Guillory embracing fatherhood and final college season

By Hunt Palmer

Jacobian Guillory had to relearn walking as his ruptured and surgically repaired Achilles healed last fall.

He had competition from his one-year-old son.

“Me and my son started walking around the same time,” Guillory said with a chuckle. “What I’ve learned is just stacking days. Today might not be as good as yesterday, but keep stacking days. Once I learned that, it got a lot easier. My foot was like, really small at one point, but now my right leg is bigger than my left. Keep stacking days and keep being patient.”

Guillory was primed for a breakout fifth season in 2024. His classmate Jaquelin Roy had moved on to the NFL a year previously. Maason Smith and Makhi Wingo departed for the league in the spring. Guillory was the elder statesman in a revamped defensive tackle group and was leading the way through fall camp.

That all changed in Week 2 when his Achilles failed him.

Instead of sulking and wandering into the future without much of an idea what came next, Guillory decided to attack his rehab with eyes on a sixth season…and a new child.

“I try to look at my injury as a blessing because I got to raise my son,” Guillory said. “Being at home, obviously I’m watching football all day long, but getting a chance to raise my son is the most important thing.”

Now that they’re both walking with ease, it’s time for Guillory’s second encore at LSU.

Once again, he’s the old guy in the room, but the talent surrounding Guillory is impressive. South Florida transfer Bernard Gooden has made early waves after a 10 TFL season with the Bulls in 2024.

“His motor,” Guillory started. “He literally does not get tired. Even though he looks tired, he does not get tired. That man has a tremendous get off. I cannot wait to see what he does Week 1.”

Sophomore Dominck McKinley was thrust into action as a freshman last season due to Guillory’s injury. The former five-star responded to an injury of his own to play good football late in the season.

Guillory has seen the strides McKinley has made in terms of his mentality.

“He’s gotten a lot tougher,” Guillory said. “I know Dom has been a good player. That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m just worried about his toughness. Even from the bowl game to now, his toughness has grown out the roof. Thay’s just something with him getting a little more mature because he’s not as old as I am. He trusts Coach Kyle (Williams). He trusts everyone in the room. He’s going to dominate.”

Ahmad Breaux joins McKinley in an exciting sophomore class, and veterans Sydir Mitchell and Shone Washington add depth in a group Guillory has enjoyed being a part of in his final collegiate chapter.

“As a defensive line, we all talk about playing together,” Guillory said. “Once we have it all together for Week 1, it’s going to be phenomenal.”