Kendall Smith of Florida State ~ 5.11/225
"An undersized, sideline-to-sideline backer who is at his best when asked to chase the football in pursuit. Showcases impressive range, gets up to speed quickly and has the type of closing burst to consistently reach the ball carrier from the backside. Possesses good overall length for his size, with the ability to use his long arms to wrap up well and break down in space.
However, he lacks size and isn't real physical at the point of attack. Struggles to consistently keep himself clean inside and can easily be knocked off balance/ washed out from the play when picking his way through traffic. Displays natural range and fluidity vs. the pass but is still developing his overall feel in both man and zone coverage.
Impression: He's undersized and lacks ideal instincts at this stage, but boy can he run which will at least give him a shot at the next level."
However, he lacks size and isn't real physical at the point of attack. Struggles to consistently keep himself clean inside and can easily be knocked off balance/ washed out from the play when picking his way through traffic. Displays natural range and fluidity vs. the pass but is still developing his overall feel in both man and zone coverage.
Impression: He's undersized and lacks ideal instincts at this stage, but boy can he run which will at least give him a shot at the next level."
"Overview: Kendall is a 2007 graduate of South Sumter High School in Bushnell FL where he was a PrepStar All-American and four-star prospect and was ranked the 45th best player in U.S. by Rivals.com. Kendall was a first team 2A All-State linebacker in 2006 while leading his team to state title game. He was also named the District 4 MVP after registering 156 tackles. He played both Offense and Defense in the All-American Bowl game and led his East team with six tackles.
In 2007, he made 14 tackles, which led all true freshmen, but saw all of his action in the regular season on special teams. Finally made his first career start at strongside linebacker against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.
In 2008, as a true sophomore, he compiled 24 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and 2 sacks while appearing in all 13 games. In 2009, he upped his productivity to 85 tackles, 7 TFLs and 2 sacks.
In 2010, his line was: 91 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and a PD.
Strengths: Very fast and field fast. Can drag down receivers and RBs from behind in the open field. Played in what oftentimes amounted to a 5-2 look for FSU, and had the necessary skill set to make that possible, ranging sideline to sideline to make plays. Great range, COD, and lateral agility. Can run with TEs and most slots. Versatility and speed will get him into camp. Emotional, and shows some desire and leadership.
Weaknesses: Never really lived up to his high school resume. Can be rocked back by blocking TEs and RBs. Doesn't really fight through blocks. Will not be a strong run defender against big backs at the next level. May be limited to WOLB, or looked at by some as a SS candidate. Will waste a step and guess wrong. May have a learning curve, and/or struggle with more complex schemes, especially multiple changes during a game. Slightly over-aged.
Projection: 6-7th rounder who will go either way based on post-season workouts."
In 2007, he made 14 tackles, which led all true freshmen, but saw all of his action in the regular season on special teams. Finally made his first career start at strongside linebacker against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.
In 2008, as a true sophomore, he compiled 24 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and 2 sacks while appearing in all 13 games. In 2009, he upped his productivity to 85 tackles, 7 TFLs and 2 sacks.
In 2010, his line was: 91 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and a PD.
Strengths: Very fast and field fast. Can drag down receivers and RBs from behind in the open field. Played in what oftentimes amounted to a 5-2 look for FSU, and had the necessary skill set to make that possible, ranging sideline to sideline to make plays. Great range, COD, and lateral agility. Can run with TEs and most slots. Versatility and speed will get him into camp. Emotional, and shows some desire and leadership.
Weaknesses: Never really lived up to his high school resume. Can be rocked back by blocking TEs and RBs. Doesn't really fight through blocks. Will not be a strong run defender against big backs at the next level. May be limited to WOLB, or looked at by some as a SS candidate. Will waste a step and guess wrong. May have a learning curve, and/or struggle with more complex schemes, especially multiple changes during a game. Slightly over-aged.
Projection: 6-7th rounder who will go either way based on post-season workouts."
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