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Alex Smith QB Utah 6�4 212 Jr.
By: Robert Davis

For more: AskMen

Alex Smith emerged as a Heisman finalist this season as a junior, and has skyrocketed up draft boards. Smith was an unheralded recruit in high school, and decided on Utah over Louisville only because his uncle John L. Smith, told him he would not be at Louisville for all of Smith�s career. Smith has absolutely ridiculous stats in his two seasons as starting quarterback for the Utes. He is 20-1 as a starter, completed over 65% of his passes for 4,871 yards, 43 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. As a runner, he totaled 1,015 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith was a high school teammate of USC�s Reggie Bush.

Smith�s biggest strengths are his intelligence and the efficiency he plays with. He sees the field very well and makes smart decisions. He will rarely make a bad decision on the field. He is a very accurate passer, displays a solid arm, but he is also extremely mobile. He can escape the pressure, but he can also make plays with his feet when things break down. He is a leader, and a hard worker. He already earned his bachelor�s degree during his true sophomore season.

When you see the numbers Smith put up, a lot of people assume it�s because of the system he was in. In Smith�s case, it is a valid question. Urban Meyer put together a great program at Utah, and he�s now headed to Florida. Smith could also stand to sit for a year or two on the pro level to develop his body some more. He is a true junior, and he needs to bulk up to take the beating the NFL is going to give him.

Smith has decided to leave after his junior year since he has his degree, and because Meyer is moving on. His stock really could not get any higher next year, so he is taking the leap now. Smith reminds me a lot of Rich Gannon with his ability to take what the defense gives him, his mobility, and his leadership skills. Post season workouts and who of Leinart and Rodgers declares should decide his ultimate draft stock, but Smith should be gone come the middle portion of the 2nd round no matter what.

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