Eleven Warriors

ESPN Analyst
Updated 01/23/2013
Smith is a crafty route runner with quick hands, quick feet and good, sneaky speed to threaten the deep field. He is lean and wiry with good height and very good body control. One of the better route runners in the class, Smith works to get open with precision steps and spacing and the feet and burst to gain separation out of the break. Plays on the inside and outside and is equally adept at both. He is steady and consistent in his methods and grows on you the more you watch him. Uses quick feet to set up defensive backs and runs crisp short and intermediate routes. Takes little time to reach his top speed and has the explosive first step to drive defenders off the ball. Rolls through speed cuts on the outside with fluid movements. Can eat cushion and attack alignment, sell the deep route and break it off without telegraphing. Shows very good body control, can adjust to poorly thrown passes and makes some acrobatic catches. Has the strong hands to make the tough catch in traffic. Gets upfield immediately after the catch and he's a patient runner who uses blockers well. Excels at attacking vertically and can eat up a cushion on the deep ball. Is a tough player despite his lean frame. Is not really a jump ball guy, but will compete in a crowd. Smith is not a burner, but he is fast enough. Time in the weightroom is going to enhance his physicality. He makes plays, is reliable and has a feel for coverage and how to get open. Good prospect.