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The Senior Bowl was made for players like former Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith.
Down in Mobile, Ala., scouts aren't paying attention to the win-loss record. Only the skill of a player and their impact in practice catches their attention.
Smith, who started four seasons for the Aggies, is one of the players hopefully catching eyes like he catches balls throughout the three-day practice leading up to Saturday's game at Hancock-Whitney Stadium. No longer is he being attached to the record that plagued the Aggies' downfall over the previous three seasons.
"I’m definitely honored and blessed to be here, going up against all this great competition and it’s been an honor just be able to meet a lot of new coaches and get the interview process, going and whatnot, meeting new coaches meeting and, I guess you can say, getting introduced to new play calls and different schemes and how I’ll probably be used in the NFL," Smith told reporters in Mobile. "So definitely an honor and a blessing for sure."
Smith contemplated competing in the Senior Bowl last season after suffering a broken leg in Week 4's win over Arkansas. Receivers often only receive a season or two to prove their value before being shown the door.
Some are lucky to stick around after a tryout.
After further conversations, Smith chose to stay in College Station for what was supposed to be a swan song season. Instead, it was a clash of inept play-calling, countless injuries, and an eventual $76 million buyout.
Smith finished with 53 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns his year to lead the Aggies' air attack. Scouts already knew his hands were sticky, but there is more the 5-foot-8 Smith wants to show off especially his physicality.
"[In] 2020 when we were going up against Florida. I remember I had made a block. I forgot who I made the block on but I remember taking his helmet off," Smith said. "So I hope [scouts] just see the toughness in me in that play and continue to watch all the rest of my film."
Projected to be a Day 3 selection, Smith's versatility could make him a higher selection. He leaves A&M top-10 all-time in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, and is also Smith also the only player in SEC history to total over 2,000 receiving yards and 800 punt return yards for a career.
Smith also played running back during his sophomore season in 2019 behind Isaiah Spiller and said he wouldn't be opposed to taking a few reps out of the backfield. While one of the SEC's top. returners, Smith said he'll line up anywhere just to crack the active roster.
"Whether that’s on punt return, kick return, being a gunner, being on kickoff. Whatever they really need me to be," said Smith. "I’ll just say an all-around athlete for sure."
Smith credited his dedication and commitment to the craft as tools that secured in a spot at the Senior Bowl. He hopes those same traits make their presence in meetings with scouts and general managers.
"You’re gonna get somebody that wants to be successful and going to help the team believe or help lead the team to have success," said Smith.
The 2024 Senior Bowl kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on NFL Network.
More must-reads:
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