Austin Smith
Linebacker
6’3, 225 pounds
Suwanee, Ga (Buford)
Top Offers
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Miami
Status
Tennessee signee
Rivals.com: ★★★
Scout.com: ★★★
247Sports: ★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★
RTI Average: 3-stars
RTI’s Take:
Daniel: I like Smith a lot. He seems like one of those guys who didn’t the exposure he deserves because he committed early to Tennessee and stayed loyal throughout. Like Picou, he played at one of the best programs in the South in Buford and was part of one of the better defenses anywhere. He has a ton of versatility. He played a lot of 3-4 outside linebacker and can be seen rushing the passer, stopping the run and getting out in space to cover in his film. I’m not exactly sure how UT will want to utilize him, but I could see an argument for any of the LB spots or defensive end. He’s certainly a nice tool to have on that defense.
Reed: Like his teammate Picou, Smith is a little under appreciated. He can play a variety of positions. He has the athleticism to play linebacker and the frame to grow into a defensive lineman. He even has the speed to perhaps play strong safety depending on how he develops physically once he gets into Tennessee’s conditioning program. There aren’t many players as versatile as Smith in this class. He definitely needs to get stronger before he sees the field, but, with his ability to play several positions, don’t rule him out contributing this season if he’s able to do so.
