for loss, including three sacks. As a junior, Divinity had 10 1/2 tackles for loss and was LSU’s co-leader in sacks with five.

Meanwhile, Orgeron expressed optimism that Brady would return to his offensive staff next season. Brady’s name has popped up as a candidate for possible NFL coordinator openings this offseason.

“Let’s see what happens at the end of the run here,” Orgeron said. “You know football, you never can tell what’s going to happen, but I feel confident saying Joe is going to be here with us at LSU. He’s a great young man. We’ve just about got everything wrapped up. Not completely finalized yet, but we’re very close.”

Led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow, LSU has averaged 564.2 yards and 48.9 points a game this season, leading the nation in both categories.