Ainias Smith Leaves Final Imprint At Texas A&M Before Life In The NFL
COLLEGE STATION -- Ainias Smith would be the first to admit he was frustrated when the news broke early Saturday morning in Indianapolis that he wouldn't be able to work out during on-field drills alongside what's considered a promising receiver class.
Smith, Texas A&M's most productive weapon over five seasons, had been dealing with leg discomfort. The pain had lingered, but Smith pushed through, treating it as nothing more than a shin split or a bone bruise.
Then came the news before the biggest job interview of his budding young career.
"Once [medicals] told me I needed to get an MRI and CT scan, I was a little nervous they were going to find," Smtih said following Texas A&M's Pro Day workouts.
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They found something. Smith had been working out on a fractured shin and needed a second opinion from a specialist before being cleared to work out. Still, the senior Aggies weapon didn't regret trekking up to Indianapolis for interviews and formal meetings.
"That played a real big part of my enjoyment," said Smith. "The whole experience itself was just a true, true blessing. Going out there for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"It was fun."
Smith, who managed to post a wide receiver-leading 21 reps on the bench press, gave scouts more to talk about with just a month before the three-day NFL draft during A&M's Pro Day in the new Coolidge Performance Center. Roughly 60 NFL scouts, assistant coaches, and front-office personnel had a chance to see Smith prove he's capable of being a reliable target and return man at the next stage of the game.
Smith worked drills at both running back and receiver, just as did during his five-year stay in College Station. Before the event kicked off, he also took punts in front of scouts, showing off the special teams' value.
"Ainias is so unique because he had such versatility," said A&M coach Mike Elko. "You know, in the NFL, the rosters get shorter, so versatility matters an awful lot for kids who can line up in a lot of different spots. He's always been a football player.
"When he came out early on, you could see the twitch and the athleticism with his ability to separate and get open. He's another player I think will have a shot to be a successful pro."
Smith, who tied Christian Kirk's 39-game consecutive game catch streak, said he wasn't pleased with his numbers, but teams also didn't seem too concerned since he's "running on a broken leg." Still, Smith has always been all about presenting the best version of himself.
He said he ran a low 4.4 or high 4.5 40-time. Probably, it's around a 4.49 or 4.5-flat. Fully healthy, Smith is certain he'd compete with Texas' Xavier Worthy in the 4.2-4.3 range, though scouts likely can see the burst on tape.
They also can see the leadership that made him a fan favorite in College Station for five seasons after committing to the program from Dulles High School in Sugar Land.
"He's always trying to put the team in the best position possible," junior linebacker Edgerrin Cooper said of his teammate.
Smith isn't sure what round his name will be called. He hopes to keep the 'Sub-Zero' persona alive if offered the number, and he'd love to haul in a touchdown pass from Kansas City Patrick Mahomes, but which receiver wouldn't after his first six seasons in the pros?
Regardless of the journey to draft day, Smith continues to remain positive. He'll keep that same energy through interviews and workouts until the dream of making the NFL becomes a reality next month.
"I really don't know what to expect," said Smith. "but I know I'm going to be smiling."
