The news that Arden Key is stepping away from football, at least temporarily, sent shockwaves throughout the college football world this afternoon. If Key indeed doesn’t return in time for the start of the 2017 season, it’s a huge blow to the LSU Tigers’ defense, with Key recently named Pro Football Focus’ top returning player in the SEC. Just how big a loss will he be for the Tigers? Let’s take a look at where the news leaves LSU’s pass rush.
Key racked up 12 sacks, 13 hits and 29 hurries on 291 pass-rushing snaps last season, good enough to average a pressure once every 5.