Kobe Smith
Defensive Tackle / South Carolina

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Kobe Smith:  I am 6’2, 320 and I ran a 5.20 forty.   

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training? 

Kobe Smith:  With Tony Villani at XPE in Boca Raton.

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your recent mock Pro Day.

Kobe Smith:  I was supposed to do a mock pro day with Tony Villani in Boca Raton.  Everything escalated, and they closed down.  My agent set up a workout in Tampa.  It was on very short notice.  I drove up and did that day.  I had 28 reps and ran a 5.20 forty.  I have been doing DL drill work on my own.  I recorded it and have been sending it to teams.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Kobe Smith:  Kentucky, North Carolina State, Miami, North Carolina and Missouri.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose South Carolina? 

Kobe Smith:  My uncle Pat Sims played at Auburn under Muschamp.  My uncle played with the Bengals and the Raiders.  Originally, I wanted to go to Kentucky.  At the last second, I decided to go to South Carolina the week before I was supposed to get to campus.

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like to play for your head coach Will Muschamp?

Kobe Smith:  It was great to play for a defensive head coach.  I was looking forward to it.  It was very intense.  If you are not a physical player, you can’t play for coach Muschamp.  He teaches you basic fundamentals of the game.  A lot of things are mental.  You have to be fast and physical.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Kobe Smith:  Pad level.  I play with lots of leverage.  I strike well.  I am pretty strong and have strong hands.  I am very consistent with my play.  I give a lot of effort.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Kobe Smith:  At times, I can get a bit high.  I am working on leverage and hand placement.  I need to hit the guy in the chest every time.  I am trying to be perfect.   

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

Kobe Smith:  I played as a freshman.  I started gaining more trust from the coaches.  In the middle of my junior year, I earned my starting spot.  I started my junior and senior year.  We beat Georgia last year.  It was a huge deal.  We never beat Georgia before.  We won the Outback bowl my sophomore year.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Kobe Smith:  Beating Georgia this past year.  It was a double OT game.  It was very intense.  I lived 30 minutes from Georgia campus.  My family watched me play.  It was a great game.  I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder because Georgia didn’t recruit me.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

Kobe Smith:  Being physical, having good pad level, always having a high motor and giving a great effort. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall experience at the NFLPA Bowl?

Kobe Smith:  I got a late call on Sunday morning.  Everything was in a rush.  I got on a plane that day.  I arrived in CA at 2 am on Monday morning.  I was ready to go at practice that same day.  I wanted to show how versatile I could be.  It was a great experience.  I made the best of the situation and had a great week.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing you took away from the all-star game?

Kobe Smith:  Being everywhere on time, listening and taking notes.  We had NFL greats and lots of stories from them about working hard.  Frostee Rucker was our DL coach.  Coach Lewis coached my uncle Pat Sims with the Bengals.

Alex Khvatov:  What advice has your uncle giving you thus far about the NFL? 

Kobe Smith:  Always be open to learn new things and take notes.  Everything is mental.  Think and play smart.  Know the tendencies, look at the film and be in shape.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Kobe Smith:  I liked the San Francisco 49ers.  I was watching them against the Steelers one day.  I liked their defense.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Kobe Smith:  Aaron Donald and Grady Jarrett.  I like the way they play and their high motor.    

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense? 

Kobe Smith:  Looking at the stance of an O-lineman.  I am looking at whether they are pass blocking or run blocking.  I look at the backfield and where the RB is lined up.  How the TE’s are lined up and see what they are doing.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Kobe Smith:  Keir Thomas, Shi Smith, Sadarius Hutcherson, Jabari Ellis and Aaron Sterling.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Kobe Smith:  Isaiah Wynn from Georgia.

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the toughest O-line unit to go up against in the SEC?

Kobe Smith:  It was Georgia every year.  They are huge and big.  They are pretty physical and they get after it.  They play hard and they know their assignments.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Kobe Smith:  The great relationships that you build in this game.  You have fun out there.  I love the physicality of the game.        

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Kobe Smith:  I like to go to the movies.  I love to go shopping for sneakers.  I like to hang out with friends and family.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Kobe Smith:  I haven’t thought about it yet.  My goal is to make an NFL roster. 

Alex Khvatov:  Were you named after Kobe Bryant?

Kobe Smith:  Yes, I was named after him.  I was the smallest baby when I was born, but I turned out to be the biggest.  I am the middle child.  I have a brother and a sister.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Kobe Smith:  Committed, consistent, reliable, relentless and competitive.