Cameron Smith, ILB, Southern California #35
6015, 250, 4.84
Notes: From Roseville, CA. Started as a true freshman, appearing the USC’s first 10 games in 2015, recording 78 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INT (for 122 return yards, including a 54-yard touchdown), 3 PBU and 1 FR before he tore knee ligaments and had season-ending surgery. Returned as starting inside linebacker, starting all 13 games, with team-best 83 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 sack, 4 PBU, 1 FF and 1 FR in 2016. Appeared in all 14 games and started 13 (had to sit out the first half of opener because of a targeting penalty in the 2017 Rose Bowl), led the team with 112 tackles, 11 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU and 1 FR in 2017.
Positives: Quick and decisive with his reads. Very instinctive football player. Positive to the ball. Good inside-out pursuit. Good blocker awareness. Gets into the backfield and makes plays. Takes on blockers and sheds well. Tough and aggressive. Very intense and physical. Can rush the passer and is effective on the blitz. Good feel on pass defense. Hard worker. Non-stop motor, focus and intensity. Dedicated to the game and professional. Team leader.
Negatives: Lacks great natural size and is not a great open-field athlete. Will struggle when isolated in man-to-man coverage. Doesn’t break down at times and misses some tackles.
Summary: Solid 3-4 inside linebacker prospect. Has some limitations but is a good all-around football player. Has had some injuries.
