LSU Football EDGE, Louisiana Native Has Brian Kelly's Attention Ahead of Clemson

For Reliford, it could have caused him to pull the "woe is me card," according to Kelly, but instead he used it as fuel to elevate his game.

Now, the second-year defensive piece is catching Kelly's attention with LSU's shot-caller raving about Reliford prior to Week 1 at Clemson.

"We're very pleased with the way that he's accepted the challenge. He hasn't backed down from it. He's seen it as an opportunity to show that he's the best... I think he's handled it with the right mindset, and because of that he's improved," Kelly said.

"He's physical. He brings a physical presence at that position. Now you add Patrick [Payton], [Jack] Pyburn and Jimari Butler; it's a deep group of defensive ends.

"Gabe has stood out because he's accepted the challenge moreso than anything else."

The youngster saw limited action during his true freshman campaign in 2024 after totaling 10 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 13 games played.

Now, all eyes are on Reliford and what he can achieve this upcoming season in an expanded role for Kelly and Co.

LSU will open the 2025 season at Clemson in a highly anticipated Top-10 matchup on the road.