I did a little research and looked up this guys #s and compiled them here for your viewing pleasure. Definitely some things to like about this guy. 100+ tackle seasons in two consecutive years, and a freakin 3.9 pro agility hmy: He led his team in tackles last year as starter at SS...nearly 40 tackles more than the teams 2nd leading tackler. Here's hoping he's a Rhodes-type steal that blossoms into our Rodney Harrison :beer: SS Eric Smith Michigan State 6’1 ¼” 210 Measurables: 40-yd dash: 4.60 (p) ; 4.58 (p) 20-yd shuttle: 4.10 (c) ; 3.97 (p) 60-yd shuttle: 10.94 (c) *p= pro-day *c= combine 2001 DNP 2002 10 GP/ 5 GS 38 tackles 2 passes defended 1 fumble forced 1 sack 2003 9 GP 69 tackles 9 passes defended 2 ints 1 fumble forced 3 sacks 2004 11 GP/ 11 GS 115 tackles 9 passes defended 1 fumble forced 2 fumble recoveries 2005 11 GP/ 11 GS 101 tackles (MSU’s leading lackler in ‘05 with 101, 2nd most team-wide had 65) 4 passes defended 2 ints, 1 fumble recovery, 1 td
good job, wouldnt it be awesome if we drafted the next bruschi (schlegel) and harrison(smith) in the third round.
He his a footballer hopefully he will take it to the next level. Funny picture he looks like he is dancing or something.
Im a Schlegal fan but I think hes gonna have a hard time coming in and competing, especially with the glut of talent we already have at the position. I think the CS recognized Coleman was not the answer at safety and drafted a replacement in the Rodney Harrison/Adam Archuletta mode. His scheme last year had the SS as an in the box run supporter, which is what Smith is and Coleman isnt. I think they saw Coleman as a one year wonder and an overachiever who might be better suited as a backup. IMO Smith has a better chance to start than most think...if I was a betting man Id put money on him being the starter alongside Rhodes sometime during the season
i think coleman is gonna lose his FS spot. rhodes going over to FS.. maddox or smith at SS in the box hitters.Harrison kinda guys arent great in coverage. but will punish a rb and are great open field tacklers.
good call, i like coleman and would like to assume he'll put up a good fight for his spot though.but last yr was sub-par considering his rookie yr. we'll see but rhodes at FS and maddox/smith at SS would be sick.
Thats how I think its gonna be... FS Kerry Rhodes SS Eric Smith Hes poor in coverage but as an in-the-box safety he wont even have to cover, that responsibility will fall primarily to Rhodes. Smith can be our Rodney Harrison and Rhodes can be our Eugene Wilson. The more I read about Smith, the more I like about him. I really do think hell end up being a solid player
Safeties typically regress the second year because as their confidence goes up they play off the scheme more trying to make plays and make more mistakes. Coleman should rebound strong this year and Rhodes might have some problems. I think in the Mangini scheme safety will be a committee position anyway. I think they will all play situation roles in each game.
