OCTOBER 22, 2012. For Mathieu, there’s a lot riding on his ability to sort out his life.

Multiple NFL executives say he could be drafted in the third round if he comes out after this season. His stock could rise if he returns to LSU, but it could drop if he fails to live up to his sophomore year.

As of September, Miles perpetuated the feeling around LSU that Mathieu would return. “If he stays the course, I like his chances of being….” He searched for the words. “Being back?” someone offered. Miles shook his head no. “That’s not the point. The point is being better.”

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