Impact Analysis: Colby Smith

After landing two commitments on Sunday, Tennessee's crazy recruiting run continued on Monday as the Vols landed their first offensive lineman in the class in North Carolina tackle Colby Smith.

The 6-7, 295 pound Smith picks the Vols over North Carolina, NC State, South Carolina and Louisville.

Here’s a closer look at what Smith's decision means…

“On paper, Colby Smith is everything you could ask for in a left tackle at the college level; about 6-foot-7, close to 290 pounds. On film, he shows a lot of athleticism, but still pretty raw when it comes to technique. I’d love to see him play with a little bit more control before he is regular contributor at the college level, but it sounds like he’s put on some really good mass and strength this offseason.

He was playing both ways as a junior on both the offensive and defensive lines. It will be interesting to see how much weight he can carry at the next level and how quickly he might become a contributor once he gets on a college campus with the strength and conditioning staff really gets a hold of him.

From the sound of it, he’s one of those kids that loves to work and play football and someone who is really dedicated to his craft. We’ll see how quickly he can get himself ready to contribute at the college level.

He’s someone that we were really excited to see this spring, unfortunately that didn’t happen because of the corona virus cancelling the camp season, but he was someone we had circled to really get a closer look at this spring when we were out on the road.

It’s a quality pick up for Tennessee, adding to this incredible class. Smith is someone we’re excited to get a look at and he could be a guy that moves up the rankings during this upcoming season.” —

— Adam Friedman, Rivals recruiting analyst

The priority in offensive line recruiting is finding tackle bodies. Tennessee found one in Smith. Smith’s body has transformed over the last 12-18 months, as he’s now 6-7, 285 pounds. Smith’s athletic ability was on display last year as he played both offensive tackle and on the defensive line for Rockingham County High School.

“He’s 6-7, 297 and he bends like he weighs 197. His body bends and moves athletically in ways it’s not suppose to. He’s just a freak athlete. He has a mean streak on the football field and he’s absolutely a great kid all the football field," said Brad Baker, head coach Rockingham County High School

“I have take him to a couple of one day camps and his wingspan and single arm length has been the longest or as long as anyone in their program currently. He has that big body but he moves extremely well.

“Off the field, he’s someone you want to hang out with. He’s a great kid. Personable, great character. He could easily be the most disliked player in our program because he’s getting so much attention, but everyone loves him. He’s a great kid to be around.

“I think his best football is ahead of him. I tell him all the time, ‘you are going to be blocking 5-10, 200 pound defensive ends on Saturdays in the SEC. Believe it or not, I think it’s harder for a 6-7, 300 pound kid to block a kid that size so I think once he gets to the next level and gets adjusted to the speed of the game and everyone is as good as he is, I think the sky is the limit for I think he can do.”

Smith had offers from UNC, NC State, Louisville and South Carolina who were his finalists. Had there been spring/summer camp circuit Smith’s stock would have likely rose.

The offensive line is a developmental position and even though the Vols played two freshman at the tackle spots last night, Smith fits in well to Tennessee’s depth chart because he doesn’t have to play right away.

Smith can develop his strength levels, improve his weight and can be a in the wings as a tackle for the future for the Vols.

Since Pruitt has arrived his biggest offensive work from a recruiting standpoint has been to improve the size, talent and depth of his offensive line and Smith is another example of it.

Smith is the Vols first offensive line commitment in the class of 2021. Tennessee is not finished in terms of fulfilling their need on the offensive line. Pruitt & Co., signed five offensive linemen a year ago counting deep snapper/lineman Will Albright. Transfer Cade Mays would be the 6th new lineman. The Vols won’t sign that many this year, but they covet more tackle bodies.

Tennessee seems to have as much momentum as they have ever had with Amarius Mims, although he’s still thought to be a long shot. They covet in-state guys Dietrick Pennington, and William Griffin. The Vols are after fellow North Carolina product Diego Pounds plus recruiting guard Dylan Fairchild, although many feel like he’s likely to stay in the state of Georgia or go to Auburn.