LSU's "Rudy" Gets Sixth Year Of Eligibility

Daniel Graff, one of Les Miles' and special teams coach Joe Robinson’s favorite and most beloved players, was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will be allowed to play for the Tigers in 2010.

Graff, a New Orleans native and graduate of Archbishop Rummel, has been the Bayou Bengals’ version of the famous Notre Dame underdog, Rudy Ruettiger, since joining the Tiger squad in 2007. 

Graff originally enrolled 60 miles west of Baton Rouge at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in the Fall of 2005, but returned home shortly thereafter when Hurricane Katrina hit his family’s home in New Orleans. 

The track star spent 2006 in New Orleans at the University of New Orleans before transferring to LSU in 2007.

Daniel Graff became an instant fan and coach favorite with his relentless work ethic both on the field and in the weight room.

In 2009, Graff was the second fastest player on the LSU football team, posting a 40 time of 4.36. This time was second only to LSU’s world class track star, Trindon Holliday.

To date, Daniel Graff’s career highlight is his blocked punt in the 2009 game versus in-state rival Tulane.

In 2010, Graff is likely to contribute to LSU’s special teams and go virtually unnoticed by the casual fan and media, but no one should ever underestimate his value to this team. He is one of the many blue-collar workers that make this team one of the best in the nation year after year.