Mike Smith
Linebacker
Miami, FL
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Mike Smith: Height is 6’1, weight 232 and 40 time is a 4.6.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Mike Smith: I am training at a facility in Doral, Florida.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day? What are your expectations for that day?
Mike Smith: On March 25th at Miami. I want to show that I am an athletic player. I am fast, strong and I move well.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Mike Smith: A lot of teams. It came down to Arkansas and Miami. I wanted to stay close to home.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Miami, FL?
Mike Smith: I loved the culture. I was a Hurricane fan when I was little. I liked the coaches.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Mike Smith: I am a hard worker. I stick my nose in anything that is happening on the field. I am a downhill LB. I can be a pass rusher and I can cover. I will play special teams. I played on kickoff and punt returns in college.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Mike Smith: Being even faster on the field. I have been working on my drops and angles. More pass coverage stuff.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Mike Smith: I redshirted due to injury from high school. I got lots of playing time. It was a fun experience at Miami. When coach Golden left, coach Richt came in. DC Manny Diaz brought a new scheme. I had to switch positions. I played off the ball at LB. I was able to contribute on special teams and on defense. We were the first team to win the ACC coastal division. We were able to win the bowl game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Mike Smith: My senior year. I was in the best shape of my life. I got my body ready. I was 100% healthy. I finished my career with a 10-tackle game.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Mike Smith: Graduating college. Also being one of the most improved players in 2017. I kept getting better.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest difference between coach Golden and coach Richt?
Mike Smith: It was just a different mentality. Coach Richt wanted the team to play together. Coach Diaz got back to playing old school Miami defense. We started playing with aggression. He was a great coach. He was my personal LB’s coach. He got the head coaching job. He is capable of getting it done as a head coach.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Mike Smith: Growing up, it was Ray Lewis. He was the greatest LB.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Mike Smith: In today’s game, you have to have speed. You have to run in space and be able to cover.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Mike Smith: I look at the formation first. I read the O-linemen. I look at how the RB’s and WR’s are aligned. You can pick up on the tendencies from the OL and whether it is run or pass. I played Will and Mike positions at Miami.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Mike Smith: Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney, Bradley Jennings, Waynmon Steed and Romeo Finley.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Mike Smith: The hardest team was Appalachian State. They ran straight zone plays. They were a very competitive team. It was surprising. But their guys were pretty good.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Mike Smith: Physicality. I love running around and hitting people.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Mike Smith: A leader is someone who can set an example for others through dedication. A leader sets the tone for the whole team. A guy who works extra hard, and you would want to work hard like him.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Mike Smith: Spending time with my one-year old, my family and my girlfriend.
Alex Khvatov: How has fatherhood changed you?
Mike Smith: It changed me a lot. It pushed me to work even harder. Now I have a family to take care of.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Mike Smith: I want to be a businessman. I want to own a few businesses. Maybe get into real estate.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Mike Smith: Strong, dedicated, leader, relentless and reliable.
