Kentucky Linebacker Emmitt Smith Commits To The Cincinnati Bearcats

Oct 5, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; A detailed view of a Cincinnati Bearcats helmet with a patch for offensive lineman Ben FLick (77) during the second half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Remember to like Cincy on the Prowl on Facebook and follow Cincy on the Prowl on Twitter.

The Cincinnati Bearcats picked up their second commitment of the 2015 class in Kentucky middle linebacker Emmitt Smith, the young man announced on Twitter. He will surely fit in nicely on UC’s growing All-Name Team. The first verbal of this class came by way of safety Malik Clements out of Danville, Virginia. Smith makes it #2 for Tuberville and co. The inside linebacker is a consensus 3-Star linebacker from Bowling Green, Kentucky, although 247 Sports and Scout have him listed as a 4-Star. Smith visited Clifton during UC’s junior day way back in late March as part of several trips to campuses of prospective programs this spring. Along the way he picked up offers from Cincinnati and Western Kentucky along with Kentucky, Indiana, and Purdue, depending upon the recruiting source you use. But Smith decided to verbal to Tommy Tuberville’s Bearcats.

OVERVIEW

BONUS HIGHLIGHTS: HUDL video from his junior season

Emmitt Smith is many times one of the largest players on the football field and he uses that size to his advantage. He’s an excellent downhill, between-the-tackles run defender and offensive linemen have problems blocking him one on one. Smith seems equally adept at attacking the line of scrimmage from the middle linebacker position as well as off the edge. Experience at both the MIKE and defensive end will serve him well at the next level. Apparently he also plays fullback as well. Clearly this is one versatile football player. The only knock on him is his lateral speed, which is a little on the slow side, but not unusual for a kid his size. Additionally he does a nice job weaving through the offensive line and tracking down the ball carrier but would do well driving through him. But both of those can be improved in a collegiate training program.

OUTLOOK

I’d be curious to see where Smith winds up at Cincinnati. He could trim down a bit and add some muscle to play middle linebacker or add bulk and put his hand on the ground to play defensive end. Oh, then there’s fullback, which he also has experience playing. Any of those very much potential landings pots for Smith at UC. Regardless I think he redshirts his freshman year. In 2015, Silverberry Mouhon will be a senior and several other defensive ends who could get experience in the upcoming season will be upperclassmen. There’s a similar situation at linebacker and especially middle linebacker. As such, Emmitt Smith will probably redshirt his first year on campus at Cincinnati. It feels weird to write that.