Like, what if they allowed every senior to "hand down" his number to an underclassmen of his choice? Would that really be a bad thing? I think it would promote camaraderie, as every player would be keeping an eye out for a youngster he could mentor to take his place.
On the other hand, there are more players than numbers available and coaches have to sort it all out with regards to NCAA rules (some new numbering rules this year) and try to get numbers that players want. Coaches must keep control of who gets what number to do this. If the number-one in the nation ranked quarterback is considering LSU and wants to keep his high school #7, the head coach wants to be damn sure that he has the ability to offer him that number--not have it decided by one of his defensive backs to give it to a walk-on that he really likes.
If I recall I don't believe PP7 handed TM7 anything. I think TM14 just honey badgered it and became TM7. I remember PP7 being flattered and certainly believed the ability was there but I didn't think there was any kind of honorary passing of the guard type thing. If there were, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think Tre White would be the one to don it in the future...IF there were such a thing. But he's going to take someone's spot this year.
This. I don't think this was ever something that CLM or LSU set up but I think when Patrick Peterson turned pro, Mathieau asked to change his number to 7.
I'm inclined to believe Mathieu was the greatest college talent ever as well. However, because of his shortened career at LSU his overall contribution doesn't eclipse Peterson's or Jone's contributions to LSU. Regardless I wouldn't look for the program to do a complete about face and all of a sudden honor Mathieu shortly after booting him from the team. Maybe that is the reason why there is nobody is sporting the 7. I guess they will just let settle a while and then put it back in the rotation of available numbers.
I remember reading an article that quoted Patrick saying he personally went to Tyrann and asked him to switch to 7 and start a tradition of defensive backs wearing that number. Remember #18 at this time had only been given to offensive players. Patrick wanted to start one with #7 and I believe he was roommates with Mathieu for the aTm bowl game. I could be mistaken so feel free to correct me.
I too remember reading how Peterson handed it down to Mathieu. Honestly I hope it stays on the defensive side of the ball. Loston or Jalen Mills should have gotten it this season, but Loston is probably like, I'm CL6, not CL7. Although CL7 has a nice ring to it, sounds like a car.
