Tag: Paris Shand

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers DT Paris Shand

The Kansas City #Chiefs could take a swing on LSU #Tigers defensive tackle Paris Shand late in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth and developmental young talent to their defensive interior through the 2025 NFL Draft. Shand is one of several late-round options with the physical tools to catch Kansas City’s attention during the pre-draft process.

Betting on athletic and physical traits is the best way to land a gem late in the draft. Listed at 6’4″, 275 lbs., LSU Tigers defensive lineman Paris Shand is a ball of clay still waiting for the right opportunity to be molded into a complete player. He bounced between playing defensive end and defensive tackle at LSU. Deciding on his permanent position is the first step in his long-term development.

Shand engages his long arms early in plays to access the offensive lineman’s chest and pry up their pad level. He drives good power through his hands but lacks the counters to put the finishing touch on his bull rushes. Shand primarily uses chops, long-arms, swipe-rips, swims, and two-handed swipes in his pass-rush plan.

Shand lacks the bend to flatten his rush path to the quarterback. His lack of fluidity impacts his balance and leads to too many reps on the ground. He’s a stiff, linear athlete who projects best in a rotational role at the next level.

Shand’s play strength lets him stack and shed single blockers in run defense, but he lacks the mass to hold the point of attack against double teams. He sometimes stacks blocks with a long-arm before using a swim counter to work past the offensive lineman. Shand’s raw power lets him torque linemen out of the gaps, which creates open lanes to the ball carrier.

There’s one last chance for Shand to don the LSU uniform in his college career. The 8-4 Tigers qualified for a bowl game. Many draft-eligible players skip bowl games, but Shand’s current draft stock might incentivize him to get as many reps on tape as possible.

What does Da’Shawn Womack’s transfer mean for LSU

Where does LSU’s DE room stand after Womack’s transfer?

LSU DE Da’Shawn Womack announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Womack was a five-star recruit in 2023 and served as a rotational piece for two years in Baton Rouge.

Womack’s talent is clear. While he was yet to become a major contributor, he had all the tools.

Womack isn’t the only defensive end LSU is losing. The Tigers are losing seniors [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Sai’Vion Jones[/autotag] to the NFL, both starters. [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag], a versatile lineman who played on the interior and the edge, is also graduating.

As it stands, [autotag]Gabe Reliford[/autotag] is the only LSU DE slated to return who played 50+ snaps in 2024.

That leaves LSU with a big hole to fill on the edge. Not just when it comes to depth, but at the starting level.

Reliford will be a breakout candidate in 2025. His seven pressures ranked fourth among true freshman pass rushers in the SEC this year.

LSU will add one DE in its high school signing class — four-star Damien Shanklin. The Tigers will need Shanklin to make an immediate impact. Last year, LSU signed four-star CJ Jackson out of high school. LSU will count on his development, too.

But LSU will have to hit the portal hard. Brian Kelly said LSU plans to be aggressive on the transfer market and I’d expect a handful of those resources to be spent on 2-3 defensive ends.

The portal won’t be overflowing with elite defensive ends, but it’s a position where you can find impact transfers. Texas A&M did it with Nic Scourton, South Carolina with Kyle Kennard.

LSU needs to find this year’s version of Scourton and Kennard.

Changes expected on LSU’s defense ahead of South Carolina game

LSU’s defense will look different when it meets South Carolina on Saturday morning.

As LSU enters conference play against South Carolina, the Tigers are tinkering with the defensive personnel.

The most notable of which is at the linebacker spot, where LSU will showcase more 4-3 looks. Expect to see [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] on the field together.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said Weeks is too good to be a rotational player, indicating he’s too good to keep off the field.

In those 4-3 looks, LSU has the option to move [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] to safety, his traditional position. Burns has played DC Blake Baker’s STAR spot so far in 2024.

Another change is increased playing time for [autotag]Dashawn Spears[/autotag]. The four-star true freshman continues to draw rave reviews and it’s getting harder for LSU to keep him off the field.

LSU will have to balance that with [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] moving. The return of cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] provides LSU with a veteran option on the outside and the Tigers feel more comfortable bumping Ryan back to safety.

Another beneficiary of Ryan’s move is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag]. The true freshman corner played just nine snaps against USC but got the start in Week 2 and played 26 snaps vs. Nicholls.

On the defensive line, following the injury to [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], LSU is moving [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] back inside. Shand played defensive tackle at Arizona before shifting to defensive end when arriving at LSU. But LSU needs the depth up the middle and Shand has the size to make an impact at the position.

The general takeaway is LSU finding a way to get its best 11 players on the field, even if it means making some moves.

LSU fans will get their first look at the changes when LSU and South Carolina kick it off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday morning.

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LSU names Flau’Jae Johnson and Paris Shand Volunteers of the Year

LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson and Paris Shand were recognized for their efforts in the community on Monday.

LSU athletes [autotag]Flau’Jae Johnson[/autotag] and [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] were recognized for their efforts in the community this week. Johnson (women’s basketball) and Shand (football), were named Female Volunteer of the Year and Male Volunteer of The Year.

The honor was part of “The Mikey Awards,” a series of awards recognizing athletes for their performance and work over the last year.

Johnson arrived at LSU in 2022 and made an immediate impact as she emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic guards, helping lead LSU to its first national title as a freshman. The Savannah native also has also gained notoriety for her musical career that features collaborations with Lil Wayne and NLE Choppa.

Now, she’s being recognized for her work away from the spotlight.

As for Shand, he’s preparing for his fifth year of college football and second at LSU. The veteran defensive linemen transferred to LSU after spending his first three years at Arizona. He’ll look to take another step forward this fall with LSU needing help on the defensive line.

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2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 94 Paris Shand

We’re looking at a transfer defensive lineman from Arizona.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at a transfer defensive lineman from Arizona. [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] is a new kid on the block for the LSU Tigers, but he has tons of experience as he played three years at the Division I level already.

Paris Shand Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ht: 6-5

Wt: 280

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three Stars | No. 13 in Connecticut | No. 79 Defensive End

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sacks FF PD INT
2020 (Arizona) 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 0
2021 (Arizona) 9 16 8 2 1.5 0 0 0
2022 (Arizona) 9 23 12 2.5 2.5 2 0 0

Depth Chart Overview

Shand transferred into LSU from Arizona where he appeared in 24 games over his career, making 10 starts. He brings valuable knowledge of the game to a stout defensive line. That experience could help him climb the depth charts quickly.

Paris Shand’s Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 35 Sai’Vion Jones

Sai’Vion Jones could be poised to earn a starting job at defensive end this fall.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

There will be a lot said and written about the transfer additions brought in to replace [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] along the edge, but we’re looking at a returning player who could also occupy that mantle in [autotag]Sai’Vion Jones[/autotag], who showed promise as a sophomore in 2022 and could be poised for a breakout.

Sai’Vion Jones Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Vacherie, Louisiana

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 280

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 6 in Louisiana | No. 11 EDGE

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2021 11 3 1 0 0 0 0 0
2022 14 23 11 6 4.5 1 1 0

Depth Chart Overview

Jones was one of the top recruits in Louisiana coming out of high school, and for good reason. A tremendous athlete, he also played basketball and competed in track and field, throwing the discus and shotput while even doing the high jump.

He saw action in 11 games as a true freshman for LSU in 2021, but he had a minimal impact and finished the year with just three total tackles. Still, he registered very solid Pro Football Focus grades in tackling and pass-rushing, setting up for a bigger Year 2.

He ultimately appeared in all 14 games last year, starting three times. His best career outing came in the start against Southern when he totaled six tackles. Jones also record sacks in four games.

He’ll have to compete with the likes of [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] and [autotag]Quency Wiggins[/autotag] for playing time as a junior, but given his massive frame and promising early career production, he has a chance to make a big impact.

Sai’Vion Jones’ Photo Gallery

Pair of LSU defensive lineman named potential breakout freshman in 2023

Jaxon Howard and DaShawn Womack could both make impacts as true freshmen this fall.

LSU’s defensive front is poised to be very strong in 2023, but if there’s one question mark, it comes at the edge of the defensive line.

Last year’s starting edge defenders in [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] are gone, and LSU is likely to turn to transfer additions like [autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag], [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] to fill in the gaps.

However, the Tigers could also look to a pair of true freshman blue-chip prospects to make an impact, as well. On3 recently recognized [autotag]Jaxon Howard[/autotag] and [autotag]DaShawn Womack[/autotag] as potential breakout true freshmen in the SEC this fall.

Here’s what they said about Howard.

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 16 EDGE, No. 120 overall prospect

Howard is one of a couple freshman EDGE players for LSU with a shot at contributing this season.

You’ll see the other one shortly.

As for Howard, he’s impressed with his work ethic, approach and intelligence.

He had four tackles and a sack in the Tigers’ spring game.

“You could see his progress and his grit kind of grow throughout the spring to the point where we were like, that was a really good spring for him,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said during the spring.

Howard’s father, Willie, was an all-conference defensive lineman at Stanford and a 2001 second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings.

Now for Womack.

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 5 EDGE, No. 42 overall prospect

Here’s the other LSU freshman EDGE with a chance to be a factor this season.

Although Womack was limited during the spring while working back from shoulder surgery, On3 ranked Womack as a five-star player and the No. 12 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.

“I think he has some flexibility as a guy that can play the big end position, but we haven’t ruled out how we play him,” Kelly said during the spring. “Is he a stand-up two-point player in a manner that he’s 100 percent of the time a Jack linebacker? No, probably not. That doesn’t mean that we can’t be in four down and he can’t stand up and drop back in a limited fashion to change the looks up because he is so athletic.

“His athletic ability still lends itself to having some of the traits necessary to put him in a hybrid position.”

With all the transfer additions LSU made to its defensive front this offseason, both of these guys may see a limited role. However, we saw a true freshman make a big impact on the edge last fall in [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], and perhaps one of these two players will be the next one up.

LSU boasts one of college football’s top defenses entering 2023

Despite losing several key pieces, this defense has a lot of potential this fall.

As the offseason hype grows around LSU, much of the discussion has had to do with the offense.

Indeed, the Tigers bring back perhaps the SEC’s top returning quarterback/receiver duo in [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag]. Pair that with a young, promising offensive line and a running back room with plenty of options, and you have the makings of a great unit.

But defensively, the Tigers have a lot of potential, as well. There are players to replace, certainly, such as edge defenders [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Mike Jones Jr.[/autotag] and secondary starters [autotag]Jay Ward[/autotag], [autotag]Mekhi Garner[/autotag], [autotag]Jarrick Bernard-Converse[/autotag] and [autotag]Joe Foucha[/autotag].

Still, LSU returns a lot of promising players. [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is widely expected to become one of the best players in the country, while [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] returns after a breakout season on the defensive line. He’ll be paired up inside with the player he replaced in [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag], who many expect to have a huge season, as well, as he returns from an ACL tear.

While the secondary will feature a lot of new faces, LSU will get veterans [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] back,

That’s not even mentioning the transfers who will see immediate action like defensive linemen [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and cornerback [autotag]Duce Chestnut[/autotag].

This group has a lot of talent, and ESPN ranked it as the No. 8 defensive unit entering 2023.

It always starts right up front with any defense, and getting back a healthyMaason Smithat tackle is a huge boost for an LSU unit that finished fifth in the SEC last season in scoring defense (22.5 points per game) and sixth in total defense (354.6 yards per game). Smith earned Freshman All-America honors in 2021, but tore his ACL in the opener last season against Florida State while celebrating a tackle. The 6-6, 310-pound Smith is a force in the middle of that defense, andMekhi Wingoshowed a year ago he was also capable of being a dominant interior defender. Throw in one of the best pass-rushers in the SEC, outside linebackerHarold Perkins Jr., and the Tigers will be a load for any opposing offensive line trying to block them. Perkins had 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a freshman last season.

LSU will also benefit from having defensive coordinator Matt House and his staff back for another season. The continuity and carryover from 2022 should allow the Tigers to play even faster and more instinctively, and one of the keys will be how well several transfers fit on defense.

LinebackerOmar Speightstransferred in fromOregon State, where he was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection last season. There are some question marks in the secondary, although veteran safetyGreg Brooks Jr. is back. A number of transfers will get chances to win cornerback jobs. Among them:JK Johnson(Ohio State),Duce Chestnut(Syracuse),Denver Harris(Texas A&M) andZy Alexander(Southeastern Louisiana).

[autotag]Matt House[/autotag] is viewed as one of the top up-and-coming defensive minds in the game, and he’ll have a lot to work with as LSU has the makings of a potential College Football Playoff team this fall.

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Where does ESPN rank LSU’s defense entering 2023 season?

Despite a lot of new faces, ESPN is buying this unit in its latest defensive power rankings for the 2023 season.

LSU returns a lot of talent in 2023 coming off a 10-win, SEC West championship season last fall.

That is especially true on offense, where the team returns starting quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], all of its top running backs, its two best pass-catchers arguably in [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag], as well as an offensive line that is young but promising and brings back all but one starter.

Defensively, though, there are a few more questions. The Tigers lost a good amount of production including their two starting defensive ends and much of their secondary. However, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] hit the portal once again to rebuild.

After adding players like [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag] and [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag] in the secondary, as well as linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and defensive line additions like [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag], [autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag] and [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag], this group looks promising despite featuring a lot of new faces for the second year in a row.

Still, ESPN is buying the unit and ranks it as the No. 7 defense in the country entering the season.

2022 future defense power ranking: 9

Scouting the Tigers: LSU’s defense is in a good spot after a solid but not spectacular 2022 season under a new coaching staff. The unit brings back star power, especially with linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. for at least two more seasons. But there are some holes to fill, especially in the secondary and up front, as B.J. Ojulari moves on to the NFL. The return of dynamic defensive tackle Maason Smith, injured while celebrating during the 2022 opener, helps a line that loses both Ojulari and end Ali Gaye. Smith and Mekhi Wingo, a third-team AP All-America selection who had three sacks and six tackles for loss, give the Tigers two interior stalwarts, both with multiple years of eligibility left. Junior end Sai’vion Jones could see a bigger role after finishing third on the team in sacks (4.5) last fall. Jacobian Guillory and Arizona transfer Paris Shand provide depth inside. Ovie Oghoufo, a Texas transfer with 13 career sacks, should help fill the pass-rushing gap.

The Tigers have one of the nation’s best linebacker tandems in Perkins and Omar Speights, an Oregon State transfer who earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022. The group also boasts junior Greg Penn III, who finished second on the team in tackles last season (78). Junior West Weeks is a solid depth player who had 28 tackles last season. Veteran safety Greg Brooks Jr. will lead the secondary after showing production and playmaking in 2022. Brooks and junior Major Burns project to start at safety. The cornerback spot is a bigger mystery, although LSU has options with transfers Duce Chestnut (Syracuse), Denver Harris (Texas A&M), JK Johnson (Ohio State) and Zy Alexander (Southeastern Louisiana), as well as holdovers such as Sage Ryan, an ESPN top-65 recruit in 2021. LSU also signed Javien Toviano (cornerback) and Da’Shawn Wommack (defensive end). The team’s overall defensive recruiting remains promising.

With the offseason additions plus the return of a budding superstar in linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], this defense is certainly promising. You can never know for sure how a defense filled with transfers will look until it takes the field, but there will be no shortage of defensive talent in Baton Rouge this season.

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How to watch LSU football’s 2023 spring game on Saturday

We’ll get our first look at this year’s squad on Saturday afternoon.

As spring camp has drawn to a close, we’ll get our first real look at the 2023 LSU Tigers squad on Saturday as the team takes the field at Tiger Stadium for the spring game heading into coach Brian Kelly’s second season.

After winning the SEC West last season, LSU brings back a lot of key pieces from last year’s group including quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], leading receiver [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and standout true freshman linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag].

The Tigers also added quite a bit of talent in the transfer portal, and we’ll get our first look at players like [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] and [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] on Saturday.

This year’s format will be a full-on offense vs. defense scrimmage that will feature some special teams work, as well, according to a release from LSU.

Here’s what you need to know to follow this game, which begins at 1 p.m. CT with gates opening at noon.

How to Watch

  • Date: Saturday, April 22
  • Location: Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
  • Time: 1 p.m. CT
  • Stream: SEC Network+
  • Radio: LSU Radio Network
  • App: Watch ESPN (ESPN+ subscription required)

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Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

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