Telvin Smith

A three-star recruit out of high school, Smith chose Florida State over LSU and Georgia and played mostly special teams as a freshman in 2010. He served as a sub-package linebacker as a sophomore and junior, sharing the middle linebacker position with Vince Williams before becoming a full-time starter as a senior, leading the Seminoles in tackles (90). Smith has awesome closing burst and overall range to cover the entire field and is like a running back on defense, avoiding blocks with swivel hips and the exciting speed to explode with sharp angles. His lack of bulk and growth potential are impossible to ignore and something that will always limit him, especially when trying to shed blocks. Smith is heady, competitive and always hustles, but likely his only fit as a starter will be as a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Smith won't be as high on every board, but shouldn't get out of the top 100 picks.

lacks natural power and needs to do a better job finishing once he makes contact with the ballcarrier. struggles to shed once engaged and lacks the upper body strength to consistently fight through offensive line blocks. needs to play smarter in coverage and has a few late hit penalties on his resume.

Scheme specific and won't be an ideal fit for all 32 teams, but doesn't want to play another position. Only one year as a full-time starter at the college level.

strengths

Rangy athlete with loose hips and springs in his legs. Closes quickly with a violent attitude and explosive first step. Aggressive blitzer with speed and initial pop to split gaps.

compares to

Wesley Woodyard, Broncos - While undersized, both Woodyard and Smith have the athletic range and natural instincts to make up for their lack of size and strength.

weaknesses

Thin-muscled with very lean limbs and limited growth potential to add much more bulk. Needs to stay disciplined and improve his timing and anticipation to not over-pursue his target. Overaggressive angles and needs to stay controlled.

fluid in his cover drops and plays natural in space. easy for blockers to underestimate his speed, bursting into the backfield with a fiery temperament. excellent read/react instincts to diagnose and attack without hesitation. light, but physical and won't shy from point of attack contact, tackling through his target and taking on blocks to find the quickest route to the ballcarrier.

Motivated competitor and leader. Hard worker and pushes himself to reach his full potential. Very talkative and confident and is the tone-setter of the defense. Teammates feed off his energy on and off the field. Versatile experience playing weak-side and middle linebacker and also starring on special teams.

Held a four-star ranking from Rivals and a three-star ranking from Scout out of high school

cousin of rising senior, cornerback Greg Reid, who signed out of Lowndes County with the `Noles in 2009 along with safety Gerald Demps

Rivals rated Smith as the No. 18 outside linebacker prospect in the country and No. 22 prospect overall in Georgia

No. 8 outside linebacker nationally by ESPN and No. 107 prospect overall

participated in the GACA North/South All-Star Classic

registered 84 tackles, 25 assists and two interceptions as a senior for the powerhouse Vikings

as a junior logged 97 tackles (16 TFLS) and two interceptions for the state AAAAA champions

SuperPrep Georgia ranked him as the No. 25 player in the state

committed to the Seminoles in July 2009 and reaffirmed that decision by selecting FSU over Georgia and LSU.

Born April 11, 1991.