Name: Raeshawn Smith
School: William & Mary
Position: CB
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 181
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
Gaining the respect of my teammates and being voted a team captain. That was something I knew I wanted to be since freshman year and I was able to accomplish that.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
A reliable, trustworthy, consistent player who you can always count on to give 100% every practice and game. Also, someone who’s willing to do anything it takes to win, like playing anywhere on special teams.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I focus on route-running tendencies of receivers, the splits of the receivers to gauge what route they may be running, and what bothers them from a defensive standpoint so I can exploit that. I also look at formational and situational tendencies from the offense, like what types of plays they like to run on certain downs & distances, and in certain areas of the field.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
My physicality. Most corners struggle in the trenches and aren’t very good tacklers, and some are even scared to hit, but not me. I was definitely one of the best tacklers on our defense, and probably the best tackling cornerback in our conference.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I’ve been training with a former Syracuse wideout named Dante Davis, who now has his own training organization called Choppin’ the Field. He’s a really good trainer. We work on all types of things, such as strength, speed, agility, explosiveness, and running mechanics. We train about 5 days a week, and work different things each day.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Man coverage skills for sure, specifically press man. That’s something I’ve been really good at since high school. And again, tackling. Off the field, leadership and dedication in the film room. I try to get every advantage over an opponent as possible by watching lots of film.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Raeshawn Smith is someone who’s going to come to work every single day and give 100% at all times. Someone that will outwork everyone else on a day-to-day basis. Someone that is selfless and doesn’t care about popularity or fame, but is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He’s also a natural born leader that every locker room needs to guide players in the right direction both on and off the field.
