Brian Kelly 'giddy' about getting Maason Smith back in Week 2

Brian Kelly couldn’t be more excited to get defensive lineman Maason Smith back for Week 2. So in a word, the LSU head coach is “giddy.”

No, we didn’t make that up. That’s how Kelly described his feelings in just one word about Smith returning from a one-game suspension. Smith was suspended due to then-illegal autograph signings before NIL was put into effect.

Smith was sorely missed on the LSU defense during the Tigers’ 45-24 loss to Florida State. Kelly couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Giddy,” Kelly said. “Is that a good enough word? I’d say gritty but giddy is the best I could come up with in one word. No, I mean, he obviously impacts our defense. You know, he allows us to do different things, allows us to, you know, he’s a guy that can play the five technique, he can play the three, he can play the one, the zero. I mean, his flexibility on our defense provides a new dimension that we’re excited about getting him back.”

Smith played just one game last year, so it’s been awhile since LSU truly saw him on the field. He played seven games in 2020 and finished with 19 total tackles, 13 solo tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Smith was a five-star recruit out of Houma (La.) Terrebonne, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 11 overall prospect in the class.

The LSU defense was gashed without Smith in the lineup late in the game against Florida State. After being tied 17-17, FSU outscored the Tigers 28-7. Initially, without Smith, Kelly had to answer whether star linebacker Harold Perkins’ role was going to change.

“No, not necessarily,” Kelly said. “I think we’re going to be in really good shape internally. Maason just gives you another dominating presence, but we feel good about the middle of our defense. Harold’s going to be able to impact the game in the things that we do with him. He’s gonna move around. You won’t see him just lining up in the middle of our defense.”

But moving forward, with both in the lineup, Smith could really open up the defense considering the talent of Perkins.

LSU is back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET at home against Grambling State.