“I Should Have Went Early In This Draft”
July 5th, 2016
Bucs fourth-round pick Ryan Smith
Yes, this year’s Tampa Bay draft was about more than just Vernon Hargreaves, Noah Spence and Roberto Aguayo.
The Bucs’ fourth-round pick wants his name in the headlines, too. Ryan Smith was a cornerback/returner out of North Carolina Central. The Bucs think he’s an NFL safety. Smith thinks Bucs fans will be thankful he’s in town.
“[Fans are] going to see why I should have went early in this draft,” Smith said, via the official North Carolina Central University video below. “They’re going to get my all and 10 times more.”
An extreme work ethic, Smith says, is what sets him apart, in addition to getting a very late start to football (one year of high school ball) means he has lots of room to grow.
Smith said the Bucs liked his “quickness, burst and attitude” when he was drafted, and they were pumping him up on delivering on special teams.
Joe found it to be a very mature take that Smith said his rise from a 165-pound, partial-scholarship freshman to the NFL was “frustrating,” a steady grind of ups and downs and emotions. Most NFL rookies would be only thinking about the ecstasy of getting drafted.
The quality action in this video picks up at the 3:00 mark. Enjoy.
July 5th, 2016 at 2:22 pm
I really like this kid a lot..I think he will be a major part of our growth..
July 5th, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Seems like a good kid. I hope he works out.
July 5th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
I love love love Ryan Smith.
He will be a star in the NFL, trust that.
July 5th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
I was literally the 1st person to ever watch video. It had 0 views when I watched immediately after the draft LOL
July 5th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
F#ck Kevin Durant
July 5th, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Man I almost forgot we got this guy. I remember looking into him right after the draft, seems like a steel. Cant wait for all the seasons to come here in tampa!!!
July 5th, 2016 at 4:30 pm
This kid is going to be a star.
July 5th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
LOVE this kid! Yet another Great attitude on our squad fellas. The tide is turning in Tampa!!!
July 5th, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Hey Joe, maybe tomorrow you could include an excerpt about Alabama’s QB Blake Barnett and his stunning surfer girl arm candy. 🙂 So smokin’
July 5th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
He doesn’t have much film available because of his school but all I know is he has really good footwork. Maybe he’s good or just another Mcdougal/Conte type (very average). I’m skeptical of the Smith/Bond/Vitale trio.
July 5th, 2016 at 7:24 pm
The proof is in the pudding Mr. Smith. Get out there and perform. We are watching and waiting……
July 5th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
was anyone else’s first reaction to the word “ecstasy” Noah Spence?
July 5th, 2016 at 9:47 pm
This could be a classic draft (common theme), confident humility
July 5th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Good find Joe, enjoyed that.
July 5th, 2016 at 11:01 pm
So unsure of everything . Usually people with great attitudes have great plans of achievement . He was about as sure as a 5 year old in a candy store . I mean clearly if he was drafted by TB he should buy a house in TB if you don’t make the team or cut you sell the house and keep trying too get back in on another roster . He will be paid if he can return kicks like his stats say. I saw more in him I think this video actually discouraged me
July 6th, 2016 at 6:53 am
Matt, why would a 4th round draft pick from a small school go in debt buying a house before he makes the team? I hope he is as good as he says, but history is against him. Of course here are plenty of examples of guys going late in h draft or being undrafted and becoming great players, bu for every Steve Smith and Tom Brady, there are hundreds of guys that did not make it.
July 6th, 2016 at 9:24 am
Hopefully another one of Livhts small school steals along with Marpet. I have all the Confidence in Licht now when he takes a unknown quantity like Smith.
July 6th, 2016 at 10:20 am
The chip on his shoulder will help him find success. In Licht I trust.
July 6th, 2016 at 11:12 am
He should play corner
July 6th, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Props when props are earned, Ryan Smith.
Until then, it is all talk. Convince us with production.
July 6th, 2016 at 3:51 pm
Matt Says:
“I mean clearly if he was drafted by TB he should buy a house in TB if you don’t make the team or cut you sell the house…”
If that isn’t sarcasm, it is a dumb thing to say. I hope it is sarcasm.
July 6th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
Has anyone seen *anything* from this guy even in underwear football?