Geno Smith: 5 Things You Need to Know About the West Virginia QB

For the most part, Geno Smith has been flying high throughout the draft process. 

A few negative reviews aside, there is a consensus that he is the top quarterback in this year's draft class. There is no Andrew Luck lock, but it is a good bet Smith will be a top-five pick.

Get to know more about Smith.

Combine results courtesy of NFL.com. College stats courtesy of sports-reference.com.

Background

Full Name: Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III

Birthday: October 10, 1990

Hometown: Miami, Florida

School: West Virginia

Major: English

Year: Senior

Twitter: @GenoSmith_12

First came RGIII. Will we have GSIII this year?

Smith hails from the fertile football grounds of South Florida, from which the three power schools somehow let him escape. It was West Virginia's gain when Miami's Randy Shannon didn't do much more than bat an eye at the talented quarterback.

Collegiate Stats

Geno Smith's college statistics sparkled.

He was widely considered a Heisman contender heading into his senior year because of his gaudy statistics, and he was briefly the front-runner after an eight-touchdown outburst against Baylor early in 2012.

Inconsistent play caused him to fall off as the season wore on, but he wound up with a great stat line for the season. Here is a look at Smith's statistics throughout his college career.

Passing

Year	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/A	AY/A	TD	Int	Rating
2009	32	49	65.3	309	6.3	5.8	1	1	120.9
2010	241	372	64.8	2,763	7.4	7.9	24	7	144.7
2011	346	526	65.8	4,385	8.3	8.9	31	7	152.6
2012	369	518	71.2	4,205	8.1	9.2	42	6	163.9
Career	988	1465	67.4	11,662	8	8.7	98	21	153.5

Rushing

Year	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
2009	17	7	0.4	0
2010	106	217	2	0
2011	56	-33	-0.6	2
2012	66	151	2.3	2
Career	245	342	1.4	4

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 218 lbs.

Arm Length: 32 1/2"

Hand Size: 9 1/4"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds (top performer)

Broad jump: 124.0 inches

Vertical jump: 33.5 inches

Like most quarterbacks, Geno Smith chose to forgo combine drills. We got official measurements and a few drills, though.

In particular, Smith's athleticism was on display in the 40-yard dash and the jumps.

An Interesting Family Tree

His skills have him NFL-bound, and Geno Smith has family to thank for his good genes (via Fred Sturrup of The Nassau Guardian): 

"

On the paternal side, Geno’s grand uncle was world class hurdler Danny Smith (whose older brother Larry, is the grandfather). Yama Bahama was a great grand uncle. Gomeo Brennan is a cousin. His mom, Tracey Sellers’s family includes former collegiate star running back Melvin Bratton and Lonnie Hepburn. Both played in the National Football League (NFL).

Now, for the real surprise, let’s go further down memory lane. Young Geno’s great grandfather is none other than Cyril Smith of bodybuilding and boxing fame. It’s a fantastic sports tree and the 21-year-old (6’3”, 214 pounds) Geno has the potential to add to the family sports legacy for years to come.

"

It is a good bet Smith will do his family proud in the NFL.

What Social Media Is Saying

Geno Smith is feeling a bit disrespected these days. Here are his and other tweets from around the web:

"

Just want to thank all those so called "experts" who say I can't be an NFL QB. Thursday will be a special day but the work has only begun

— Eugene Geno Smith (@GenoSmith_12) April 23, 2013"

"

This should become a thing. RT @alexmiglio: fun fact, Geno Smith is actually Geno Smith III. #GS3

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 10, 2013"

"

Gotta believe if people simply looked at Geno Smith as a late 1st-round prospect, some of the criticism against him wouldn't seem as harsh.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 10, 2013"

"

Geno Smith 1 of about 8 players Chiefs are studying hard; still hopeful for a 2nd rd pick back after Alex Smith deal; KC does have 2 3rds

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 1, 2013"

"

If Geno Smith isn't drafted in top 8, could see #Packers as prime team ready to trade back with a team moving up to get their QB.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 8, 2013"

"

Somebody will get a really good quarterback in Geno Smith tonight!

— Jon Dove (@Jon_Dove42) April 25, 2013"

"

NFL Network's Solomon Wilcots, from Berea, just said #Browns could take Geno Smith or EJ Manuel at No. 6.

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) April 25, 2013"

Follow @AlexMiglio