Alphonso Smith CB 5'9 193 Wake Forest 4.53

Smith earned Freshman All America honors in 2005 after picking off three passes, to go along with 59 tackles, eight for loss, and two sacks on the year. As a sophomore, he had 48 tackles, 8.5 for loss, four sacks, and three interceptions. Smith continued to make plays all over the field as a junior, finishing the season with 44 tackles, 4.5 for loss, three sacks, and eight interceptions on his way to earning All ACC 1st team honors. He did not let up as a senior, locking down another All ACC 1st team selection as he finished the season with 36 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and six interceptions.

Strengths

Smith is an absolute playmaker in the secondary. You do not find very many corners that make as many plays at or behind the line of scrimmage as Smith does. The aggression and toughness he plays with allows him to play bigger than his size would indicate. He is quick to read a run play, and attacks the action to get to the ball carrier. Smith also has the natural athleticism and quickness to turn and shadow the receiver throughout his route. His ball skills are top notch, and he is very good and making plays down the field as his 20 career interceptions show.

Weaknesses

Size is the glaring weakness in Smith’s game. He has average size at best, and despite his toughness, it will limit him in the NFL. He simply cannot match up with bigger, more physical receivers because of his lack of size and bulk.

Future

Smith answered some questions at the combine about his size. He hit the 5'9 mark, which is slightly below average, but was a solid 193lbs. The entire corner crop ran average 40's, so Smith’s 4.53 didn’t stand out as much as it may have compared to other guys. Overall he had a good showing at the combine and should here his name called within the first 40 selections in April.