Ed Orgeron Already Taking Notice of Five-Star Defensive Lineman

Five-star defensive tackle Maason Smith is taking advantage of enrolling in January after signing with the Tigers in the class of 2021.

Just a week into spring practice, the former Terrebonne High standout is making waves on a defensive line that returns all four starters, Geaux247 reports.

"I can see a guy like Maason Smith moving up," head coach Ed Orgeron said Tuesday. "He had a great practice today, becoming a starter in the rotation. We have six, seven, eight defensive linemen that can play, which we need that."

With the new hiring of defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, and. Coach O in a more hands-on role, LSU saw improvement from Thursday to Saturday when the Tigers practiced.

For LSU's defense, eliminating explosive plays seem to be the biggest point of emphasis this offseason.

"I know that I've coached defense for 40 years and last year I kind of stood out of it. This year, I'm not. If I see something I don't like, we're not doing it," Coach O said. "I'm very hands-on. I don't need to be. Daronte is very capable."

Orgeron said Jones knows the front and back seven and is an excellent coach, but at the end of the day, it is his responsibility.

"I'm not letting it go. If there's something our players cannot perform, we're not doing it," he said. "I want to keep it simple, want to keep our cleats in the grass, I want to play good, fundamental defense."