Talk to the current LSU players in the locker room, and they’ll say Grant Delpit isn’t just the best safety in the country, but he’s the best safety LSU has ever had.
“He’s definitely a big part of our defense,” said junior cornerback Kristian Fulton. “We knew he was going to have a big role from last year coming into this year, and he’s definitely turned his game up a lot.
“I’m just glad he’s on our team.”
The sophomore safety led the charge for the LSU (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) defense that intercepted Nick Fitzgerald four times in a 19-3 win against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs were held to season lows in points, passing yards and third down conversions. Fitzgerald finished with a passer rating of 20.6 and 59 yards on 8-of-24 passing.
Delpit finished the game with 10 tackles, two interceptions and a sack.
When Delpit was asked post-game what he saw on his interception, he casually quipped “which one?”
His first interception against Mississippi State came in the slot, and he said Fitzgerald stared down the receiver and then his instincts took over. Delpit jumped the route and made a diving grab, setting up LSU’s offense at the Mississippi State 24.
The second interception came as the Bulldogs were pushing for a last-minute touchdown. He flew down from his deep safety spot, picking up LSU’s fourth interception of the game and sealing the win.
“Those plays Grant Delpit made were phenomenal. What a phenomenal football player he is,” said LSU coach Ed Orgeron. 
Orgeron made a point of emphasis to put Delpit in position to make plays this season. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has deployed Delpit in the box as a linebacker, a nickel corner, a traditional strong safety and deep as a free safety.
Everything the coaches have asked Delpit to do, he’s done. Through eight games, Delpit has 54 tackles, five interceptions, four sacks and a forced fumble.
“Momentum changing,” Orgeron said. “He’s a difference maker. One of the best every week. He made the difference this week when we needed it. He’s a great football player.”
It’s not just his ability to come up with interceptions, either. On fourth-and-3 in the third quarter against Mississippi State, Delpit blitzed off the edge, but missed the sack on Fitzgerald. He quickly got up and chased Fitzgerald down from behind to finish off the play for an 8-yard loss.
“They call it effort sacks,” said Delpit, who is second on the team in sacks. “Just popping up and trying to secure the play.”
“In the summer, I was killing up-down drills. You can ask coach Moffitt.”
It’s not just the up-down drills that have made Delpit a better player. Fulton said Delpit is smarter than last year, and he notices formations and what is coming which is why he’s always in position to make plays.
“He’s going to keep working hard, and wherever his hard work takes him, you know he’s going to keep rising,” said senior safety John Battle, who previously said Delpit is better than former LSU safety Jamal Adams.
“I’m just proud of all the hard work he’s put in and just to see him blossom now.”
After the win against Mississippi State, it wasn’t just Battle who was talking about Delpit. Former LSU safety and 13-year NFL veteran Ryan Clark called Delpit the best LSU safety this millennium, and even the “Honey Badger” Tyrann Mathieu said Delpit was a “bad man.”
“That’s huge, knowing all the guys who have come through here,” Delpit said. “Definitely a blessing to see guys talk about me like that. Pay respect to those guys because I don’t think that I’m doing that much to be compared to those guys, but it just comes with it.”