Might change your mind about Eric Smith

FITM · Apr 30, 2006

Safety Smith is MSU's 'extra coach on field'

He's been able to stay healthy and is Spartans' unquestioned leader on defense and top tackler.

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State's SirDarean Adams has many nicknames for strong safety Eric Smith -- "The Professor," "Coach Smith," "The Mad Scientist."

They all help describe the Spartans' most cerebral defensive player.

"He knows everything," Adams said. "It's unbelievable how he knows what everybody is doing on the field for each call."

Smith is playing a thinking man's game to try to help hold the Spartans' suspect defense together entering Saturday's game at Ohio State.

Other than possibly quarterback Drew Stanton, no MSU player is more appreciated by the coaching staff than Smith. Some observers might question his speed, but the coaches frequently rave about Smith's value to the team.

Much of this is in the form of intangibles, but Smith also leads the team in tackles with 43 after five games. He and Purdue strong safety Bernard Pollard are tied for the most tackles among defensive backs in the Big Ten (8.6 per game), and they're seventh overall in the conference.

"Eric Smith makes us whole back there (in the secondary)," coach John L. Smith said. "You talk about Drew on the offensive side, I think Eric Smith is that for us on the defensive side. Just keep knocking on wood that he stays healthy because he's our quarterback out there. ... Without him, shoot ..."

John L. didn't finish the sentence because he doesn't want to consider what an already-vulnerable secondary would look like without his namesake (no relation) helping to direct the rest of the defense into position on every play.

MSU cornerbacks coach Chuck Dreisbach, who has been a defensive coordinator at five schools during his 30-year coaching career, said he believes Eric Smith could play in the NFL. That will surprise some people who don't think Smith has that type of speed, but Dreisbach made the comment without even being asked about Smith's pro prospects.

"He's like having an extra coach on the field," Dreisbach said. "We put an awful lot on his shoulders and he shoulders it very, very well. I see him as being a next-level (NFL) guy."

Even with that speed?

"For safety, I think he's got outstanding speed," Dreisbach said. "He's got game speed. He can run."

And Eric Smith can make plays. He surprised people by chasing down Michigan's Mike Hart from behind on a play two weeks ago. Hart, by no means, has breakaway speed like some running backs, but it was still an impressive play by Smith.

Nevertheless, it's the more subtle contributions that make Smith a special player.

He has played in 17 straight games now, which has been crucial for the Spartans because Smith was susceptible to injuries earlier in his career. Those injuries, including shoulder and knee surgeries two years ago, gave him another nickname -- "Glass."

Smith joked at the time that he actually should be called "Paper" because his injuries were "tears, not breaks."

"I haven't heard it in a while," Smith said of being called "Glass."

As for his ability to stay healthy the last two years, he said, "I try not to talk about it and jinx myself."

Saturday's game will be Smith's first opportunity to return to his home state -- he's from Groveport, Ohio -- to play against the Buckeyes. He was injured and missed the game two years ago in Columbus.

Last year's 32-19 loss to OSU in East Lansing also is a bad memory for Smith. The Spartans had taken a 19-17 lead with 3:06 remaining before Ted Ginn Jr.'s 58-yard touchdown reception with 1:37 left.

Smith injured his hip on the play before Ginn's winning score, but he didn't come out of the game. Instead, he tried to gut it out, and Ginn raced right past him for the end zone.

"I should have taken myself out," Smith said. "I missed the tackle."

His coach was disappointed by the result, but impressed with the determination. Said John L., "He's got the mentality you're looking for: 'My leg's hurt, but I'm going to play.'"

Ginn's speed will again challenge Smith and the rest of the Spartans' secondary. He had a breakout game as a freshman last season against MSU, scoring three touchdowns.

Ginn has been contained much better so far this season. He has only 16 receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown in five games. Everyone is waiting for another breakout performance.

"It's probably harder getting him the ball this year because teams know about him," Eric Smith said. "They know he's the key to their offense."

Just like Eric Smith is the key to the Spartans' defense.
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Can't tell if it's been posted. Forum moves too fast.

1028 · Apr 30, 2006

Wed all like for him to become our Rodney Harrison, but that might be a bit much to ask for. Who knows though, he could be this year's Kerry Rhodes

Martin is the man · Apr 30, 2006

FITM said:

Can't tell if it's been posted. Forum moves too fast.
Click to expand...

That changes my opinion about him alot. I feel the position still belongs to Coleman and Rhodes but i want to see what Smith has.

Nesquik · Apr 30, 2006

1028 said:

Wed all like for him to become our Rodney Harrison, but that might be a bit much to ask for. Who knows though, he could be this year's Kerry Rhodes
Click to expand...

But we have kerry rhodes already

Martin is the man · Apr 30, 2006

I read that we were trying to trade for Jones from the Cowboys during the draft, it's a long shot but maey they were trying to send Coleman are Rhodes to them and than let Smith take over, i would love that

GreyhoundJet · Apr 30, 2006

Whats with all the Eric Smith threads all of a sudden... but I hated this pick when we made it but I have changed my mind because of reading several articles about his attitude and work ethic. He will be one of the players I will root the most for in training camp next year.

hateourdraft · Apr 30, 2006

Martin is the man said:

I read that we were trying to trade for Jones from the Cowboys during the draft, it's a long shot but maey they were trying to send Coleman are Rhodes to them and than let Smith take over, i would love that
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WOW! Seriously? I don't think they drafted a safety either-- Maybe that explains why we drafted our 7th safety in 4 years!! We would still have Maddux, and Washington if this guy ends up being as crappy is everyone here thinks. I would LOVE to trade for Jones.

Hazardous Waters · Apr 30, 2006

FITM said:

Can't tell if it's been posted. Forum moves too fast.
Click to expand...

In Response...

Martin is the man said:

That changes my opinion about him alot. I feel the position still belongs to Coleman and Rhodes but i want to see what Smith has.
Click to expand...

LOL :breakdance:

IMO, he's not going to be anything more than a special teams player to start with, but you can never determine that. Mangini is a guy that probably knows something about raising up guys with character; being a Belichek understudy.

Might change your mind about Eric Smith

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