LSU Football: 5 players trending up after spring 2019

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with Michael Divinity Jr. #45 of the LSU Tigers after their 22-21 win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with Michael Divinity Jr. #45 of the LSU Tigers after their 22-21 win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 01: Linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. #45 of the LSU Tigers reacts after causing a fumble during the first quarter of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 01: Linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. #45 of the LSU Tigers reacts after causing a fumble during the first quarter of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Did Michael Divinity Jr. need to “make a name for himself” this spring? No, he’s already done that as one of the best linebackers in the SEC, but by deciding to return for his senior year, he’s set the bar high and it looks like he’s ready to achieve his goals after a strong spring.

Divinity Jr. looked like one of the top defenders on the team this spring and took that next step. He had a strong spring game with a forced fumble on the first running play of the day and only stayed consistent from there. He was making plays all afternoon and that has fans feeling good about the immediate future at linebacker.

The senior has shown his versatility, too, playing mostly outside linebacker, but moving to the middle linebacker spot during practices to make up for the injured Jacob Phillips.

If you thought this defense was going to take a step back in 2019 with some key departures, think again. We might be talking about Divinity Jr. as an early-round selection after next season with an absolute breakout campaign — set up by a strong spring.