LSU football just took a big hit on defense. Head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Thursday that sophomore defensive end Gabe Reliford will miss the rest of the season after choosing to undergo surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up against SE Louisiana.
Kelly had hinted earlier in the week that surgery was possible. After further evaluation, the Tigers decided it was the best option for Reliford’s recovery.
Gabe Reliford wasn’t a starter, but he was carving out a solid role in LSU’s rotation. He logged over 20 snaps in games against Clemson, Louisiana Tech, and Florida, showing flashes of his potential. Unfortunately, his day against SE Louisiana ended after just three plays.
Statistically, Gabe Reliford had yet to record a sack, but he was making an impact with four quarterback pressures and four stops. At 6-foot-3, he had the strength to plug running lanes and the quickness to pressure quarterbacks—skills that suggested a breakout season was right around the corner.
Now, LSU will need to adjust. Starters Jack Pyburn and Patrick Payton will hold down their usual spots, while Jimari Butler is expected to see an uptick in playing time to help fill the gap.
Gabe Reliford’s loss not only hurts LSU’s depth but also takes away one of the team’s most promising all-around defensive linemen.
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