Isaiah Smith
Linebacker / Central State

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

Isaiah Smith:  6’1, 204 pounds and 4.7.  

Alex Khvatov:  Where were you training for the NFL Draft? 

Isaiah Smith:  I was at Cedarville University in Ohio.  It was the closest place to the area where I live. 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about the HBCU Bowl.

Isaiah Smith:  HBCU Bowl took place in January at Salem, Virginia.  It was a great experience.  The evaluation started for me then.  The coaches and scouts were looking at me.  It was very exciting.  I felt overwhelmed at first.  There was so much thrown at you.  The questions from scouts, and you try to catch other people’s eyes.  They also had a combine there.  My vertical was 41-inches, the bench press was 18, the shuttle was a 4.5, my forty was a 4.7, 9’8 broad jump and 7.18 in the L-drill.      

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

Isaiah Smith:  I didn’t get to go to a big high school.   I went to small high schools that didn’t have football.  I ran track, played basketball and soccer.  I played street football at home and played during my free time.  I transferred to three different schools in high school.  My junior year, I went to North Central in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I only played football there my senior year.  I played corner and special teams.  My coaches and my mentor helped me with recruiting.  Kentucky State, Central State, Morehouse and Ball State looked at me.  I was trying to go to Ball State, but the coaches got fired over the summer.  I was trying to get a scholarship, and it didn’t work out.    

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Central State?

Isaiah Smith:  I watched Central State in high school.  They participated in a bowl game at Lucas Oil Stadium against Kentucky State.  Coach Pearl was a new coach and he energized the program.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Isaiah Smith:  My versatility.  I can play multiple positions.  I can play LB and DB.  I can play man coverage and drop into zone.  I was also a starting punter for our team.      

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

Isaiah Smith:  For my position, I have to understand what the offense is trying to do.  Improve my footwork and moving better in space.   

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

Isaiah Smith:  The coaches saw my versatility.  I told Coach Pearl that I played DB before when I first got there.  He put me at punter because of my soccer background.  I also played on all special teams.  I made a lot of tackles on special teams.  Next year, I played FS.  I made plays.  The coaching staff liked my speed and liked how I was hitting.  I switched between OLB and safety.  I was still the punter all four years.  My senior year, they ended up putting me at LB.  I was rushing off the edge.  I was the pass rusher.    

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

Isaiah Smith:  My sophomore year when we played against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.  I had 13 tackles, one INT and had 300 punting yards.      

Alex Khvatov:  Central State just brought in a new head coach.  What can we expect from the team next season?

Isaiah Smith:  We have some great leaders on the team.  There will be more leaders stepping up.  We have a new coaching staff.  Coach Rome will have a positive influence.  The team is changing for the better. 

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

Isaiah Smith:  You have to be tough.  You have to be the one who hits and makes plays.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Isaiah Smith:  The Patriots.      

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Isaiah Smith:  I like LB Bobby Wagner.  I also like to watch Justin Hardee from the Saints and Matthew Slater from the Patriots.  They are gunners.  I love being the gunner on special teams.  I like to watch them most of the time.    

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

Isaiah Smith:  LB Kailen Abrams was an All-American.      

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

Isaiah Smith:  #86 TE Montavious (Tinch) from Miles College.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Isaiah Smith:  Being able to compete against the best players and winning.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Isaiah Smith:  I work out a lot.  I like to stay fit.  I also like to do photography.    

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

Isaiah Smith:  I majored in physical education, and my minor was in biology.  I want to do sports administration for my masters.  I want to do athletic administration in high school or college.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Isaiah Smith:  Humble, strong, authentic, leader and versatile.