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PLAYER: Anthony Smith
POSITION: Defensive Line
NUMBER: 8
HEIGHT: 5’10"
WEIGHT: 312
HIGH SCHOOL: Spring Westfield (Houston, TX)
Now this is a guy that shrunk. Smith originally committed to Texas Tech as a 6-0/291 defensive tackle, but according to Smith’s Texas Tech profile he's actually 5-10/312. I very much believe these figures. And I don't care. Yes, he is small, but he's full of personality and if this team is looking for a backup noseguard, I think that Smith is the guy that could make an impact because there are not many player that play his position.
There were rumblings that Smith was working his way into the mix last year as a true freshman, but then he had a scooter injury that hurt his ankle and that seemed to derail his chances of playing really at all.
I do know that Smith has a high motor and an infectious personality. I remember listening to him last year on the way to the spring game and he was a funny guy. But it's got to be more than just his personality that gets him on the field. There are really only one or two 1-technique nose tackles on the team, including Dennell Wesley and Smith. There is a real opportunity for him to play and it really hinges on whether or not Smith can take that opportunity. We'll see. The only other interesting note is that Smith is 2 inches shorter than when he committed. Yes, he's always been short, but we'll also see if that's any sort of a hindrance in terms of him getting on the field or making an impact.