Jared Smith: 5 Things to Know About the Defensive Tackle

Jared Smith is a defensive tackle for New Hampshire in the Colonial Athletic Association, but he is still on the NFL radar.

After all, Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, out of Delaware, is an alum of the CAA.

Smith is a five-technique prospect who shows motor and hustle. He knows how to work to get at a quarterback in the box and navigate the backfield, though there remain questions if he has the athleticism to chase down plays as they develop if they go out of his comfort zone.

Following is a look at Smith and his football pedigree.

Background

Full Name: Jared Smith

Hometown: Greencastle, Pa.

High School: Greencastle-Antrim, Pa.

Major: Kinesiology, Sport Studies

Year: Senior

(UNHWildcats.com) 

Analysts at NFL.com are saying that Jared Smith's game "compares favorably to Sean Lissemore, who was a seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys three years ago out of William & Mary."

This has given scouts a good frame of reference in analyzing the UNH product.
 

Statistics

2009: 6 games, 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 0 forced fumbles

2010: 13 games, 38 tackles, 4 sacks, 0 forced fumbles

2011: 12 games, 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

2012: 11 games, 40 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

By his senior year, Jared Smith played his fewest number of games since his freshman year, but showed his most disruption with sacks and forced fumbles.

He developed his game over his collegiate career and will look to show that he can continue to learn with an NFL team.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 302 lbs.

Arm Length: 33.5"

Hand Size: 10.5"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 5.08

Broad jump: 115 inches

Vertical jump: 32.5 inches

Bench Press: 28 reps

3-cone Drill: 7.20 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.39 seconds

(NFL.com)

Interesting Facts

Jared Smith's nickname in the UNH locker room was "Fat Rabbit," and that isn't a bad thing for a defensive tackle. It speaks to his quickness and foot speed, as he is both heavy and elusive.

Smith is recognized for his lateral speed and enthusiasm in chasing down plays.

Observations

Jared Smith looks to be worth a late-round flyer as he continues to grow and shows his speed and tenaciousness in order to contribute at the NFL level.

He still has some development to undergo and has slightly in-between size, but has been getting bigger over his college career and should find a role for himself at the pro level as long as he continues to display his hard work and hustle.