Brian Kelly opens up on Maason Smith, his impact since suffering injury

LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith was forced to miss nearly the entire season this year due to suffering a season-ending torn ACL against the Florida State Seminoles in his team’s season-opener. Even though he’s been sidelined with his injury, Smith has still contributed to the team and even got to participate in the bowl festivities for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Purdue Boilermakers. Following his team’s 63-7 evisceration of the Boilermakers, Kelly spoke about Smith and the impact he’s had on the team since suffering his season-ending injury.

“That’s a great question. And I would be remiss to not name him, in particular, for the way he’s hung in there with our team and matured. You know, he’s recognized the value of his education. He’s doing well in the classroom. He was at the pep rally with us. He was at the Fun Spot–that’s a big man to put on some of those rides. But he was great with the kids,” Kelly said.

“And the field that I’m in, everybody sees me in my office on the sideline. But….I get up every morning watching development of young men and to see his growth and development has been amazing. And he needs to take credit for that,” Kelly said.

Brian Kelly gave an update on Maason Smith ahead of the SEC Championship

After missing LSU‘s entire regular season – minus a few of snaps – Maason Smith‘s ACL recovery is going smoothly, Brian Kelly said ahead of conference championship weekend.

“He’s doing well. He’s obviously focused on his academics and his rehabilitation. He’s had no setbacks,” Kelly said. “We expect him to be ready for our off-season program and progressing into spring ball. We’ll be excited to see him get back.”

Smith was the highest-rated recruit from LSU’s 2021 recruiting class, according to the On3 Consensus Player Rankings. He was also the highest-rated prospect in the state of Louisiana, and the No. 11 ranked recruit in the nation.

In his freshman year with the Tigers, Smith recorded 19 tackles — including five for a loss and four sacks. Smith appeared in nine games during 2021 and started in four of them, but missed the end of the season with a leg injury.

Smith’s injury occurred when he was celebrating a play in the first quarter of the season opener against Florida State. His knee buckled and immediately favored his knee. Smith was poised for a breakout year in 2022, but the ACL injury is just another setback the former blue-chip prospect has had to endure since arriving in Baton Rouge.

If his progress continues to progress at the rate it has, Smith could be back on the field as early as spring training. He’ll surely be ready by the team LSU’s season opener rolls around in September. Ironically, the Tigers are set to battle Florida State in the 2023 season opener – a redemption game for Smith if there ever was one.

On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this article.