Central Florida's Kevin Smith declares for draft

[Diamondback Jay]

UCF running back Kevin Smith, who nearly broke the NCAA's all-time single-season rushing record this past season, told the Orlando Sentinel Sunday that he is leaving the school and will declare himself eligible for the NFL draft.

 

[overseascardfan]

What a difference a week makes.

 

[JerkFace]

I was unimpressed with what i saw of him....he doesn't hit the hole hard, he just hangs out in the backfield and waits for a hole....it worked for him against lesser talent but NFL defenses will kill him.

 

[Red Hawk]

I was unimpressed with what i saw of him....he doesn't hit the hole hard, he just hangs out in the backfield and waits for a hole....it worked for him against lesser talent but NFL defenses will kill him.

But his Jay and Silent Bob movies rocked.

 

[CtCardinals78]

But his Jay and Silent Bob movies rocked.

Smootchie Bootchies

 

[TruColor]

But his Jay and Silent Bob movies rocked.

His cameo in Daredevil was the stuff of legends...

 

[sundevil04]

Go

quickly becoming a deep draft at RB...this one wasn't expected
________
MOTORCYCLE TIRES

 

[cardsfanmd]

Clerks Baby!!!!!!!!

 

[az jam]

After almost breaking rushing record, Smith to turn pro
ESPN.com news services

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Central Florida's Kevin Smith, the nation's leading rusher this season, changed his mind and will turn pro, he confirmed Sunday night.

Smith seriously challenged Barry Sanders' NCAA record of 2,628 rushing yards in a season, but finished 61 yards short. The running back was hailed as a hero three weeks ago for deciding to stay in school to earn a degree and help build UCF's burgeoning program.

"When I had the press conference a few weeks ago, that's how I felt then," Smith told the Orlando Sentinel. "I think people know with decision people know you're gonna go back and forth and change your mind until you realize what you really want to do. Two weeks ago had every intention of going back and being a knight. My true supporters will understand and realize I'm doing what's best for me."

Another season would have put Smith well within reach of former Wisconsin back Ron Dayne's NCAA career record.

Smith said it had nothing to do with records. He said he made the previous announcement to deflect attention leading up to UCF's Liberty Bowl matchup against Mississippi State. Smith also said the 10-3 loss in that game was no factor.

"Me coming back had nothing to do with records. I was here a lot of years -- that's not a reason," Smith told The Associated Press.

Smith, a high school honor roll student, said he wanted to come back and get his degree -- partly on the advice of his mother. But he returned to hometown Miami after the bowl game, and they had a long talk about his future.

"She basically told me, 'Do what makes you happy,'" Smith said.

Smith's change of heart was first reported by WFTV, Orlando's ABC affiliate. Smith said at a press conference Dec. 18 he would return to school, defying analysts who said he had nothing left to prove, and would be risking injury with more time in college.

"Kevin had a great career at UCF," coach George O'Leary said in a written statement. "We thank him for his contributions over the past three years and wish him nothing but the best."

The biggest knock on Smith was that he accomplished those feats in Conference USA, though he also rushed for 149 yards and two TDs against Texas this season.

Smith isn't known as a big-time speedster, though he is fast. His greatest asset is patience and vision -- knowing where to make cuts to break long runs. He actually hasn't been timed in a 40-yard dash since high school, and said he's eager to prove he can run with the big guys.

"This is what people want to see: 'Is he fast,'" Smith said. "They want to know how fast I'm going to be. They don't have to see if I'm a three-down back, because I played three downs

 

[football karma]

Good move for him

i dont think another season of piling up those carries would have done him any good, or made him any more prepared for the pro game

Pretty deep RB class --

 

[dreamcastrocks]

This is one of the backs that I feel may be available in R2.

 

[cardsfanmd]

This is one of the backs that I feel may be available in R2.

I agree. The question I have is whether we should be looking at him then.

I haven't seen the kid in anything but highlight shots on youtube. Anyone have a better perspective?

 

[Gaddabout]

Smith is going to be a difficult player to project for the scouts. He's not big enough to be considered a power back but he's too tall and heavy to be considered a true speed back. He's bigger than Willie Parker, but he's not as explosive and has a much higher pad level. In fact Smith runs a little too tall. He's built more like Adrian Peterson, but lacks the initial slashing burst. He's probably close to those guys in terms of speed between 5 and 40 yards.

One thing in Smith's favor is he's played in a one-back system and was asked to be an every down back. It's the same kind of system preferences of a quarterback who plays mostly under center -- scouts want to see how you do in an offense most similar to the standard NFL scheme.

I think Smith will end up being a good second back, but I don't think he's strong enough or quick enough (or possibly just not big enough) to be a feature back. There's also the issue of no one knowing what kind of hands he has, so it could cost him a round or two. He could make it into the third round for a bargain for someone.

 

[joeshmo]

Smith will end up going to a team that runs a zone blocking scheme. Where his patience and vision can best be utilized but is also a negative(the patience part) in other run blocking schemes. I dont think he will be on our radar screen becuase of that fact. But who knows?

 

[abomb]

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