Torrey Smith

KR/ATH, WR · Maryland
Maryland has become known for its workout-warrior prospects in recent years. Vernon Davis and Bruce Campbell etched their names in scouting combine workout lore with rare athletic test results in Indianapolis. Another fast receiver out of Maryland, Darrius Heyward-Bey, didn't exactly blaze a trail for Smith to follow as a first-round pick in 2009. Smith has excellent timed speed, start-and-stop quickness and the height and upper-body strength to develop into a star NFL receiver and kick returner -- multiple teams, including the Raiders, had the same idea about "4.3 DHB." Teams have told Smith he's great at what he does best, but has some work to do if he wants to be elite at the next level. "They're all saying I'm a big-play threat. I have to focus on polishing up as a (complete) receiver," he said. The fourth-year junior won't be taking his paycheck for granted. The oldest of seven children of Monica Jenkins, Smith was the de facto father in his home. Jenkins was beaten and assaulted in front of her children in what Smith called "bad relationships." He stood tall, and said he was always intent on making his situation a positive. Teams praised him for his high character in face-to-face interviews and coaches went out of their way to seek him out in Indianapolis. "There's some great stories in college football and the National Football League, what guys have overcome, what players have done to get to this point, Torrey Smith is one of those stories," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. His success story might not be complete, but it's by no means short of material. "It had its ups and downs," Smith said. "I was always with my family. There were certain times when other kids would be able to go and have fun doing something, and I had responsibility. But that's something I would not take back." Smith said Jenkins is his very best friend to this day, and they raised each other, even when Smith was left alone to care for the family when Jenkins was working to make ends meet. "It definitely helped me a lot," Smith said. "Seeing her mistakes, I was able to go out and not make those mistakes myself as I got older. I knew what I had to do to stay focused on my goals as I got older." He still considers himself an underdog, even as the third-ranked receiver in a class dominated by juniors -- A.J. Green of Georgia and Alabama's Julio Jones are rated 1-2 at the position by NFLDraftScout.com. Smith isn't just coveted as a receiver. He owns the Maryland record for all-purpose yards with 5,183 in only three seasons and was sixth in the nation in 2009 (182.7 per game). Of course, he said he's so eager to help in the NFL he would embrace a role on special teams. But not returning kicks. "As a gunner," Smith said. "That's one thing I take a lot of pride in." Like speed, pride runs in ample supply for Smith.

after the catch

His best attribute due to his agility, straight-line speed and vision. Gliding runner who accelerates quickly and changes directions without sacrificing speed. Can make defenders miss in the open field, but doesn't possess elite lateral agility to juke in tight quarters. Good straight-line speed to separate. A threat to score from any point on the field.

route running

Remains a work in progress in this area, though he showed significant improvement as a junior. Generally asked to run only vertical, comeback drags across the middle and quick screens in this offense. Has been able to gain separation largely due to his speed, though he shows good footwork and balance to develop in this area.

intangibles

An ascending talent who may be only scratching the surface of his potential. His 2,983 yards as a kick returner set the ACC record. Endured a tough childhood in which he was often asked to help his raise his younger brothers and sisters while his single mother worked two jobs. Described by head coach Ralph Friedgen as "God created a perfect person" due to Smith's humility and dedication, as well as his athletic talents. Graduated in December with a degree in criminology and criminal justice - the first male in his family to earn a college diploma. Made the special teams captain by Friedgen.

hands

Reliable pass-catcher, though he needs to be more consistent with catching with his hands. Shows the ability to extend and pluck the ball out of the air. Long arms and good body control to contort in space to make the difficult reception of a poorly thrown ball. Can absorb the big hit and hang on. Good vision and balance to track the ball over his shoulder.

release

Good burst off the snap to eat up the cushion. Possesses very good straight-line speed, making it risky for defenders to attempt press coverage. Quick hands to slap away the initial jam and has the balance, flexibility and strength to absorb a pop, gain freedom quickly and accelerate downfield.

compares to

Reggie Wayne, Colts -- Wayne entered the NFL as a speedy receiver who might never be considered a No. 1, but eventually took over for Marvin Harrison in Indianapolis. Smith has similar size, speed and focus.

blocking

Willing to help his teammates downfield, but this is an area that could use some development. Has the agility and competitiveness to mirror, but possesses only average strength and physicality.

Combine: 4.41 40-yard dash; 19 bench reps at 225 pounds; 10'5" broad jump; 41-inch vertical; 4.21 short shuttle; 6.72 3-cone drill.

Stafford High School: A multi-dimensional threat who was one of the top prospects in the state of Virginia

the No. 54-ranked wide receiver prospect by Scouts, Inc.

also ranked among the SuperPrep Virginia 33 in 2006

ranked No. 28 nationally among dual-threat QBs by Rivals.com

earned honorable mention All-Northwest Region as a senior while playing quarterback

posted 815 rushing yards on 155 carries with 12 TDs in 2006

also completed 9 of 25 passes for 230 yards with two touchdowns

also had three receptions for 81 yards

was an all-district and all-area choice in 2006

also saw action in his career at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and kick returner

returned six career kick returns for touchdowns

missed four games as a junior due to injury, but still earned all-district honors

honorable mention all-state kick returner as a sophomore

also an all-area selection in 2004

an academic all-district choice as a junior and senior

also recruited by Virginia Tech and Penn State

also played basketball

coached by Chad Lewis.

Mother is Monica Jenkins

the oldest of seven children

full name is James Torrey Smith

likes to fish in his spare time

a criminology and criminal justice major

recipient of the John Ennis Fund Scholarship.

Physical Attributes:

Proj Rd: 1-2
Height: 6-1
Weight: 204.0
Forty: 4.41
Arm: 8.625
Hand: 32.625
Wingspan: --

Pro Day Results:

Cone: --
Bench: --
Shuttle: --
10: --
20: --
40: --
BJ: --
VJ: --

Combine Results:

Cone: 6.72
Bench: 19.0
Shuttle: 4.13
10: 1.51
20: 2.5
40: 4.41
BJ: 10'06"
VJ: 41.0