Bryan Smith Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Contributing reporter Josh Buchanan talks to the standout defensive end from McNeese State.
By Josh Buchanan
What are your current measurables such as height, weight, 40, and bench reps?
Bryan: I am 6′2 ¾. I am currently weighing 232lbs and plan on adding
some more weight by the time the Combine comes around. My 40 is
around 4.55-4.58. I am not sure what my reps are, we haven’t recoded
them recently, we plan on doing that this week.
How did you end up at McNeese State?
Bryan: I didn’t start playing football until my junior year of high
school. I played basketball and ran track throughout high school, I
actually finished 3rd in the state of Texas in high jump. During my
senior year I began to get recruited and saw the reality of playing
football in college. I received offers to run track at several
schools, but wanted to play football and McNeese was the perfect fit
for that.
Where have you been training?
Bryan: I have been training at school with our strength coach who has
trained guys for the Draft in the past.
What do you want to work on most before the draft?
Bryan: I am working on getting stronger/bigger while maintaining my
speed and athleticism.
Who else is training with you?
Bryan: I am training with about 8 eight guys here.
What do you feel are your biggest strengths on the field?
Bryan: My speed, athleticism, and my ability to learn on the fly.
What are your biggest weaknesses on the field?
Bryan: I am working on better shedding blockers. I am constantly
trying to improve all aspects of my game and become the best player I
can be.
Do you have any players on your team who you feel will be solid NFL
prospects next year?
Bryan: We have a few juniors for next year that should draw some
attention. Vaalyn Jackson (DT) is one of those guys who has a great
chance.
Which teams have shown the most interest in you so far?
Bryan: There seems to be interest all across the league. We have had
every team come down to McNeese to speak with myself or the coaches.
I also met with a number of teams at the Hula Bowl who expressed their
interest in me as well. We have gotten a lot of very good feedback
and interest from many teams.
Do you have any expectations on draft day such as a round or team?
Bryan: I know that my Combine and Pro Day performances will determine
a lot for me when it comes to draft day. As long as I take care of
business I believe everything will work out. If I had to guess now, I
would say 5th or 6th round with room for improvement.
What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?
Bryan: Graduate from college and get my degree.
Josh can be emailed at joshb@comporium.net