SEC Football Top 150 Players: No. 136, Branden Smith, Georgia DB

Starting April 2, the SEC Blog will be counting down the top 150 players for 2012 in the SEC.

No. 136: Branden Smith, No. 1, Defensive Back, Georgia

2011 Stats: 24 tackles, two interceptions, nine punt returns for 70 yards, seven kick returns for 131 yards, 13 carries for 100 yards and one touchdown, three catches for 39 yards

Strengths

As you can see from the statistics above, senior Branden Smith is an extremely versatile player for the Georgia Bulldogs. Smith is primarily used as a cornerback, but has already proven that he can make an impact in every aspect of the game. He is expected to be one of Georgia's starters at cornerback this season.

Weaknesses

At 5'11", 176 pounds, Smith's athleticism is clearly not an issue. But his ability at cornerback—his primary position—is still debatable, mostly because he has really only been a third cornerback during his Georgia career. He was one of several Bulldogs to land in hot water this offseason after he was arrested for marijuana possession on his way to Florida in March.

2012 prediction

Smith is facing a one-game suspension to start the season for the arrest, but he will be a star this season for the Bulldogs. Along with Malcolm Mitchell, he's one of two Georgia defensive backs that can play both ways, and it'll be interesting to see how head coach Mark Richt utilizes him throughout the season.

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