BATON ROUGE — The LSU football team picked up perhaps its biggest name for the 2008 season on Monday when the NCAA announced that defensive end Kirston Pittman has been granted a sixth-year of eligibility.
Pittman, who missed all of the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Tigers with a foot and ankle injuries, formally applied for an extension of his five-year clock in early January. After reviewing Pittman’s documentation, the NCAA granted the additional year of eligibility.
“Kirston is very deserving of this ruling after what he’s been through as far as injuries are concerned during his LSU career,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “He’s very fortunate that there’s a good rule in place that allows a guy who has missed extensive time with injuries the opportunity to get a year back.
“The NCAA did the right thing for Kirston. This rule is good for college football.”
Pittman, a native of Garyville, La., signed with the Tigers in February of 2003 and saw action in 13 games as a true freshman during LSU’s run to the national title that year. Pittman played in 12 games as a sophomore in 2004 before missing all of 2005 and 2006 with injuries.
Pittman returned to the field in 2007 to once again help lead the Tigers to a national title. Pittman started all 14 games for LSU this past season, leading the team in sacks (8.0) and tackles for loss (13.5). Pittman also recorded 68 tackles to go with 14 quarterback hurries and an interception.
Pittman, who earned his college diploma in December, graduating with a degree in general studies, is one of five returning starters on the defensive side of the football for LSU going into the 2008 season.
“This is a blessing for me,” Pittman said. “This decision is something that I’ve been very anxious about and I’m very fortunate and blessed to have been given the opportunity to get another year here at LSU. Now that the decision has been made, it’s time to get back to work, get ready for spring practice and start preparing for next year.”