After a spectacular junior season that saw him approach Barry Sanders' single-season Division-I rushing record of 2,628 yards (Smith finished 61 yards short), Smith enters the 2008 draft as one of the country's hottest running back prospects. While there are concerns about his level of competition and pure speed, scouts' greatest worry may be Smith's thin frame. There is no denying his natural ability as a runner, however, as Smith is patient with excellent vision and rare agility and acceleration for a back of his size.

Positives: Good initial quickness to and through the hole … Flashes the explosiveness to attack the line of scrimmage, but his main asset is his vision and ability to pick and slide laterally along the line of scrimmage until he finds the hole … Good patience to allow his blocks to develop … Rare acceleration for a back of his size … Questions about his 40-yard dash time will be key, but Smith consistently demonstrates the sneaky football speed to out-run his opponents to the flanks despite their seemingly having the proper angle.

Negatives: Lanky frame that appears better suited to the wide receiver position than running back … Thin, long limbs … Runs a bit upright and takes unnecessary shots to his body … Legitimate questions about the Conference USA level of competition … Questionable 40 speed … Parlayed one monster season into leaving early for the NFL.

Three-year letterwinner at Southridge High School in Miami … coached by Rodney Hunter … two-year all-Dade County selection as both a running back and free safety … academic honor roll student … tallied four interceptions and 53 tackles during senior season … scored a touchdown on both a punt return and fumble recovery as a senior … rushed for 1,125 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.

Smith is the son of Mario and Pam Smith … a liberal studies major.