Tykee Smith Ranks High in Pro Football Focus' Top 101 CFB Players of 2020
Over the years, West Virginia has put a number of defensive backs into the NFL, and sophomore Tykee Smith could be next.
During his first two years in a Mountaineer uniform, Smith has tallied 114 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Smith has only started 17 games in his collegiate career but is quickly becoming one of the most respected defenders in the game.
Earlier this week, the fine folks at Pro Football Focus tabbed Tykee Smith at No. 24 in their 101 best players in college football article from the 2020 season.
Anthony Treash who compiled the list had the following to say about Tykee's play this fall:
"Smith was one of the best slot defenders in college football, serving as the “spear” in the West Virginia defense. Among all FBS defensive backs with at least 100 snaps in the slot, Smith comes in at No. 1 in coverage grade. Smith saw at least three targets in all nine of his starts, yet he managed to allow under 30 yards in every single one of his games this year."
At season's end, Tykee Smith was also named a Third-Team AP All-American, Second-Team FWAA All-American, and was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award which is given to the nation's best defensive back.
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