Tryann Mathieu’s Departure From LSU Opens Spot for Jared Abbrederis On CBS All-America Team

Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Troy Hill (2) tackles Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis (4) during a kick off return in the 2012 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

One man’s misfortune can be another man’s boon. Jared Abbrederis learned that today thanks to Tyrann Mathieu. LSU has kicked Mathieu off the team for violating rules, and CBSSports.com has responded by booting the cornerback/punt returner from their All-America squad. Mathieu’s removal from the All-America list opened up a spot for a punt returner, and they chose Abbrederis.

If you missed the news, the man known as Honey Badger – shouldn’t someone from Wisconsin have that nickname? – was tossed from LSU by Les Miles for unspecified violations of school and team rules. Miles indicated that Mathieu suffers some behavioral issues but said he’s a great guy and a good teammate (okee-doke Les). LSU will aid Mathieu in finding a new program for 2012-13. If he chooses to play for another major college program he would have to sit out a year as per transfer rules, but if he goes to FCS or Division II he could play right away. Janoris Jenkins, who was booted from Florida after an arrest, resurrected his career by moving to Division II North Alabama.

Mathieu’s one prior major brush with the rules came last year when he was suspended a game for failing a drug test. He was on no one’s radar screens at the beginning of last season but after a stellar year as part of LSU’s dominating defense he became a Heisman finalist and an overall sensation. Obviously the fame went to his head. Honey Badger had been projected as a top ten draft pick but like Janoris Jenkins, he is likely going to drop significantly on draft boards as a result of this infraction.

Mathieu was first-team cornerback and punt returner on the CBSSports.com list before his dismissal. With his departure, Texas A&M returner Dustin Harris moves up to first team and Abbrederis now occupies the PR role on the second team.