Jayden Daniels reveals which LSU players are standing out in practice

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is competing at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend in Thibodaux, La., ahead of what could be a special season for the Tigers.

Under Brian Kelly‘s leadership in 2022, LSU won the SEC West and notched 10 wins.

The Tigers believe they’re ready to take the next step, and one of the players who didn’t get a chance to help a year ago is itching to make his mark. That’s defensive lineman Maason Smith, who missed the season with an injury after getting hurt in the season opener against Florida State.

Daniels told fans to watch out for Smith this fall.

“I would say is they better remember who Maason Smith is,” Jayden Daniels said. “We didn’t have him all last year. He just came back, he’s causing havoc.”

Smith was a 2021 Freshman All-American, racking up 19 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks in nine games played. He could make those numbers look like child’s play now that he’s healthy.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle is moving better than ever as he heads into his redshirt sophomore season.

Daniels expanded on what he’s seen out of the Houma, La., native this offseason.

“Crazy. It’s crazy. I’ve got to tell him to stay away from me,” Jayden Daniels said. “But I’m happy to see him out there. I can only imagine how hard it was for him sitting out and watching us play each game and he’s not out there helping us, contributing to the win. I know he’s in a better head space now, confidently. When we go out there he’s really just having fun at the end of the day. He knows what he wants to accomplish this year and this season, and I have a great feeling he’s going to do it.”

He’s not the only defensive player Daniels is thoroughly impressed with this offseason, either.

A savvy veteran who transferred into LSU from Arkansas has also been a key piece of the team’s defense.

“I would say probably the biggest surprise, not biggest surprise, but he was here last year, Greg Brooks,” Jayden Daniels said. “Guys go out there and really just see what he can do and how he really helps us at the end of the day. I would say probably those two, because Maason didn’t play at all year. They’re going to remember who he is.”

Brooks started 13 games for LSU last season, recorded 66 tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and five passes defended.

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this report.