Tyrann Mathieu to enroll at LSU

Tyrone Mathieu announced in late August that Tyrann, the 20-year-old cornerback and punt returner known as the "Honey Badger," would not play football this season and was working on his issues with former NBA player John Lucas.

"Tyrann is working on discipline, maturity and character," Mathieu said then. "He's making life adjustments."

LSU coach Les Miles kicked Mathieu off the team in August for what a source told ESPN was a violation of the school's substance abuse policy.

Between his dismissal and Tuesday's enrollment, Tyrann Mathieu had been at the Right Step recovery center.

Sheila Mathieu, Tyrone's adoptive mother, said "yes" when asked if she thought Tyrann may be able to play for LSU again.

"Tyrann is a lot better, thank God," she said. "He's strengthening himself and he continues to do so. He's focused on academics."

Mathieu said Tyrann will stay in touch with mentor Lucas through phone calls and texts.

"It's an ongoing process," she said. "It's not a done deal but a work in (progress)."

Sheila said it was Tyrann's decision to return to LSU and the family supports it.

Mathieu briefly considered transferring to a FCS or lower-division school where he could play immediately, and visited McNeese State and Nicholls State, but instead decided to stay at LSU. It is unknown whether Miles would consider reinstating him in the future. Mathieu will be eligible to enter the NFL draft in 2013.

Mathieu earned the nickname Honey Badger for his tenacious style, small stature (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) and blond streak of hair, rising from obscurity to become one of college football's biggest stars in 2011, his sophomore season.

Mathieu won the Bednarik Award as national defensive player of the year last season. He scored four touchdowns -- two on punt returns and two on fumble returns -- intercepted two passes, caused six fumbles and recovered four.

Information from ESPN's Joe Schad and The Associated Press was used in this report.