Ole Miss Football: Prospect Review: Rashawn Smith

(Scout.com)

Rashawn Smith

Outside Linebacker

Florence High School (Florence, Ala.)

6’2 210 Lbs.

Rivals: 3-star

Scout: 3-star

ESPN: 3-star

247: 3-star

Chose Ole Miss over Arkansas.

Smith also had offers from Minnesota, Mississippi State, Purdue and Vanderbilt among others.

Committed to Ole Miss on Sept. 10, 2012.

Possible playing time in 2013: The outside linebacker spot is not exceptionally deep. Denzel Nkemdiche who made the switch to linebacker last season will see the majority of the snaps in the 4-2-5 and when the team needs extra linebacker support, they might go double middle linebacker with Mike Marry and DT Shackleford or opt for an outside linebacker like Keith Lewis or Serderius Bryant, who has impressed in spring drills thus far. While he is the only linebacker for 2013 who appears will make it to campus, Smith might not see much time, if any. A redshirt or special teams season appears most likely for Smith in 2013.

Wrap-up: He is very athletic and can help both against the run or in coverage. There is no doubt that he will need to add 15-30 Lbs. to his frame which is no problem as he appears he can support it. He is very quick on the outside and can make plays sideline-to-sideline. His tackling ability is rugged and he shows great form by wrapping up low. With a year or two learning the system, Smith could become a productive linebacker at the SEC level.