BACK AT IT! | LSU football DT Maason Smith returns to practice earlier than expected

LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith was one of the most highly anticipated players to watch going into the 2022 season. His role was expected to increase both on and off the field and all signs pointed toward a monstrous season last year until a torn ACL in the first game of the season against the Florida State Seminoles cut his year short and left him sidelined throughout the entirety of LSU football's schedule. But after about eight months of rehabbing after surgery and regaining strength, Smith made his return to the practice field ahead of schedule. Originally anticipated to make it back later in the summer at the absolute earliest, the veteran DT was working on individual drills in the final practice open to the media before LSU's spring game on Saturday.

Another player returning ahead of schedule from their injury was true freshman Dashawn Womack, the five-star defensive lineman from Maryland in Brian Kelly's 2023 class. He underwent labrum surgery in the offseason and wasn't expected to be back for spring drills but he made his debut Tuesday morning as well. Where does Brian Kelly, defensive coordinator Matt House, and OLB coach John Jancek see Womack fitting into the defensive system? What obstacles arise for a true freshman overcoming an injury coming into the college level?

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