Jay Ward Entering NFL Draft

Versatile DB off to the league

Jay Ward is going pro.

The do it all defensive back tweeted his decision Wednesday afternoon.

“My time in Baton Rouge has been special, but I have reached a point in my career where I have to make a decision about my future,” Ward said. “I will be pursuing a lifelong dream and declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.”

Ward apparently is playing in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue (Monday January 2, 1:00 ET). Ward also accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl (Saturday February 4).

Ward came to LSU out of Georgia. He was originally a Kentucky commit before flipping to LSU.

Ward did a little bit of everything over the last four years. He served a backup role as a freshman on the 2019 national championship team, and played outside corner, nickel, and safety. Ward appeared in 45 games with 22 starts; for his career Ward has 156 tackles, 17 pass break ups, two forced fumbles and six interceptions. Ward has scored two touchdowns in his LSU career: a pick six in the 2020 win over Ole Miss, and returned a fumble for a score in this year’s win over Auburn. Ward was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after this year’s win against Mississippi State.