Maason Smith is moving on after three seasons at LSU.

Smith took to social media to announce that he is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season with the Tigers. He leaves after playing in 22 games, missing almost all of 2022 due to an injury suffered early in the season opener.

“First and foremost, I give all glory and honor to God for granting me the privilege of fulfilling my childhood dreams of playing D1 college football,” Smith wrote in a note posted on Instagram. “I want to thank each and every person who has loved, encouraged and supported me from the days of Terrebonne Parish TPR Football up until this very moment in time.

“I want to thank my teammates/brothers at LSU for supporting me and battling alongside me over these past few years.

“To Tiger Nation, thank you for being the most passionate fan base in America. Through the good and the bad, thank you for embracing me and allowing me to live out my dreams in the Best atmosphere in college football/

“I would like to thank Mrs. Mickey Collins and the rest of the training staff at LSU for always being there for me when times got tough. I also want to thank Brian Kelly, Ed Orgeron, Andre Carter, Jamar Cain, Pat Hill, Gerald Chatman, Kinjeah Cotton, Pete Jenkins and all of my coaches. You have helped shape and develop me into a good player but most importantly into a great man.

“To my family, thank you for being with me every step of the way, through all the ups and downs, And to my mom, thank you for being my rock and instilling joy and happiness in me when I was at my lowest. Thank you for never shying away from me and always being real with me. I love you so much.

“Thank you to Louisiana State University for taking a chance on a kid from a small town like Houma. It has been an honor.

“With that being said, my family and I have decided that it is time for me to take the next step in my career and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.”

The 2023 season was Smith’s first as a full-time starter. In 12 games, Smith recorded a career-high 28 tackles. Smith’s best season in tackles behind the line came in 2021, when he recorded 5 TFLs with 4 sacks as a freshman in 9 games (4 starts).

Smith had a sack in LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin for the 10th victory of the season.

 

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