Maason Smith

UPDATES

Week 8: Smith again did not show up statistically as a pass rusher in LSU's 62-0 thrashing of Army. He was credited with zero sacks and pressures. He was in on two tackles. — JH

Week 7: Smith recorded one pressure and one assisted tackle as No. 15 LSU whacked Auburn 48-18. He didn't have his strongest game in defending the run — Auburn rushed for 139 yards. Smith played 41 snaps, a decided drop from Weeks 5 and 6. — JH

Week 6: In LSU's win over Missouri, Smith might have had his best pass-rushing performance since the opener. He recorded a sack of Mizzou QB Brady Cook along with three hurries and a batted ball. He was also credited with two solo stops and two assisted tackles. He did draw a penalty — JH

Week 5: In LSU's 55-49 shootout loss to Ole Miss, one might be hard to find a defensive player on either team who had a good game. Smith had two quarterback pressures and was in on two tackles and once again saw his snap count (78) increase signficantly. — JH

Week 4: The big DT saw his workload (51 snaps) increase dramatically over his first two games. Smith recorded two QB pressures and was in on two tackles as LSU edged Arkansas, 34-31. He's playing more over the nose in 2023 than in 2022, which coach Brian Kelly cites as the reason for Smith's low pressure and sack numbers.

Week 3: Smith played 29 snaps in LSU's thumping of host Mississippi State, 41-14, recording a batted ball in one of his 21 pass-rush attempts. He was also credited with two tackles (one solo, one assisted), though his performance against the run was subpar.

Week 2: In LSU's 72-10 win over Grambling, Smith lined up 35 times and contributed one tackle—which was for a loss—one assist and one hurry. Even with the return of Smith to the lineup, Grambling still rushed for 157 yards, but the defense kept Grambling's passing in check (163 yards).

Week 1: The NCAA suspended Smith for the opening game against Florida State for “receiving improper benefits” in 2021. Aug. 28

Week 0: DNP

OVERVIEW

Smith missed essentially all of 2022 after a knee injury, and needs to show consistent availability and production to live up to the ample physical potential he flashed. Heading into 2023, Smith played in less than a dozen games in college. Regardless of his potential evolution as a player, there’s just a lot of unknown on his resume.

At 6-5, 313, Smith seems to be a big target who gets involved more than he should.

Smith is one of the more physically gifted defenders in football and was one of the most coveted HS prospects in the country in his debut with the Tigers.

In 2021 as a freshman Smith saw action in 9 games and played a total of 354 snaps for the Tigers. He recorded 12 tackles, 2 assists, while adding 12 stops. As a pass rusher, he added 16 total pressures, which included 12 QB hurries, no QB hits, and 4 sacks on the season.

ANALYSIS

Strengths: Smith shows active hands as a rusher. Pair with his overall athleticism and he should be a natural. We need a bigger sample of his work. Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked #12. He wrote "The former five-star recruit is one of the most gifted players in college football. In the offseason, Smith hit 19.5 mph on the GPS and can touch 11 feet in his standing vertical jump." Possesses the length and power to ward off offensive tackles, though he needs to better utilize his length.

Weaknesses: Shows good range as a run defender, but his straight line speed should get him a bigger area in which to make tackles. He occasionally plays high and with poor balance and power which too often means he yields gound at the point of attack.

FRANKLY:

M. Smith is one of the more fascinating storylines among top defenders eligible for the 2024 draft. He has the physical talent to be a top-tier prospect, but his ability to stay healthy and fulfill that potential.

HISTORY — from college bio

2022 (jr): Redshirted in 2022 … Expected to be at full strength once the 2023 season begins … One of the top defensive linemen in college football … Was in position for a breakout season in 2022 after earning Freshman All-America honors in 2021 … The most imposing player on the LSU roster … Extremely hard worker in all areas of the game – practice field, weight room and film room … Strong, quick off the ball, and difficult to block … Rarely gets beat 1-on-1 and often requires the attention of more than one offensive lineman … Brings a great attitude to work each day … Has the desire to be a great player … Looked like an NFL veteran from the first time he stepped on campus.

2022 (soph): Started season-opener against Florida State … Suffered season-ending knee injury in first quarter of season-opener against Florida State.

2021 (fr): 2021 Freshman All-America (Football Writers Association of America) … 2021 Freshman All-SECPlayed in nine games, starting four … First career start came at Kentucky … Other starts came against Florida, Ole Miss and Kansas State in the Texas Bowl … In first game in Tiger Stadium, had 6 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss (-24) and 3.0 sacks (-22) in win over McNeese … Had 5 tackles and a half-tackle for loss (-2) at Kentucky … Recorded a sack for a 3-yard loss and a pair of tackles in win over Florida.

High school: Attended Terrebone High in Houma, LA...The nation’s top defensive line prospect according to Rivals … Rated with five-stars by both 247 Sports and Rivals and earned four-stars from ESPN … Is the top-ranked player in the state of Louisiana for the Class of 2021 … Listed as the nation’s No 2 defensive line prospect according to the 247 Sports Composite, which also has him ranked No. 18 overall nationally … Racked up over 200 tackles, 60 tackles for loss and 26 sacks … As a senior, registered 63 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, nine sacks and 22 quarterback hurries … Combined for 141 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and batted down 11 passes as a sophomore and junior … Earned a spot on the All-American Bowl roster.

PERSONAL

Enrolled at LSU early and took part in spring practice prior to his rookie season … First player in LSU history to wear No. 0 … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

2021

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
5.0	1.0	19.0	0.0	0.0	4.0	13.0