BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes away from Arden Key #49 of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Playoff contender announces their top player is taking a leave of absence from football

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon.

One of the SEC's best players is set to take a leave of absence from football.

LSU shockingly announced via their website on Wednesday that star defensive end Arden Key is set to take some time away from the football team due to unspecified personal reasons.

"In consultation with our staff and his family, Arden Key has decided to take some time away from football for personal reasons. We fully support Arden in his decision and look forward to welcoming him back home to the Tiger family at the appropriate time."

The issue with Key does not appear to be medically related.

Key played in 11 games in 2016, accumulating 12 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 56 total tackles in what was a monster campaign for the LSU defense. Key has been mentioned by both ESPN and Pro Football Focus as the top returning player to the SEC for the 2017 season, but now there may be some doubt about his future.

Best wishes to Key going forward with whatever issues he is currently facing.