Dawuane Smoot

Growing up just outside Columbus, Smoot was a standout football and track athlete in high school, but didn't receive an offer from Ohio State, committing to Illinois over Indiana, his only two offers from a power-five conference. A two-year starter for the Illini, he lined up primarily in a three-point stance at both left and right defensive end and fibished top-10 in school history in career sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (38.5). The foundation of his game is quickness and effort so when he is able to pin his ears back and get after the passer, he is effective. But Smoot lacks ideal size, strength and growth potential, which shows defending the run and when locked up mid-rush with blockers. His power limitations will be an issue at the next level, but Smoot can mask those issues if he is able to get consistently disrupt the pocket with his athleticism and relentless motor - projects as a nickel rusher as a rookie while he competes for starting snaps.

strengths

Quick out of his stance with the arc speed to attack the outside shoulder of edge blockers. Flashes the flexibility to dip, skim and flatten. Active hands to fight off jabs and get blockers off balance. Controls his body well to redirect in space or use a spin move mid-rush. Comes to balance well in tight spaces with the trained eyes to make stops in the backfield. Lacks ideal size, but plays with a consistent motor and doesn't fatigue easily. Held up well the past two seasons, starting all 24 games. Solid production with 38.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and five forced fumbles over 24 starts - one of only seven FBS players to post at least 15.0 tackles for loss each of the past two seasons. Received NFL-style coaching in 2016 under head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson.

weaknesses

Undersized lower body with lean features. Lacks the core power or anchor strength to be a consistent edge setter. Can be bullied from his spot in the run game. Not a snatcher and won't overpower NFL blockers with his rush. Bad habit of getting too wide of the pocket or end up behind the quarterback. Needs to develop his counter measures once his initial move stalls. Overeager effort leads to false steps, chasing fakes and abandoning his gap assignments. Didn't take much of a jump from his junior to senior season on film.

Three-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports

Ranked the No. 68 defensive end in the nation by 247Sports

Ranked the No. 54 player in Ohio by Rivals

As a senior, had 91 tackles, 14 sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

As a junior, had 113 tackles, 10 sacks and four PBUs

As a sophomore, had 56 tackles and six sacks

Ohio Capital Conference first-team selection as a senior after earning special mention as a junior

Defensive MVP at Madison as a junior and senior

All-Metro second-team selection as a senior

Earned three letters in football and three in track

In track, competed at nationals in the shot put, discus and 400 hurdles.

First name pronounced duh-WON

Born March 2, 1995

Goes by "D.J."

Parents are Darrell Sr., and Jamecca Smoot

Favorite athlete is NFL great Julius Peppers because of his style of play

Was named to his high school academic honor roll as a senior

Says his father most influenced his athletic career because "he pushed me to be the best."

Majoring in sport management.

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
15.5	10.0	56.0	0.0	1.0	5.0	30.0