In a shotgun set, the Louisiana rusher initiated a play in the backfield to the right against Appalachian State in a 2021 Sun Belt showdown. Right away, he identified a rushing alley, and subsequently, he started sprinting towards the left side after receiving the handoff.
Smith effortlessly evaded the tackle when another player from App State made an attempt. Despite the officials later determining that his knee had made contact with the ground, he skillfully evaded the defender’s grasp and continued to move forward.
And when another defender leaped at him, Smith cleared his opponent. All of this happened within the time period of eight seconds.
Smith is undeniably difficult to handle, and that will remain the same when he enters the NFL standings.
Smith has been recognized as an all-conference player in both of his roles for the past three seasons.
During his journey, he achieved various All-American recognitions as a first-team all-conference return specialist in the two previous seasons. In addition, he was also recognized as an honorable mention for All-Sun Belt as a running back last year.
He accumulated 311 yards for kicks and 14 yards for returning, while also scoring a touchdown. Additionally, he caught 21 passes for a total of 155 yards. He carried the ball for three touchdowns and accumulated a total of 628 rushing yards in the year 2022.
He was recognized as a third-team All-Sun Belt player on offense, accumulating 855 yards and eight touchdowns on 153 attempts, while also leading the team in the previous season. Additionally, he excelled as a first-team all-conference returner, recording 481 yards on 23 kick returns.
In 2020, he contributed 170 yards and a touchdown on 16 catches, and he also gained 359 yards and scored a touchdown on 62 rushing attempts. Additionally, he ranked fourth in the nation with a total of 23 kick returns for 617 yards and two touchdowns.
Chris Smith Draft Projection
Smith may have worked his way up to being a sixth-round draft pick in the NFL Draft, or he may believe he’ll go late on the third day of free agency, becoming an undrafted free agent.
Chris Smith Draft Profile
Smith’s speed will be one of his greatest attributes in the NFL. It will assist him in being a great returner and a exceptional pass-catching running back.
Among the running backs participating in the NFL Combine this year, that would have been the fourth-quickest time. Smith recorded a time of 4.4 seconds in his 40-yard sprint during his Pro Day.
The display of that acceleration was evident every time Smith made contact with the ball. He can quickly reach his top speed.
When positioned at the line of scrimmage, while searching for an opening, he additionally possesses impressive footwork and foresight. Regarding his change of direction, he possesses precise knowledge of the precise timing and location to execute it. When being chased by defenders, he also exhibits expertise in leveraging his body and utilizing angles to gain an advantage.
He clearly demonstrated his vision. He patiently develops strategies and adapts quickly when the timing is right. He maximizes every opportunity to gain yards.
In university, Smith stood at 5-foot-9, weighing 200 pounds. When it comes to pass protection, he is ready to obstruct and display physicality, hence, even though he may not be the largest running back.
Smith does a good job of keeping his balance and not breaking stride even when throws are behind him, snatching passes out of the air with confidence in the passing game.
A professional football team could gain an advantage by including Smith, even though he isn’t considered to be one of the top running backs in this group.