If people watching LSU’s 45-16 victory against Ole Miss on Saturday didn’t know who safety Grant Delpit was before the game, they certain knew he was by the time the game ended.
Delpit opened the game with an impressive interception on the second play of the game, and that was just the start of a monster game.
He finished the game with five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack (on a play during which he got knocked to the ground by his blocker before he got to the quarterback), a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
“That first interception is something we planned,” said LSU coach Ed Orgeron in his weekly press conference Monday. “They talked about where to put Grant (Delpit) in the post and whether to play in on the nickel. That was the decision to make.
“We thought he could make that play and he did. He had a tremendous game. … A tremendous night for him.”
The sophomore’s play throughout the season has caught the eye of anybody who has watched him this season. Through five games he has 27 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a pair of interceptions.
But his teammates took notice as soon as he got on campus.
LSU cornerback Greedy Williams said he took Delpit under his wing as soon as he came to LSU as an early enrollee in 2017, and he knew the young safety had potential to make a name for himself right away.
“He comes in every day and he’s ready to work,” Williams said. “He puts the extra time in in the film room with coach. He has killer instinct every day in practice and in games. What he’s doing in games is something that’s not new to us. We’ve been watching Grant ball out in practice, so what he does in games is just bonus for the fans.”
Delpit’s style of play has earned him quite the reputation with his teammates.
Williams said they refer to him as “Baby ‘Mal,” a reference to former LSU safety and now New York Jets starter Jamal Adams.
“He has that swagger,” Williams said. “He has that kind of handsome look.”
I respect and appreciate the comparison but let's let #9 make his own name. Now… on to this comment below, we pushing the envelope a little too far! He has the potential to become a Top 10 pick for sure but until then… the PREZ is on top. Hahah, I'm a Rare breed!! LUV https://t.co/LZoit0IrTx
— Jamal Adams (@TheAdamsEra) October 1, 2018
Immediately after the Ole Miss game, Orgeron praised defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and safeties coach Bill Busch for putting Delpit in situations in which he can succeed. He was a big part of LSU’s defensive strategy against the Rebels, and he executed in a big way.
Delpit echoed Orgeron, saying Aranda and the rest of the defense contributed to his big game.
“What Dave Aranda and Bill Busch is doing with him, moving him around, rushing him, playing on the slot, playing him the post,” Orgeron explained. “That was one of the key things tonight is that we wanted him to play in the post and to be able to key the Z and the X receiver and make a play. That’s what he did.”
LSU linebacker Devin White could be heard yelling “Grant Delpit for Heisman” in the locker room after the win against Ole Miss. Delpit may have a long way to go before his name enters that conversation, but it’s clear he’s already made a name for himself as a member of DBU.
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