Overview
Smith is a converted receiver who developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the nation before leaving school a year early to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. He is still a neophyte at the position, possessing only 12 starts in 39 career games, but he showed superb hands and leaping ability as a ball thief. Even though he started in only 12 games, he led the team in interceptions during the past two seasons. He ranks fifth on the school single-season record list with 151 yards via interception returns in 2008.
Smith originally joined the program as a running back before shifting to the flank during his redshirt season. The coaches looked at his tall frame and decided that he would make an imposing shutdown cornerback, leading to his third position shift during his time in a Utes uniform.
Smith excelled as a running back, receiver and kickoff return specialist at Blair High School. He earned All-conference, All-State and All-American honors as a senior, the same year that he captured league Offensive Back of the Year accolades. That year, he led the team to its best record in 10 seasons, as he rushed for more than 1,500 yards with 18 touchdowns, adding 547 receiving yards and more than 400 yards in kickoff returns.
One of the team's prized recruits in the 2005 class, Smith spent that season on offense, carrying the ball on the scout team. He competed as an inside slot receiver for the first 11 games of the 2006 campaign, coming up with a 12-yard reception and 63 yards on seven carries (9.0 avg). He was shifted the defensive side of the ball for the final two games, coming up with a pair of assisted tackles.
In 2007, Smith appeared in 13 contests as a reserve defensive back, playing the left corner position, where he started nine contests before moving to nickel back late in the year, earning another starting assignment. He posted 32 tackles (20 solos) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage. He also broke up seven passes and led the team with four interceptions. His four pass breakups vs. New Mexico tied the school single-game record.
As a junior, Smith was named All-American third-team and All-Mountain West Conference first-team. He started all but the Air Force contest (Utes opened with a four-safety alignment), recording 46 tackles (23 solos) that included a sack and two stops for loss. He caused a fumble, broke up nine passes and had five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. His total of 14 passes defended ranks second in the conference.
High School
Attended Blair (Pasadena, Cal.) High School, where he excelled as a running back, receiver and kickoff return specialist...Earned All-conference, All-State and All-American honors as a senior, the same year that he captured league Offensive Back of the Year accolades...That year, he led the team to its best record in ten seasons, as he rushed for over 1,500 yards, with 18 touchdowns, adding 547 receiving yards and over 400 yards in kickoff returns.
