Tag: Mazi Smith

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: MRI for Cowboys’ first-round DT Mazi Smith (knee)

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith will have a precautionary MRI on his knee, NFL Network reported.

The defensive tackle did not practice Tuesday in Oxnard, Calif., and has been battling tendinitis in training camp.

The 6-foot-3, 337-pound Smith was the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan.

Smith, 22, recorded 88 tackles (six for losses) and one fumble recovery in 30 games with the Wolverines.

Smith was listed as a backup to starter Johnathan Hankins on the Cowboys’ first depth chart released Monday.

Dallas opens the preseason at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) pressures Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the second half Oct. 15, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michpenn 101522 Kd 0016511

Reports: Michigan DL Mazi Smith takes plea deal in gun case

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan starting defensive lineman Mazi Smith entered a guilty plea on Thursday to a misdemeanor weapon charge, avoiding prosecution on a more serious felony count.

The Detroit Free Press and MLive Media said the felony weapon charge was dismissed. By taking the plea deal, Smith won’t have a criminal record, provided he successfully completes all conditions of the deal, per the reports.

Sentencing was set for Dec. 29 — two days before No. 2 Michigan meets No. 3 TCU in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.

Appearing via video feed before 14A District Judge J. Cedric Simpson, Smith admitted to having a Glock 19 gun in his possession during a traffic stop on Oct. 7 in Ann Arbor, Mich. The gun was registered to Smith, but he didn’t yet have a concealed pistol license.

The concealed weapon charge was not filed until Dec. 1, and Smith was not barred from team activities. The senior played in the Big Ten Championship game last Saturday when Michigan beat Purdue and made two tackles.

“We are aware of the charge against Mazi from a traffic stop back in October,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement when the charge was filed last week. “Mazi was honest, forthcoming and cooperative from the very beginning and is a tremendous young man. He is not and never has been considered a threat to the University or community.”

A first-team All-Big Ten selection this year, Smith has 45 tackles in 13 games for the undefeated Wolverines.

–Field Level Media