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Miami Hurricanes National Signing Day:DB-Derrick Smith
Safety Derrick Smith is one of the steals for the Miami Hurricanes for the 2017 class. He continues the pipeline of Jacksonville to Miami in the state. He earned his offer at Miami’s popular Paradise Camp.
S-Derrick Smith – Status (Committed)
Bio – 6’2 ,196lbs, Trinity Christian Academy, Jacksonville, FL
Rank – ESPN (3-Star, #77 ranked safety), 247 Sports ( 3-Star), Rivals (3-Star)
Offers – USC, Utah, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Mississippi State
Analysis – Fits the mold of the philosophy of Manny Diaz of being a physical tackler, shows athleticism by playing wide receiver in high school. Hard hitter, likely projected to be a strong safety. Breaks on the ball well and has above average speed. Will come in for a bid for playing time. Check out his film here.
What Miami Hurricane Sports Bio Says
Consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Listed as the 76th-best prospect at his position by ESPN…Listed as the 124th-best recruit in the state of Florida by 247Sports…Helped guide Trinity Christian Academy to an 11-3 record…Coached by Verlon Dorminey at Trinity Christian Academy…Chose Miami over offers from USC, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Kentucky and Cincinnati.
ESPN breakdown
STRENGTHS: Big, physical receiver prospect. Possesses great ball skills. Extends outside of his frame and can come down with the jump ball. Tough guy who lowers his shoulders to finish runs and is a difference maker as a blocker. Effective gunner… WEAKNESSES: Only possesses adequate speed. Average burst and quickness – is a builder. Lacks route running experience and reps vs. zone coverage. … BOTTOM LINE: Smith’s size, hands and toughness likely make him a power 5 caliber talent. Is also a productive, physical safety capable of supporting the run.
When Smith committed to the ‘Canes, some people were not sure who he was. When you watch his film you can see why coaches love him. Smith is hard hitter, like Amari Carter, and could be a candidate to move to linebacker someday.
Miami got nice prospect in Smith. He shows versatility on film by playing wide receiver and safety. He could be forced to play early in his freshman year due to need at safety.
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