Roquan Smith: Macon County's Monster of the Midway
By Michael A. Lough
The Sports Report
centralgasports@gmail.com
Roquan Smith is going from Dawgnation to becoming a Monster of the Midway.
The Macon County and Georgia star linebacker was the No. 8 pick Thursday night, going to Chicago, where he’ll team up with another Central Georgian and former Georgia standout Leonard Floyd.
Family, high school coach Larry Harold (behind Smith's left shoulder) and college coach Kirby Smart.
Both played at Class AA high schools. They were together at Georgia in 2015. Floyd left after his junior year, when Smith was a freshman.
Smith’s scouting report from NFL.com, including “chance to become Pro Bowl caliber player”:
“Smith is an ascending linebacker prospect with elite athletic ability, plus intelligence and an ability to be an effective cover linebacker on passing downs. While he's a little undersized, he does have the quickness and speed to keep himself from being mauled. He was good in 2016, but great in 2017 and projects as a player who hasn't tapped his full potential. Smith has Pro Bowl traits and talent and will come off the board in the first round.
Among the strengths:
· Former high school wideout with elite athletic ability
· Speed demon who walks down backs looking to race him to the corner
· Fluid and explosive in space
· Block-slipper
· Praised by his head coach as being a "tremendous leader" who holds himself accountable
Among the weaknesses:
· Is a little undersized
· Has to stay one step ahead of the blocking scheme or he can be engulfed by size
· Will need to diagnose and trigger just a hair faster on the next level
· Occasionally comes in hot rather than breaking down in space as a tackler
· Will need more schooling on hand work when taking on blocks
· From an AFC personnel director: “"Great player. Really fun to watch because he can get to just about any play on the field and he's only going to get better. You would love to play him inside but he may have to slide to WILL."