#31 D.J. Welter Season 2024

Returning starter at middle linebacker for the Tigers heading into 2014 … Took over as the starter in the middle of the LSU defense during spring practice and made progress each time he stepped on the field … Played his best football late in the 2013 season, culminating with a his best all-around game in win over Iowa in the Outback Bowl (6 tackles, 1 sack) … Veteran who will be expected to mentor a young group of linebackers in 2014 … Very intelligent player who uses his football smarts to be a step ahead of the football … Played in 21 games with 13 starts during his career … Has 87 career tackles.

JUNIOR SEASON (2013)
Started all 13 games at middle linebacker for the Tigers … Racked up 80 tackles, including 4.0 for losses and 2.0 sacks in helping the LSU defense rank among the top 25 units in the nation … LSU ranked No. 15 nationally in total defense (340.7 yards per game) and No. 21 in the nation in scoring defense (22.0 points per game) … Had career-best 11 tackles in October win over eventual national runner-up Auburn … Had nine tackles in games vs. Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas … Capped season with an outstanding all-around performance in 21-14 win over Iowa in Outback Bowl … Had six tackles and a sack in helping an LSU defense limit Iowa to just 233 total yards (76 rushing, 157 passing), 11 first downs and one offensive touchdown in the Outback Bowl … Registered six tackles in win over Texas A&M as the Tigers held Johnny Manziel and the Aggies to their lowest-scoring game of the season with only 10 points … Had a sack for a 5-yard loss in September win over Kent State … Had tackles for loss in back-to-back games vs. Furman and Alabama.

SOPHOMORE SEASON (2012)
Played in one game after being ruled ineligible for academic reasons prior to the season-opener vs. North Texas … Practiced with team, but was unable to participate in games … Regained playing status in December and played against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl … Filled in for a cramping Kevin Minter against Clemson in bowl game and responded with two tackles.

REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2011)
Played in seven games with no starts … Saw time on special teams and as a reserve linebacker … Credited with three tackles at Ole Miss and two stops against Northwestern State.

FRESHMAN SEASON (2010)
Redshirted as a true freshman in 2010.

HIGH SCHOOL
One of the top linebacker prospects in Louisiana … Ranked as one of the nation’s top 50 outside linebackers by both Rivals.com and ESPN.com … A member of the SuperPrep Southwest Team, the Times-Picayune Blue-Chip List, and the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen … Class 3A all-state selection in 2009 and honorable mention all-state in 2008 … Class 3A Outstanding Defensive Player in 2009 … Earned first-team all-district in 2008 and 2009 … Won a state championship with Notre Dame High School in 2009 after finishing runner-up in 2008 … Piled up 128 tackles in his junior season … Improved upon that effort with 143 tackles in 2009 that included 12 tackles for loss, as well as three forced fumbles … Coached by Lewis Cook.

PERSONAL
Full name is Donald J. Welter … Goes by D.J. … Born Aug. 30, 1991 … Parents are Frederick and Tremayne Welter … Has two brothers – Andy and Tom – and one sister – Caroline … Majoring in general business … Hobbies include hunting and fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

CAREER HIGHS 
Total tackles: 11 vs. Auburn, 2013  
Tackles for loss: 1.0 twice (Last: vs. Iowa, 2014 Outback Bowl)
Sacks: 1.0 twice (Last: vs. Iowa, 2014 Outback Bowl)

WELTER’S CAREER DEFENSIVE STATS