Travonte Valentine Returns to LSU After Leaving Program Amid Off-Field Issues

LSU defensive tackle Travonte Valentine returned to the program on Monday. He originally left the Tigers on July 15 after reportedly failing multiple drug tests and missing a significant number of classes.

Ryan Bartow of 247Sports reported the word of Valentine's return, noting that the defensive tackle "will practice immediately with the Tigers when camp begins this week."

“I want to focus on my three years at LSU to graduate and hopefully win a few national championships,” Valentine said to Bartow. “I’ve matured as a man since I left and want to prove myself to the wonderful fans at LSU.”

At the time of Valentine's exit, Jim Kleinpeter of the Times-Picayune reported that Valentine was late to join the Tigers last fall due to academic issues. He eventually started to practice with the team in October but was absent from spring practice earlier this year.

The report also noted that Valentine was going to transfer and was expected to head for a junior college—potentially Arizona Western Community College, which is where Trey Lealaimatafao and Clifton Garrett (two other members of LSU's highly touted 2014 class) landed after transferring away from the Tigers.

Valentine was a coveted prospect coming out of high school. He earned a 4-star distinction and ranked as the No. 65 recruit in the country in 2014, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. The outlet noted that he received 34 offers before choosing LSU.

Valentine's return gives him a chance to take advantage of a terrific opportunity.

The Tigers have developed several high NFL draft picks on the defensive line in recent years, including Barkevious Mingo, Ego Ferguson and Danielle Hunter.