Interview With Sean Smith

SEAN SMITH = SPEED

I have the pleasure to begin my coverage of the 2009 NFL Combine interviewing Utah’s Sean Smith and Paul Kruger.  Utah came off a very successful undefeated season beating Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl.

Sean Smith is a talented DB from Pasadena, California. He redshirted his freshman year and has played in every game since.  Coming out after playing three seasons as a Junior from Utah, Smith is a potential first rounder.  He believes with his size, speed, and knowledge of offenses (he is a former WR), he will be a successful corner OR safety in the NFL and feels comfortable playing both.  (Did I mention he was fast?)

SEAN SMITH                6’3        210       CB        UTAH

HM:  Describe your three years playing as a Ute?

SS:  I learned a lot from the older guys.  We had a lot of seniors that year, I made a lot of good friends that when on to the NFL as well as the business world. I definitely learned lessons in life as well as on the football field. My last three years playing have been great.  I enjoy nothing more than going out there in front of the fans, just putting on a show and performing for my teammates.

HM:  What has this off-season been like?

SS:  It’s been fun.  We’re down in Florida training with some of the top athletes across the nation.  Guys are ranked high in almost every position down there.  It’s cool to be around a group of guys that are just as good as you competing for the same goal. 

HM:  What is most important to you in your conditioning program?

SS:  Speed.  That is definitely something that I think will open up some eyes.  I think I’m the bigger DB coming out this year.  A lot of guys want to know how fast I really am.  Whether I’m going to play corner or safety, I think depends on my speed.  That is definitely something I’m focusing on right now.

HM:  Do you feel comfortable playing corner OR safety in the NFL?

SS:  Most definitely.  I actually wanted to play safety before I moved to corner (in college.) We were kinda short on corners and I was doing pretty good, obviously, at that position.  I have no problem playing either or.

HM:  I’m assuming you’re planning on running the 40 to showcase your speed?

SS:  Most definitely.  That is something, like I said, that I’m definitely worried about.  I’m going to go out there and run as fast as I can.

HM:  Why are you coming out your junior year?

SS:  Why?  It’s a couple things.  First and foremost it’s my financial situation with my family.  Even though I know probably if I stay another year I could probably get a little better, and who knows I could rank a little bit higher or not.  I definitely want to help my mother out and two younger sisters.  Also, I think there is a lack of size in coming out this year in the DB class.  There is not a lot of big, tall, DBs out there that can run like I do.  I definitely have an advantage in that sense. 

HM:  Why do you have what it takes to play at the next level?

SS:  Besides the physical aspect, my size and speed combination, I have experience on both offense and defense.  When you have a defensive back who knows what offenses like to attack what defenses and what they’re thinking, it makes them that bigger of a threat on the defensive side of the ball.

HM:  What areas do you need to improve?

SS:  Areas that need to improve?  That is kind of a funny question.  I’ve only been playing DB for two years so there are always things to learn.  I’m pretty sure I can improve in almost every aspect.  I’m never satisfied in one thing.  I’m always looking to improve in every way.

HM:  What is your biggest weakness in your skill that you want to improve on?

SS:  My biggest weakness?  I can’t really tell you if I have a weakness.  We played a variety of defenses.  I’m very experienced in man and in zone.  I can’t tell you if I have a weakness or not. 

HM:  So you think you can line up vs. Larry Fitzgerald? (laughing)

SS:  Oh, most definitely.  (laughing)

HM:  Where will you be on draft day?

SS:  With my family.  I have family in California, Texas and Georgia.  Hopefully I can get them all together and sit down and watch the draft.  

HM:  Who would you compare yourself to in the NFL?

SS:  Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders.  He’s a tall corner like myself.  He dominated this year. QBs are afraid to throw the ball his way.  Between him and the play-making ability of (Antonio) Cromartie with his instincts when the ball is in the air.., I think I’m a combination of those two.   

HM:  Where does your passion for football come from?

SS:  It’s just my competitive nature.  I wasn’t looked at by the bigger schools.  Going into the game with a chip on your shoulder, knowing that people have doubts about you.  It’s no secret that I love playing in front of the fans and the media so I think that drives me as well.  

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