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K'Lavon Chaisson: 3 things to know about the LSU football linebacker

Chastity Laskey
The Daily Advertiser

After a season-ending injury in 2018, K'Lavon Chaisson is ready to make his mark for the LSU Tigers. The outside linebacker was a top recruit in 2017 out of North Shore High in Houston.

Here is some basic info on Chaisson: 

  • Height: 6 feet, 4 inches
  • Weight: 250 pounds

Now, here are three more facts about the LSU linebacker. 

K'Lavon Chaisson tore his ACL in 2018

As a true freshman, Chaisson started three games and played in 12 during the 2017 season. 

Expectations for him were high for the 2018 season. He looked ready to deliver in the Tigers' season opener against Miami, making five tackles and a sack. 

With 6 minutes left in the game, Chaisson tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. 

The injury kept him off the field for the rest of the season.

Chaisson told the Associated Press that the only residual effects of his injury are good ones that have made him a better leader, teammate, and player.

"Plenty of guys have had the injury. So, I didn't really see it as a major injury," he said. "It definitely helped me out. It helped me with my patience and focus and film-room work — and I'm glad that it happened, actually."

MORE:No. 6 LSU hoping Chaisson's return has transformative effect

Chaisson went from not playing varsity football to a 5-star recruit

Oct 12, 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (18) tackles Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine (2) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Back in June 2015, Chaisson was at LSU's summer football camp not to play but to support a high school teammate. 

He didn't have cleats, didn't bring short or even a helmet, according to the Advocate. 

"Chaisson hadn’t played football in more than a year, had never taken a single varsity snap. He was a mystery player even to his own high school coaches. He was there to learn from afar — stand on the sideline, listen to coaches instruct the participants and watch players navigate newfangled drills," according to the article. 

Having played both football and basketball since childhood, Chaisson had quit football after his freshman year of high school to focus on basketball. 

LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson, left, breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame running back Tony Jones Jr. during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla.

He ultimately returned to football about two months before receiving an LSU scholarship offer. 

“He was going to just come hang out,” said Garrett Cross, one of Chaisson’s high school coaches who brought him and Monroe to that LSU camp in June 2015, to the Advocate. “We told him, ‘Go out there and show them what you've got.’ ”

A few hours later Chaisson had received a scholarship offer to LSU. 

According to the Advocate, this even opened the eyes of his high school coaches, who didn't quite know what they had. 

Chaisson went on to be a 5-star prospect and received offers from over 20 schools. 

He was favored to commit to Texas, but after flip-flopping a lot, he ultimately chose LSU. 

Chaisson honored with LSU jersey No. 18 

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger tries to break a tackle by LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Every year LSU gives the No.18 jersey to a player or players who show success on and off the field. 

Chaisson and center Lloyd Cushenberry III were awarded the jersey at a team meeting during the 2019 season training camp. 

The number "goes to a player with a selfless attitude and has the character and other qualities that best represent what it means to be a LSU football player," according to LSU's website. 

The tradition started in 2003 after the Tigers won their first national title since 1958, led by quarterback Matt Mauck.

A tradition like no other:LSU's Orgeron gives coveted No. 18 to K'Lavon Chaisson

"It’s an honor to be rewarded to Number 18 in this program. A way to recognize true leadership on and off the field. Thank you @LSUfootball and others that selected @LCush79 and myself to represent. I can assure you it is in the right hands," Chaisson tweeted. 

All 12 members of Club 18 from 2003-18 sent the two latest inductees a video message via LSU football's twitter. Watch the video below:

Some previous players to wear the jersey are Jacob Hester, Terrence Magee, Foster Moreau, Richard Dickson and Bennie Logan.

Chastity Laskey is a digital producer with the USA Today Network. You can find her on Twitter @ChastityLaskey. 

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