At the end of the first day of fall practice, the media asked Coach Brian Kelly if the number 18 tradition will continue at LSU and his response was not only yes, but that a decision would be announced soon on who would wear the number 18 jersey. It was very soon as two days later, Coach Kelly made the announcement in front of the team that the coveted number 18 jersey would be awarded to junior defensive end BJ Ojulari.
Not only is BJ one of the Tigers’ best players as a preseason All-American candidate entering his second full season as the starter, but he embodies what the number 18 is about not just setting an example on the field for his teammates, but off the field helping out his community.
“His teammates, coaches and the entire staff believe BJ Ojulari embodies what the number 18 represents. He carries our traits of excellence every day on and off the field.”
Brian Kelly
Ojulari now joins an exclusive fraternity of legendary names that have worn the well known jersey number at LSU. From Matt Mauck to BJ Ojulari, here are now all the names to have worn the number 18 jersey.
Quarterback | Matt Mauck | 2001-2003 |
Running Back | Jacob Hester | 2004-2007 |
Tight End | Richard Dickson | 2008-2009 |
Running Back | Richard Murphy | 2010 |
Safety | Brandon Taylor | 2011 |
Defensive Tackle | Bennie Logan | 2012 |
Linebacker | Lamin Barrow | 2013 |
Running Back | Terrence Magee | 2014 |
Cornerback | Tre’Davious White | 2015-2016 |
Tight End | J.D. Moore | 2017 |
Defensive Lineman | Christian LaCouture | 2017 |
Tight End | Foster Moreau | 2018 |
Outside Linebacker | K’Lavon Chaisson | 2019 |
Center | Lloyd Cushenberry III | 2019 |
Running Back | Chris Curry | 2020 |
Linebacker | Damone Clark | 2020-2021 |
Kicker | Avery Atkins | 2021 |
Defensive End | BJ Ojulari | 2022 |