Name: Brandon Smith
School: Penn State
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 227
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
I wanted to be a good teammate in the locker room. Someone who is dependable for the older guys and who the young players feel comfortable enough to approach for help. I also wanted to get more sudden in games. Find my direction and burst to it, rather than rolling or rounding into direction changes.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Consistent, productive, and prepared.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I am training with Grossetti Performance working on strength, speed, agility, flexibility, and power. I am working on improving my body composition, losing some fat and gaining muscle. Continue to study the game of football in all three phases to improve my chances to be prepared mentally.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
I look at the O-Line to see if they have any light/heavy tells that give away pass/run or pull game plays. I watch what defenders do against the blockers that doesn’t work well for certain people and what does work against them. Then, I watch the Running Backs and see their footwork on different types of plays. What moves do they like to make in the open field or in the hole. I watch the QB and see what scramble/running ability they have, and get a feeling for their throwing rhythm. I also try to watch route combination, focusing primarily on the TE and RB. Finally, I like to study their run and pass tendencies in different situations within a game, or based upon personnel or formation.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I think I have a good brain and I understand how to prepare for games. I learn what other team’s are trying to do and can understand the defense I am in to know what our strengths and weaknesses are, where I have help within the defense, and how to capitalize on opportunities that come. All that helps me play fast and quickly diagnose what is happening.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I care about people. I want to be the best football player that I can be, but I also want the people around me to be the best they can be, too. There is no room for selfish people in good organizations and I want to encourage people to reach their potential, even the ones I’ll be competing against for a spot on the team. My faith in Jesus gives me freedom, give everything I have and still encourage the people around me, without hidden motives or ill wishes.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I can play defense, I can play special teams, I could play anywhere else the team could use me. I am willing to learn and am very coachable. I might not have the best measurable characteristics, but I find a way. All through college I was extremely productive with the amount of plays I was given. I prepare very well, I work hard, and I help improve the character of the people around me by the way I live my own life. You would not regret giving me a chance.