Solid linebacker who came out of spring as the starter at middle linebacker in 2013 … Will replace 2012 All-America and second round draft pick Kevin Minter at Mike linebacker … Given the 2013 Alvin Roy Fourth Quarter Award following spring practice for his outstanding performance during LSU’s off-season program … Was also one of a handful of players to earn the Veteran Most Improved Award following spring practice in April … Smart player with good instincts … Has a knack for finding the football … Played in seven games in his LSU career with seven tackles.

SOPHOMORE SEASON (2012)
Played in just 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 business … Hobbies include hunting and fishing and enjoying the outdoors. 

CAREER HIGHS 
Total tackles: 3 vs. Ole Miss, 2011  
Tackles for loss: 0
Sacks: 0

WELTER'S CAREER DEFENSIVE STATS