2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned during Thursday’s activities in Indianapolis

4) Assured cowl man Smith stunned by Pats interview. South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith stepped to the rostrum and instantly exuded confidence together with his first couple of responses Thursday, telling reporters he goals to be the most effective amongst a robust group of defensive backs on the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix.

“I simply contemplate myself a competitor in all features,” the Gamecocks product stated. “There’s numerous canine on this group. I am simply attempting to ensure I come out on high.”

Smith has motive to be assured: He is answered the bell previously, blanketing standout Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt and serving to South Carolina upset the Volunteers in 2022. As he defined it Thursday, Smith wished all of the smoke.

“We got here in on Sunday, we already knew what it was,” Smith stated of the week of prep forward of the Gamecocks’ assembly with the Vols. “I stated, ‘Put me on him.’ I would like that. That is what I like to do.”

Hyatt arrived in Columbia, South Carolina, having eclipsed 130 receiving yards in 4 of his earlier 5 video games, together with a 207-yard, five-touchdown spotlight reel vs. Alabama. However towards Smith and the Vols, Hyatt completed with six catches for 65 yards and no scores. Regardless of giving up a landing to Cedric Tillman — one other proficient huge receiver on this prospect pool — Smith walked away with a distinguished feather in his cap. By no means one to shrink back from a problem, Smith seems to be ahead to leveling as much as NFL competitors.

“Similar factor. It will be much more of that,” Smith stated of being examined by skilled receivers on a weekly foundation. “Now I am getting paid to do it — it is my job now.”

Relating to scheme match, the cocksure Smith unsurprisingly expressed a choice for press-man protection, which requires fast reactions and power to win an instantaneous bodily battle as quickly because the ball is snapped. Smith additionally made it clear he is prepared to do no matter it takes to make a distinction, very like he did by enjoying each in and out at South Carolina.

“If I gotta play zone, I gotta play zone,” Smith stated. “It do not make no distinction to me. I am gonna nonetheless ball out.

“Numerous corners should not going to get off the island, do not need to go into that slot, guard the little, fast dudes, so I really feel like I’ve a bonus proper there.”

Regardless of remaining confident all through most of his media session, Smith admitted an interview with the New England Patriots rattled him a bit.

“It was very, type of intense. Type of felt uncomfortable,” Smith stated. “However I needed to reply numerous arduous questions coping with a few of the stuff I did in faculty. So I had to ensure I answered these powerful questions.”

Oddly sufficient, the ingredient of the interview that made Smith uncomfortable revolved round him explaining what he is all about to the Pats workers.

“Among the questions I used to be requested, simply attempting to open up about myself,” Smith stated. “I actually by no means have opened up about myself. Simply attempting to speak to everyone, simply attempting to open up and ensure everyone is aware of precisely who I’m.”