Brian Kelly explains why Maason Smith can be 'big-time player' on LSU defensive line

Even though LSU struggled over the past two seasons, there is still plenty of talent on the roster for new head coach Brian Kelly to work with. The Tigers were near the top of total players drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft and there’s still next-level talent in Baton Rouge ready to suit up for this season.

One of those is defensive lineman Maason Smith, who is expected to have a large role in the defense. Kelly was recently asked if Smith has the tangibles to become an NFL player. He responded by comparing him to a couple of his former NFL players before saying this year will be a big one for Smith.

“He’s on path,” Kelly said. “He’s not there yet but he is making progress toward guys that I have had. The Stephon Tuitt’s — that is on his second huge contract with the Steelers. Jerry Tillery, second-round draft pick. He has those tools to be a big-time player. I think one of the things that is unique about him is he can pass rush for a big guy and if you can be on the field for all three downs, you start to get into that rarified area. Big future ahead of him. This is a big year and I really think he’s going to show himself.”

Coming out of high school, Smith was ranked a five-star prospect by the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He was the No. 4 defensive lineman in the 2021 class and the top player from the state of Louisiana.

Smith played in nine games last season, recording 19 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and four sacks. Now that he will be moving to a full-time starter role, Smith will be able to make a greater impact for LSU.

Brian Kelly discusses what opening LSU game in New Orleans means to him

The LSU Tigers will kick off their 2022 season against another prominent southern football program. LSU will face off against the Florida State Seminoles in a Sunday night matchup on Sept 4. To set the stage for the Brian Kelly era at LSU, the game will be played down the street in New Orleans at the Caesar’s Superdome; home of the Saints. During a recent interview, Kelly explains what opening his LSU coaching career in New Orleans means to him.

“I don’t mind if we look at it a little bit, but I am so much in the in the present,” said Kelly. “But once in awhile, you get a sense of you know I’m gonna have that first game and it’s gonna be in New Orleans. And that’s really exciting to be in New Orleans which is an incredibly… that football environment is going to be exciting.

“So looking forward to it. We got a lot of work to do before we get there. But it’s certainly on that eye that you have, you know that you’re looking forward to it.”