So it should be a relative no-brainer that Kevin Smith should give up his last year of college eligibility to enter this year's Draft. Smart move on his part, since his stock will never be higher and since he logged an awful lot of carries this past season. Runners of his size and caliber only have so many carries in them during a professional career, no use using up all those carries before turning pro. At 6-1, 215-pounds, Kevin Smith is not the type of back that is going to dart out of the way of punishing hits ala Barry Sanders, though with a time of 4.47 in the 40, Smith still has the breakaway speed of an NFL caliber back.

The question then remains, where will Kevin Smith go in the draft? Already a top 10 running back prospect in a Draft that will be deep for the position, some scouting organizations have the UCF back listed as a 3^rd to 4^th round selection. It is a ranking that may be based less on the skills and talents of this exciting back, and more on fear of the unknown. Having played his college career at a school that was void of major nationwide coverage and in a division that is less than the most competitive in college football, there may be a fear of overestimating his NFL potential. Though those who have seen what Kevin Smith can do against the likes of top college competition like Texas and North Carolina State, can probably make a strong case for Smith being taken in the first round of the draft.

Aside from size, speed and durability, Smith is a gamer, who saved some of his best performances for the biggest games of the season. Only once in 2008 did Smith fail to gain at least 100 yards in a game, and he had 5 games where he rushed over 200 yards, as well as one game in which he gained 320 yards rushing. Saving perhaps his best performance for the Conference USA's Championship game, Smith earned MVP honors against Tulsa when he carried the ball 39 times for 284 yards and four touchdowns. In route he picked up All-Conference honors for the third straight season, and was the Conferences Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Look for Kevin Smith's stock to continue climbing as we get near the NFL's Scouting Combine. A good showing at the Combine could propel this underclassman into the first round of the NFL Draft.

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Lloyds Apple said:

Alright as a UCF alum I'll bite......no, he won't go in the first round. He is a great back with excellent vision and incredible durability but I've yet to see a draft projection land him in the first round. Competition may have something to do with it. But really, he has good speed but not great speed. He has good size but not great size. I'm not in the game of predicting a guys future, let alone how others will interpret his future but he could be a STEAL in round 3. Hell, if the Broncos would draft Maurice Clarrett in round 3, after he sat out of 2 years of football and had the maturity of a 4 year old, then someone should take Smith before that. He has the second most single season yards in NCAA history and the most carries. Like O'Leary says, "I've never seen him caught from behind..." so he can't be too slow. Plus, just the fact he changed his mind makes me think he has a good shot in day 1. Round 1 was be a surprise to most but he's solid and seems to have his head on straight.

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January 12, 2008
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Gotham Dark Knight said:

	What kind of support is that Lloyd?... Lets see how he does in the combine...his stock may rise some...
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January 12, 2008
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OVIEDOKNIGHT said:

	I am certain that his draft position will be completely dependant upon his 40 time. If he runs 4.5 or under, he will be a 2nd round pick. If he runs 4.6 or above he will be a 4th or even later. Thats not dissing him, simply reality of the way the NFL works
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January 13, 2008
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UCF Shirts said:

	I think if you look at 24K's cutting ability and his up-the-gut running he should be in one of firth three rounds. I hav emy fingers croosed that Miami has him on their radar. We saw how Ricky Williams panned out this year!
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January 17, 2008 | url
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Gotham Dark Knight said:

	***I think if you look at 24K's cutting ability and his up-the-gut running he should be in one of firth three rounds. I hav emy fingers croosed that Miami has him on their radar. We saw how Ricky Williams panned out this year!*** Not thinking that Ronnie Brown will bounce back? I think Miami has too many needs to worry about taking my boy Kevin...
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January 18, 2008
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luis salegio said:

	no maybe early sunday still made the right decision by leaving early he was used like a mule last year no need to get another year of pounding
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April 22, 2008
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