LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith will miss the rest of the season after tearing his left ACL in the season-opening loss to Florida State, coach Brian Kelly confirmed to reporters Tuesday.
The injury occurred in the first quarter Sunday night when Smith landed awkwardly on his knee while celebrating a successful tackle.
He returned to the field after halftime on crutches.
Smith will undergo surgery, Kelly said.
“Obviously, we’re crushed for him because he was celebrating for a teammate on the play and trying to show his support,” Kelly told reporters. “So anytime you suffer an injury under those circumstances, it’s extremely disappointing. He’s a great player … but it’s next man up now for us.”
As a freshman last season, he appeared in nine games and made 19 tackles (five for loss) and four sacks.
Smith, a 6-foot-5, 300-pounder from Houma, La., was the No. 20 overall recruit and No. 5 player in his position in the Class of 2021, as ranked by the 247Sports composite.
–Field Level Media
