2 LSU defensive linemen announce their return for 2021

LSU Football

2 LSU defensive linemen announce their return for 2021
LSU defensive lineman Ali Gaye (11) and defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. (92) get to Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral (2) during a game at Tiger Stadium on Dec. 19, 2020, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Source: Beau Brune/Beau Brune / LSU Athletics)
By Josh Auzenne | December 31, 2020 at 5:46 PM CST - Updated January 1 at 7:28 AM

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - LSU junior defensive lineman Ali Gaye and senior defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. have both decided to return for the Tigers next season.

Both made their announcements on social media Thursday, Dec. 31.

In his first season in Baton Rouge, Gaye played in all 10 games for the Tigers in 2020, recording 32 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (led team), and 2.0 sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, made an interception, and had six pass deflections. Prior to joining LSU, he played at Garden City Community College.

Ali Gaye (11) of the LSU Tigers during the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynold Razorback Stadium on November 21, 2020, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Ali Gaye (11) of the LSU Tigers during the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynold Razorback Stadium on November 21, 2020, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Source: Chris Parent / LSU Athletics)

Farrell initially opted out of the season and then returned. He opted out in early August while his grandmother was battling COVID-19 and in the hospital but let it be known in September that she was improving and doing better. He also admitted he missed football. He returned to the team in mid-September. He finished 2020 with a total of 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

LSU defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. (92) during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 28, 2020, in College Station, Texas.
LSU defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. (92) during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 28, 2020, in College Station, Texas. (Source: Chris Parent/Chris Parent / LSU Athletics)

LSU senior center Liam Shanahan, a graduate transfer from Harvard, has publicly said he will take advantage of the NCAA rule that gives student-athletes the option for this season not to count against their eligibility and will also return to play for the Tigers in 2021.

LSU center Liam Shanahan (56) during the first half of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 31, 2020, in Auburn, Alabama.
LSU center Liam Shanahan (56) during the first half of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 31, 2020, in Auburn, Alabama. (Source: Gus Stark/Gus Stark / LSU Athletics)

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