Former SC State linebacker Aaron Smith’s potential path to the NFL has been fraught with failure, faith and fortitude.
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SC State's Aaron Smith is shown during practice for the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas. COURTESY OF EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL
After suffering an injury during the Celebration Bowl, Smith found himself unable to compete for a chance to attend the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
“I was disappointed,” Smith said about the injury. “It kept me from competing at the East-West Shrine Bowl and kept me from earning a spot at the Combine. I felt mad, but I realized God had His plans. I trusted in Him, hit my rehab hard and went to work every day to prepare for this moment.”
Smith finally got the chance to showcase his talent in front of professional scouts at Monday’s Pro Day held at the University of South Carolina. Smith went through all the measurables and was invited to take part in the skill portion of the event.
“Overall, it was a great day,” Smith said. “My times were there, but I feel like there’s another level I can go to. I showed the scouts my field work and my ability to move. I’m blessed to be out here and have another opportunity. I gave everything in the tank and if this is my last day on the field, I feel like gave it my all and I’m satisfied with that.”
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Unofficially, Smith turned in a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds and finished with 25 reps on the 225-pound bench press. To put that in perspective, the most reps done by a linebacker at this year’s NFL Combine was 26 and the fastest time run in the 40-yard dash was 4.46.
“The drills went well, I slipped a few times but never gave up,” Smith said. “I think I showed the scouts how hard I have worked to get to this point and there is no quit in my tank. I’m hearing good things from some of the scouts including my tenacity and ability to move from sideline-to-sideline.”
With Pro Day over, Smith plans to get back to work in Tampa continuing his rehab and working towards the ultimate goal of being drafted to the National Football League.
“I’ll just keep trusting in the Lord and hope to get an opportunity.”
Another former SC State player that impressed Monday was quarterback Eric Phoenix. The MEAC Offensive Player of the Year was given the opportunity to throw during drills and is hoping someone is willing to give him the chance to play at the next level.
S.C. State Vs. Delaware State
S.C. State QB Eric Phoenix runs the football against the Delaware State defense on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Orangeburg. LARRY HARDY/T&D
“I worked hard for this opportunity, and I consider it a blessing,” Phoenix said. “I thought I performed well, I just wanted to show improvement (from working at the HBCU Combine). I had a lot of PRs (personal records), threw the ball well and showed that I’ve been putting in the work.”
Phoenix threw for over 2600 yards and 20 touchdowns in his lone season with SC State. As a dual-threat quarterback, Phoenix’s game seems to translate to the current state of the NFL.
“I just want to play hard and win,” Phoenix said. “I’m looking for any opportunity…NFL, CFL, AFL come and get me.”
Other SC State players participating Monday were Diego Addison, Aiden Weber, Nick Taiste, Eric Brown Jr., Cam Johnson, Logan Jones and KeShawn Toney.
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