Logan, Ford, Montgomery & Mingo opt for the NFL

BATON ROUGE - LSU defensive linemen Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery and Bennie Logan along with running back Michael Ford have decided to give up their final year of college eligibility and enter the 2013 NFL Draft, head coach Les Miles confirmed on Monday.

Mingo, Montgomery, and Logan all started on the defensive line for LSU in 2012, helping the Tigers to a 10-3 overall mark and an appearance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Michael Ford finished third on the team in rushing in 2012 with 392 yards and three touchdowns.

In their three years on the field, this group guided the Tigers to a 34-7 mark overall mark, the 2011 Southeastern Conference title and three bowl games, including the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.

"We are fortunate at LSU to be able to recruit the style of high school player that can develop very quickly into an NFL caliber athlete," Miles said of the school's early departures for the NFL. "The good fortune is that we invest in them, coach them and prepare them for the next step of their career. Generally speaking, every one of these guys is in position to return to school (during the offseason) to get their degree and one (Kevin Minter) has already graduated. 

"We recruit very talented players with the understanding that there's a choice that they may have to make following their junior year. It's an individual decision and one that has to do with them and their family. I met with each player and provided them with as much information as I have so that they can make a quality decision in regards to their future. We wish these guys great fortune as they pursue this next step."

Montgomery, from Greenwood, S.C., earned first team All-America honors as a sophomore and followed that up with second team honors as a junior in 2012 when he recorded 37 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and a team-best 8.0 sacks. For his career, Montgomery accumulated 104 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss and 19.0 sacks.

Mingo played in all 13 games in 2012, starting 10 times. He finished the year with 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for an LSU defense that ranked among the nation's best in total defense (307.6 yards per game), rushing defense (101.6 yards per game) and scoring defense (17.5 points per game).

Mingo, a native of West Monroe, La., was twice second team All-Southeastern Conference, earning the award in 2011 and 2012, while also freshman All-SEC honors as a rookie in 2010. Mingo capped his career with 119 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks and a staggering 27 quarterback hurries.

Logan, from Coushatta, La., was a two-year starter at defensive tackle for the Tigers. In 2012, he led all LSU defensive linemen with 45 tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. For his career, Logan registered 105 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks.

Ford finished his LSU career with 1,394 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He added eight receptions for 69 yards and score and he returned 20 kickoffs for 549 yards.

The list of LSU underclassmen who have declared for the 2013 NFL Draft also includes: Minter, safety

Eric Reid, running back Spencer Ware, punter Brad Wing, cornerback Tharold Simon.