5* DT Maason Smith discussion

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Possesses impressive size that is definitely college-ready and translates to multiple fronts. Tall and wears his weight well despite being north of 300 pounds. Size and natural athleticism allow for position- and scheme-versatile roles. Mass manifests in impressive functional strength that fosters disengaging ability. Packs point-of-attack punch and also shows varied move set. Shows good lateral range for a big-bodied interior lineman. Naturally high center of gravity affects pad level and leverage consistency. Can tighten change of direction. Massive size relative to age could suggest limited physical ceiling in the long term. Elite defensive line prospect in the 2021 class. Potential impact college player with early-round NFL Draft ceiling.

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Package deals? Among 5-stars from different time zones? (Rolls eyes.)

We get it. Those things play well in March or May before the senior season but then reality sets in. It is just the norm when young men with their own priorities get closer to that life-shaping decision.

Korey Foreman-Maason Smith-Georgia recruiting
What are the chances that 5-star Korey Foreman and 5-star DT Maason Smith will play together in college? It sounds like they are very substantial. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)
Those coy lines in interviews tease fan bases in the spring and summer. But then almost always unravel in the fall.

It happens so often that veteran reporters tend to regard such headlines and click magnets. They tend to resemble fool’s good for their own credibility.

It happens so much it is far-fetched to ever expect it. Even in a different recruiting cycle altered by a pandemic.

But then the young man who says what he means and means what says offers his authentic opinion.

Should a line that says 5-star Korey Foreman and 5-star Maason Smith will play together be taken seriously? Is this relationship any different?

“I honestly think it is,” Smith said. “I am 100 percent sure that I will be playing college football with Korey Foreman. Yeah.”

Those two chat about their combined futures together just about every day. Every. Day.

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The pressure built to the point where the 6-foot-5, 300-pound senior had to clearly reiterate his intentions to the LSU staff.

"Last year I definitely [felt more pressure]. Then I just told them like, 'I'm not going to make my decision until December 16th, 2020. So, whether you pressure me or not, it's still that date.' But, they've done a really good job of giving me space during this tough process," Smith said. "They want me 100 times more than a lot of people, because I'm in-state, and they've got a lot more pressure to get me here, too. They're a very good program, and they really understand that I'm trying to make the best decision about my life and my family. So they really don't even pressure anymore. They always tell me some funny stuff, like jokes and stuff, but nothing really serious, because they feel like they've already made a good relationship with me, to know that I'll be good."

For Smith, that step back from the pressure of LSU allowed him a chance to explore his other options.

"Athens, Georgia was the first place I went. I made that a plan.... So here, everything got shut down on March 13, and I was at LSU on March 7. So the whole time, I haven't gone anywhere. The first place I told myself I was going to go, was Athens, Georgia, because I've been planning to go to Athens since I was in 10th grade, and it always fell through. So I had to get down there, and see what all the hype was about," Smith said.

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“I put together this trip to try and get some guys that haven’t seen the campus and some commits that haven’t seen the campus and give them a chance to see what Baton Rouge has to offer,” Nussmeier said. “I’m pretty familiar with the area and also guys like Maason Smith who is very familiar with the area are going to kind of give the guys the tour and see what the area has to offer."

For Foreman, he joined Smith in Athens this past month for a similar style visit. Georgia is considered to be one of the top teams in the mix for Foreman, who is a one-time Clemson commitment. The Bulldogs have also been pressing for Smith, and LSU will attempt to land the package deal over a press from programs like Georgia, Southern Cal and more.

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