ForumsBy Scouts, Inc.
Tennessee has collected a Class of 2010 commitment from highly-sought four-star, defensive lineman Calvin Smith of Hialeah Senior (Hialeah, Fla.).
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Smith was also offered by Notre Dame, Arkansas, South Carolina, Central Florida, Purdue, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Florida, Florida State, New Mexico and Illinois.
ESPN’s Craig Haubert added, “While the loss of two fine recruiters from the staff likely has Tennessee fans a little worried, Vol nation can at least take solace in the fact that they just added another key defensive line recruit. With the No. 6-rated class Tennessee has done a good job on the recruiting trail, but an area that they have really done well with is the defensive line and they just got a little better.”
“Now in the fold is Calvin Smith an undersized, but active defensive tackle. He needs to add bulk to his frame, but he can be quick off the ball and active with his hands in taking on and shedding from blockers. He moves around well and if he can keep his mobility while adding size he could be a real handful.”
“Tennessee now has nine defensive linemen on board from the high school and JUCO levels with three ranked among the top 20 at their position including Smith.”
He is the 23rd pledge for the Vols.
Evaluation
Smith is an active defender in the trenches. He lacks ideal bulk, but should be able to add more good size with time in a college weight program and still keep his mobility. He has a good get-off that allows him to be able to get penetration at times. He is very active with his hands and will be violent with them in an attempt to create separation and shed. Flashes the ability to come off the ball and generate power from his lower body when engaging a blocker and keep leverage, but he does need to work to be more consistent with his pad level. He is a little lighter then you may like for a defensive tackle, but he can also move well. He has good straight-line speed for his size and can be a factor in pursuit. Flashes good sport-space quickness. His ability to get off the ball and be active with his weapons make him dangerous as a pass rusher, but he needs to be sure to not attack the whole man and block himself at times. Smith needs to add size, but is an active defender that can be a disruptive presence.
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