SI All-American Candidate Larry Smith Highlights and Evaluation

Larry Smith is a safety prospect from Oakleaf High School in Jacksonville, Fla. Smith is an SI All-American candidate.

Prospect: Larry Smith                                                  
Status: SI All-American candidate                              
Vitals: 5-foot-10, 170 pounds                                  
Position: Cornerback                                                
School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Oakleaf                          
Committed to: Indiana                                            
Projected Position: Cornerback

Frame: Somewhat undersized. Average width in the upper half. Long, sinewy arms. Tightly-wound thighs and calves, with developing trunk. Tons of space for much-needed additional weight. 

Athleticism: Good feet. Makes light, fast cuts. Changes direction quickly. Has above-average speed at best. Good hand-eye coordination. Lacks strength, but packs punch as a tackler. 

Instincts: Playmaker in the defensive backfield. Good anticipation breaking toward the ball. Turns head and tracks the ball well while running with receivers. Offers willing, aggressive help in run support. 

Polish: Plays safety for Oakleaf, but Indiana recruited him as a cornerback. Has a clear understanding of zone-coverage concepts. Has little experience matched up one-on-one. Must develop, hone backpedal and jam. 

Bottom Line: Smith is an instinctive, aggressive presence in the defensive backfield. Lacks the size and tools needed to star, but assuming his transition to corner goes smoothly, projects as an eventual starter for Hoosiers.