By Andrew Thomison | @Andrew_Thomison
Sports Capital Journalism Program
Former Louisiana State linebacker Patrick Queen was at his best during the most important moments of a championship season. The only interception of his college career helped the Tigers take a 20-point halftime lead at Alabama in the biggest victory of the season to that point. Queen became Defensive Player of the Game on the final night of the season when he helped the Tigers defeat Clemson to secure their first national championship since 2007.
The dominant linebacker tied for the team lead with eight tackles, 2.5 for loss. During his three seasons with LSU, Queen had a total of 131 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
On Thursday morning, Queen expressed how grateful he is to have a chance to be drafted in April.
“I’ll play anywhere,” Queen said. “It’s just a blessing to be in this position, to be able to talk to you guys and be here at the NFL Combine. So, whoever I get drafted to, I’m going to go there, put my head down, and go to work.”
Queen didn’t take credit for his success. He was sure to praise his former teammates. Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones were just a few of the names Queen mentioned. Queen’s first start at LSU was the result of a targeting penalty that led to White’s suspension in 2018.
“All those LSU guys … I try to mimic after those guys and critique my game,” Queen said.
Queen never shied away from describing the kind of impact he had on the field, particularly his ability to be a dominant force against the run.
“I felt like that was something I needed to improve on this year, and I felt like I improved on it,” Queen said. “I still need to improve on it.”
He gave a detailed description of what he can offer to an organization. Queen feels he will be able to play multiple positions at a high level. “Aggressive, smart, intelligent, high motor, just things like that,” he said. “I’m very confident in my game.”
Queen added he doesn’t want a coach or general manager to turn on his tape and say, “Oh, that’s a bad play. He’s not great, or he’s not aggressive….
“I want to be that guy when they turn on the film, they’ll be like: ‘Oh, we got to watch out for him.’”
