There’s little doubt about Chris Smith’s ability as a football player, as he was a consensus First-Team All-American in his time at Georgia. But he knew he was going to have to show NFL teams that he is a capable athlete to boost his NFL draft stock.
“I wanted to focus on my speed and my jumping,” Smith told reporters on Thursday. “I feel like that’s a very important asset for a DB and first and foremost I wanted to have a good 40 time. I plan on showing that on Friday.”
Smith was a man of his word, as he posted a 4.62 official 40-yard dash to go along with a 33-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. Smith measured in at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds.
Fellow Georgia defensive back Kelee Ringo worked out earlier on Friday, as he posted a 4.36 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds.
Related: Kelee Ringo wows in 40-yard dash, continues Georgia football trend
Smith’s game is not built on athleticism, but rather versatility. He’s played some slot cornerback in addition to safety as well. He was a permanent captain for the Bulldogs this past season as well.
“I just did my best to give my experiences to them because they had the talent,” Smith said on his leadership. “At the end of the day, all they needed was for me to take them under my wing and show them the way. That’s all I wanted to do.”
Despite arriving at Georgia with little expectations, Smith turned into a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and a legitimate NFL draft prospect.
“He is a playmaker. He plays fast,” Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network said. “He has range from the middle of the field. He has no wasted movement. Again, plays with confidence. Quick to read and drive. He sits there flat-footed and then drives on the ball. He is a really, really instinctive player who plays fast. I guess the expectation is he is not going to maybe run as fast as you think, but I would be more curious to see if he can add a little bit on the frame.”
Three more Georgia players will work out on Saturday, with Darnell Washington, Stetson Bennett and Kearis Jackson taking the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kenny McIntosh, Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon will conduct their interviews on Saturday.
Chris Smith talks up future of Georgia football
Chris Smith NFL combine measurements
40-yard dash: 4.62 official
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 192 pounds
Bench: 15
Broad Jump: 9′8
Vertical Jump: 33
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