Highlights & Evaluation: Louisville DE Commit Dillon Smith

Louisville Report breaks down 2025 Louisville football defensive end commit Dillon Smith.

Louisville DE Commit Dillon Smith (0) / Via Twitter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville football program has secured another in-state 2025 prospect, as Dillon Smith has committed to the Cardinals.

Here is Louisville Report's full evaluation:

Prospect: Dillon Smith
Position: Defensive End/Tight End
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
School: Union (Ky.) Ryle
Top Offers: Louisville
247Sports Composite Rating (Nat'l Rank): N/A

Dillon Smith's Junior Year Highlights: HERE (Hudl)

Frame: While there is some ambiguity as to what Smith's exact role will be at the next level, he's got a somewhat moldable frame that can cater to what Louisville wants to make him. He's got good height, noticeable length in his arms and legs, and broad shoulders. He'll absolutely need to add, at a minimum, 15-20 pounds if he'll stay on the line.

Athleticism: Strength is without a doubt Smith's best physical intangible. He's a got a good balance of it between his upper and lower body, and film suggests that he's regularly the strongest player on the line. There is a little bit to be desired in the speed department, as his burst is average at best, though he does have solid lateral agility.

Instincts: Because of the physical traits that he possesses, Smith is a very effective bull rusher both against the run and pass. He's got incredibly strong arms that help deliver a powerful first strike that can knock lineman out of their stances. If he encounters initial resistance to it, he can use his lower body strength to help leverage himself, and he does a solid job at shedding blocks after that to pursue the ballcarrier. Smith is also a very cerebral player, as he does a good job watching the eyes of the quarterback to figure out where the play is going and make quick adjustments, and takes good open field pursuit angles. If he was a touch more athletic, he could make a really good 3-4 outside linebacker.

Polish: The one major knock against Smith as a lineman is that it seems he doesn't have many options if his bullrush doesn't work. There aren't very many tools in his pass rush move toolbox, and he can be a tad rigid at times, so he definitely needs work on his bend if he does stay on the edge. Because of that, Smith likely projects more so as an interior lineman at the next level, or maybe even a strong side linebacker since he does have solid lateral agility. While Smith does have a relatively high motor, he will absolutely without question have to work at getting off the line quicker, regardless of what position he plays.

Bottom Line: Overall, this is a pickup that has some good long term potential. He'll need to add some weight/muscle and certainly needs to add some more pass rush moves if he does stay at defensive end, but Smith has could have a high ceiling for the Cardinals based on his football IQ and ability to use his strength to his advantage.

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