Andre Smith, OT

An impressive physical specimen who compares to Dallas Cowboys' guard Leonard Davis, Smith possesses outstanding agility and quickness for his size. Regarded as a premier offensive line prospect out of high school and one of the standouts of the 2005 recruiting class, he went on to establish himself as the elite at the college level, as evidenced by being named the recipient of the 2008 Outland Trophy.

Even at 343 pounds, Smith displays excellent foot speed and agility. He started every game (38) in which he played for the Crimson Tide, missing the 2009 Sugar Bowl when he was ruled ineligible for direct contact with an agent. In addition to earning the Outland Trophy in 2008, he was won Alabama's Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award, shared the Southeastern Conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs, was twice chosen an All-SEC first-team pick and added consensus All-American first-team notice in 2008.

Smith was a three-year starter at Huffman High School. He was the consensus top-rated offensive lineman in the country as a senior. The first-team All-American choice by USA Today and the U.S. Army, he was also a two-time All-State selection. In 2005, he was the recipient of the Bobby Dodd Award and named Alabama's Mr. Football by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, becoming the only offensive lineman to ever win the honor.

Smith was also named Mr. Football and the state's best prospect by The Birmingham News. The Rivals.com Alabama Offensive Lineman of the Year recorded 88 knockdown blocks and was named the Class 6A Lineman of the Year in 2005. He was one of four finalists for the Walter Payton Award, given to the best prep player in the nation.

Smith enrolled at Alabama in 2005, taking over at left tackle. He became the seventh true freshman in school history to start in his first career game since 1972, joining Larry Rose (1985), Jon Stevenson (1991), Terry Jones, Jr. (1988), Dante Ellington (1999), Saleem Rasheed (1999) and Tim Castille (2003). He delivered 70 knockdown blocks as he led the team by being on the field for 831 offensive and special teams plays.

Smith garnered team Player of the Week honors four times during his sophomore season, when he shed over 25 pounds from his once 370-pound frame prior to the season opener.

He started all 13 games, as he was named All-SEC and earned the league's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He led the conference down linemen with 116 knockdowns and had fifteen touchdown-resulting blocks while allowing only 1.5 quarterback sacks on 472 pass plays. He was penalized five times and played the second part of the season with a left ankle sprain suffered vs. Tennessee and a right ankle sprain incurred the next week in the Louisiana State clash.

As a junior, Smith was a consensus All-American and unanimous All-SEC first-team pick. The Outland Trophy and Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipient saw his campaign get off to a rough start. He suffered a knee sprain in the season opener vs. Clemson that forced him to sit out the following week vs. Tulane and play just two quarters upon his return, vs. Western Kentucky. He also sprained his elbow in the season's sixth contest vs. Kentucky, but still delivered 103 knockdowns while pacing SEC blockers with seventeen touchdown-resulting blocks.

Positives: Flashes rare initial quickness for such a large man, especially on the down block. Surprisingly quick getting to the second level as a run blocker or on screens. Explosive upper-body strength and can pancake defenders when he keeps his feet. Massive man with the deep kick-step and long arms to keep defenders at bay when in pass protection. Allowed only one sack in 2008. Can absorb the bull rush. Intuitive football player. Recognizes and reacts well to surprise blitzes. If presented with two rushers, chooses his correct assignment and effectively neutralizes at least one of the defenders, instead of trying (and failing) to handle both. Good effort downfield. Hasn't missed a game due to injury in three seasons at Alabama.

Negatives: Inconsistent initial quickness. Can be a step slow off the snap in pass protection, though his deep kick-step and massive frame allow him to catch up to the defender quickly. Inconsistent hand punch. Might be more passive than scouts would like. Too often absorbs blows from the defender, rather than initiating the action. Allows defenders to slip free from his blocks when he gets fundamentally lazy and leans, rather than driving his feet. Suspended for his final game, the Sugar Bowl against Utah, due to improper dealings with a sports agent.

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.42

Body Structure: Barrel-chested athlete with a thick bone structure, very wide hips, massive thighs, big hands and good arm length. Has good overall muscle development for a player his size, but needs to keep his weight in check, having lost over 25 pounds in 2007 to improve his marginal mobility. He still needs to lose considerable body fat, especially around his soft midsection. He has an outstanding bubble, good shoulder and chest width and developed calves.

Athletic Ability: Smith has good athletic ability for a player his size, but does struggle considerably when having to move laterally, especially to his left side. He is light on his feet and has an explosive straight-line burst, but looks lethargic moving down the line. It is rare to see him on the ground (only when he over-extends and lunges as a run blocker) and he shows good upper body flexibility with his hand placement. He has good body control and generates movement on the short pull, which could see him earn playing time at offensive guard earlier in his career. He plays on his feet, thanks to a strong anchor and above average balance in the trenches. He can slide and adjust in pass protection (has a good retreat slide, but labors moving to his left) and despite a soft midsection, he does a decent job of keeping his pads down to drop his weight and anchor. He does have weight issues and needs to keep his weight in check in order to generate better mobility. GRADE: 7.7

Football Sense: Appears to have a good grasp of the playbook, but will get lazy at times and might need several reps before he gets the play right (retains, but needs to work at it). He plays with better awareness on drive blocks than in pass protection. He has had problems picking up the cadence, which has led to more than a fair share of costly false-start penalties (two in 2008, five in 2007). Can locate and pick up games easily and when he chips to the second level, he shows the edge awareness to neutralize defenders in space. He doesn't recover well when second-level defenders spin off blocks and needs to show more aggression on the move. Would much rather absorb the opponent than attack. It will be interesting to see if his adequate test scores are a result of a lack of effort or a possible learning disability; plays more on instincts than with field savvy. GRADE: 6.4

Character: Runs hot and cold. The coaches have cited "growing pains," especially with his work ethic. He gets by a lot on physical talent and while his suspension was well-publicized, there have been other "minor" issues that make one wonder if he will just go through the motions or that he will mature at the next level. GRADE: 5.5

Competitiveness: On the field, Smith will challenge any opponent that dares to get in his way when drive blocking. He knows how to use his explosive upper-body power to punish, but will get lazy during the games and shows inconsistency shooting those powerful hands. There are times when he simply dominates the action, but when he feels that he is not being challenged, he will throttle down. Scouts have often shown concerns about his lack of a consistent motor, especially questioning his overall aggressiveness. GRADE: 6.5

Work Habits: Smith has always battled the "bulge" and while he is best playing at 335-340, he has seen his weight balloon to the 375-380 range, where that added bulk has affected his overall mobility. He needs to be monitored in the training room, but will respond to tough coaching. GRADE: 6.0

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 7.45

Initial Quickness: On a straight-ahead burst, Smith is usually very quick as a drive blocker and can flash suddenness to gain advantage on a lethargic defender. He has unusual first-step quickness moving forward for a big man, but is not as quick setting up in pass protection, as he has had difficulties mirroring the quicker edge rushers. While flashy in pass protection, he doesn't generate the suddenness in his pass set and slide as he does when moving forward as a drive blocker. Still, he can gain position working in-line and has a good concept for angling getting into the second level. GRADE: 7.5

Lateral Movement: An area of concern. Smith is either lethargic in his kick slide or has issues moving laterally due to his girth and soft midsection. He has had a very hard time handling edge rushers when having to slide to his left. He has the speed and angle concepts to get into the second level on screens or running plays, but he does get lazy driving his feet, allowing defenders a chance to slip off his blocks. GRADE: 5.6

Balance/Stays On Feet: Smith is an immovable object when he anchors, thanks to his strong base and massively thick legs. He might overextend and lunge on some run blocks, but once he locks on to an opponent, he puts his foot into the ground solidly and with his strong base, has no problems handling multiple defenders on twists and games. He destroys bull rushers with his anchor and hand punch (though inconsistent shooting his hands). He has a good feel for using his hands to sustain and plays with good effort working in-line. He is strong, but you would like to see him finish with better aggression. With his athletic ability, he can stay on the bigger defenders, but his feet do tend to wear down when he is constantly challenged by speedy edge rushers. GRADE: 8.3

Explosion/Pop: With his straight-line explosion, Smith has had great success surprising and shocking his opponent off the snap. He holds the point of attack with a very strong base and shows tremendous upper body and hand power to move the pile and widen the rush lanes. He can be explosive gaining movement and on contact when he keeps his pad level down. He simply knocks opponents off the line of scrimmage coming out of his stance and uses his mass well to create space on the move. He can strike and control his man with ease when he keeps his hands inside his frame. He might not be an explosive hip roller and because of his girth, he will bend some at the waist, but he has more than enough strength to push and wall off. You are impressed when watching film with his ability to jolt and control his man coming out of his stance. GRADE: 8.5

Run Blocking: This is what Smith does best (31-of-33 touchdown resulting blocks in the last two years came on running plays). He shows excellent initial quickness off the snap, especially on the down block. He does a much better job of opening and rolling his hips on drive blocks than he does in pass protection. He is a good player in space, where he uses his power and size to drive through into the second level. He comes off the line with a good flat-back motion and proper hip snap, using his hand punch with force to stun. With his long arms, he is capable of quickly resetting his hands. He is light on his feet moving forward and looks like a dancing bear mauling smaller second-level defenders. When he gains position off the snap, he uses his strength well to sustain. In the second level, he has a good concept for angling, but will get lazy with his feet if he has to execute a long pull. GRADE: 8.7

Pass Blocking: Smith is a much better pass blocker with a defender over his head than when having to slide out and mirror an edge rusher. He just seems to lack the lateral flexibility needed to stay with his man when the opponent attacks the backfield off the wide loop. He has the hand punch to pop and control, but for some reason, he would rather absorb defenders rather than initiate contact in pass protection. All of his negative plays in the backfield came against quicker pass rushers (does a much better job vs. the bull rush). With his deep kick-slide and longer arms, should be able to stave off the edge rush, but it is obvious that he has issues going to his left. GRADE: 7.4

Pulling/Trapping: Smith is not used much on traps and pulls, but with his straight-ahead quickness, he has registered 16 downfield blocks over the last two years. Has good movement skills working in space, but does show marginal change-of-direction agility. He has enough body control and good balance to root out a defender moving down the line, but will get high in his stance, causing him to appear tight when trying to open his hips. Quick out of his stance and shows the ability to make adjustments on the short pull, but might be lacking when needed to execute the long pulls down field. GRADE: 6.6

Adjust on Linebacker Downfield: With his straight-line speed, Smith can get into the second level, but when he has to go long distances, he tends to get lazy with his feet and does not always maintain his blocks taking on linebackers. Because of his lateral mobility issues, he can't wheel and cut off defenders as well as he does at the line of scrimmage. He will take good angles, but is just not as quick downfield as he is at the point of attack. GRADE: 6.3

Use of Hands/Punch: Can flatten an opponent with his punch, but needs to do a better job of keeping his hands inside his frame. He will swing wildly, lunge and overextend, lacking the hip snap to quickly recover. He can generate force with either hand and will generally stun the bigger bull rushers in one-on-one confrontations. He does get caught holding at times and needs to improve technique, but he has excellent lock-out ability once he gets a piece of the defender. Hands explode into an opponent on contact and when working at the line he is much more patient and consistent throwing his hands with proper timing. He has the long arms needed to pressure and keep defensive ends at bay and shows outstanding (though inconsistent) strength to jolt and control. GRADE: 8.0

Reactions/Awareness: Very good at locating and neutralizing the inside blitz, but his lack of lateral agility sees him struggle vs. quicker edge rushers. He has a good feel for taking on the right defender when more than one opponent attacks him. It is rare to see him cross his feet moving along the line, even though he lacks good lateral agility. He might get caught leaning too much on drive blocks, but he is light on his feet playing in the short area. He has the quickness to reach the cut-off point to mirror the bull rusher, and while just an adequate student, he should have no problem with the mental aspect of a physical ground game. GRADE: 7.6

Compares To: LEONARD DAVIS, Dallas -- Davis is at least two inches taller, but both could be better lined up inside. Davis proved to be a better interior performer after trying to play on the edge. While Smith might be a good fit at right tackle, some prefer him better as an interior lineman, feeling his lack of lateral range (especially moving to his left) is a big concern for a player that must protect the quarterback's blindside. To date, he has made a nice living vs. smaller opponents (average weight of his main blocking assignment over the last two years is 262.4 pounds, more than 80 pounds lighter than Smith), but in the NFL, he will face much bigger and much quicker defensive ends and his excellent straight-line explosiveness will compensate for his lateral mobility problems.

OVERALL GRADE: 7.28

In his last two seasons, Smith started 25 games, delivering 219 knockdowns and 33 touchdown-resulting blocks on a total of 1,463 plays … During that span, he was credited with 16 blocks downfield … Allowed only 2.5 quarterback sacks on 806 pass attempts by the Crimson Tide during the 2007 and '08 campaigns … Became the seventh true freshman in school history to start a season opener (2006 vs. Hawaii), joining Larry Rose (1985), Jon Stevenson (1991), Terry Jones, Jr. (1988), Dante Ellington (1999), Saleem Rasheed (1999) and Tim Castille (2003).

Consensus All-American first-team selection and recipient of the Outland Trophy, given annually to the nation's best down lineman … All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick and shared the league's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs … Chosen SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week at Arkansas and was selected his team's Offensive Player of the Year … Also captured the offensive line's Up-Front Award for his outstanding blocking … Started 12 games at left offensive tackle and was chosen for the team's Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award … Sat out the Tulane contest with a right knee sprain; left the season opener vs. Clemson in the third quarter with a left knee sprain and was sidelined for several series vs. Kentucky with an elbow strain … Did not play in the Sugar Bowl vs. Utah after he was declared ineligible due to a team rules violation … Saw action in 710 of the team's 902 offensive plays, but still led the squad with 103 key blocks/ knockdowns and added seven blocks downfield … His 18 touchdown-resulting blocks led the SEC's down linemen … Was penalized twice, as he allowed just one QB sack and six pressures on 334 pass plays … Helped the team rank 30th in the nation and third in the conference in rushing, averaging 184.64 yards per game … That unit also averaged 171.14 yards passing, 30.14 points and 355.79 yards in total offense per game.

Clemson … Smith left the game in the third quarter with a sprained right knee and did not return, but before he was sidelined, he helped Alabama roll up 245 yards of total offense in the first half against the Tigers, including 126 yards rushing … He posted seven knockdowns, including one on John Parker Wilson's 9-yard pass to Glen Coffee that set up a Tide 54-yard field goal on their game-opening possession … Later in the first quarter, he cleared a rush lane used by Mark Ingram for a 12-yard run, helped Coffee convert a second-&-1 carry into a 6-yard pick-up and then led the charge as Wilson kept the ball on a QB keeper for a 1-yard touchdown that capped a 7-play, 45-yard series … Head to Head Competition-DE#7-Ricky Sapp (6:04-242)-One assisted tackle … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded seven knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 87% … Helped the team gain 239 yards with one touchdown on 50 carries (4.78 ypc) and generate 419 total yards on 80 snaps (5.24 yards per play).

Tulane … Due to a right knee sprain that he injured vs. Clemson, Smith did not appear vs. the Green Wave … Senior Mike Johnson slid over from his normal guard spot to start in Smith's left tackle position … Smith's streak of 27 consecutive starts comes to an end, as he had started every game of his Alabama career to this point.

Western Kentucky … Smith earned the UA coaching staff's Offensive Player of the Week honor, as he helped clear the way for a then-season-best 281 yards rushing and 557 yards of total offense in the Crimson Tide's 41-7 win … Even though the first unit left the game after the first half, the left tackle posted nine knockdowns with a pair of touchdown-resulting blocks … He stopped the blitz by leveling linebacker Ben Sowders on John Parker Wilson's third-&-10 18-yard pass to Nikita Stover and then ended that 11-play, 63-yard drive by opening a hole used by Mark Ingram between left tackle and guard for a 7-yard scoring run … In the second stanza, Terry Grant followed Smith around the left side for an 8-yard scoring scamper that concluded a 78-yard, 8-play possession … After the game, Smith was asked about the physical play and execution of the offensive line, explaining, "The preparation was better this week. We were really focused and paid attention to detail. We just really worked hard and focused on being physical from the first snap of the game to the last. I felt like we dominated like we were supposed to. We just went out there and competed. We took proper steps and had proper footwork. We were just able to dominate

pretty much all night." … Head to Head Competition-DE#55-Robert Dark (6:01-272)-One solo tackle … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 94% … Helped the team gain 281 yards with three touchdowns on 49 carries (5.73 ypc) and generate 557 total yards on 82 snaps (6.79 yards per play).

Arkansas … Smith dominated the action in the trenches, earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors while coming up with a pair of down field blocks, two touchdown-resulting blocks and ten knockdowns as the Tide rushed for 328 yards in a 49-14 win … He not only clobbered defensive end Adrian Davis at the line of scrimmage, but also took down linebacker Elston Forte to spring tailback Terry Coffee for an 87-yard touchdown jaunt midway through the first quarter … His down field block on Mark Ingram's 26-yard carry set up QB John Parker Wilson's 25-yard scoring strike to Julio Jones in the second quarter … Early in the third quarter, Smith redirected in-line, leading the charge up the middle to spring Coffee for a 31-yard touchdown burst … In the post-game press conference, head coach Nick Saban praised his offensive line, saying, "Well they did a nice job today; there is no doubt about it. We made some big-play runs and it was all because of the way we blocked them up front. We got a lot of movement. We pushed them. The backs did a good job of pressing the hole and making the cuts they needed to make and Glen (Coffee) had a great run on the 87-yard run, but the left side - Mike Johnson and Smitty (Andre Smith) - they waxed them. I mean, they waxed them. We pressed it front side and cut it back. We are doing a god job in that regard." … Head to Head Competition-DE#18-Adrian Davis (6:04-238)-Five assisted tackles … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded ten knockdowns, two down field blocks and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 96% … Helped the team gain 328 yards with four touchdowns on 35 carries (9.37 ypc) and generate 402 total yards on 50 snaps (8.04 yards per play).

Georgia … For the third consecutive game, Smith had two touchdown-resulting blocks graded over 90% for blocking consistency, as he made eight knockdowns to help the ground game score four times to build a 31-0 halftime lead … He cleared the way for Mark Ingram's 7-yard scoring run around left end to cap a game-opening 80-yard, 11-play possession … On a third-&-goal snap, he flattened defensive end Jarius Wynn on a 4-yard touchdown run by Roy Upchurch that gave Alabama a 24-0 second quarter lead … Head to Head Competition-DE#55-Jeremy Lomax (6:04-246)-Two tackles (1 solo) … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 92% … Helped the team gain 129 yards with four touchdowns on 45 carries (2.87 ypc) and generate 334 total yards on 61 snaps (5.48 yards per play).

Kentucky … The left tackle had a quiet game, coming up with seven knockdowns, including one down field, as the front wall cleared the way for Tide runners to produce 282 yards against a Kentucky defense that entered the game ranked 13th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 79.2 yards per game … Smith left the game in the second half after suffering an elbow strain, but would return later … Head to Head Competition-DE#95-Ventrell Jenkins (6:02-288)-Four tackles (1 solo) … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded seven knockdowns and one down field block, grading 79% … Helped the team gain 282 yards with one touchdown on 49 carries (5.76 ypc) and generate 388 total yards on 66 snaps (5.88 yards per play).

Mississippi … Battling a flu-like virus, Smith still registered nine knockdowns and a touch-down resulting block, providing solid pass protection as the team gained 219 aerial yards in a 24-20 win over the Rebels … He saw defensive tackle Peria Jerry get by him to tackle tailback Glen Coffee for a 1-yard loss early in the first quarter, but made up for that miscue by pushing defensive end Kentrell Lockett into Jerry to spring Coffee for a 13-yard run around left end to the Ole Miss 17. Two plays later, Smith drove into the end zone, widening a rush lane that was used by Mark Ingram to cap that 11-play, 60-yard second quarter drive with a 2-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-DE#40-Kentrell Lockett (6:05-242)-Two tackles (1 solo), one stop for a 5-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 81% … Helped the team gain 107 yards with one touchdown on 34 carries (3.15 ypc) and generate 326 total yards on 59 snaps (5.53 yards per play).

Tennessee … Smith matched his season-high with ten knockdowns, producing a pair of touchdown-resulting blocks for a squad that generated 366 yards of total offense that included 188 yards through the air and 178 yards on the ground … Defensive end Robert Ayers beat Smith to pressure QB John Parker Wilson on a third-&-10 incomplete pass, forcing the Tide to punt at the start of the second quarter … Ayers would later take down tailback Glen Coffee for a 1-yard loss when Smith failed to recover from a counter move, but the left tackle made up for that miscue by planting Ayers on his back side to cap that 8-play, 80-yard fourth quarter series by opening a hole used by Roy Upchurch for a 4-yard scoring run … Head to Head Competition-DE#91-Robert Ayers (6:03-270)-Four tackles (3 solos), one pressure, one stop for a 1-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded ten knockdowns and two touchdown-resulting blocks, but was penalized once, grading 84% … Helped the team gain 178 yards with three touchdowns on 43 carries (4.14 ypc) and generate 366 total yards on 67 snaps (5.46 yards per play).

Arkansas State … Smith helped clear a path for 205 yards rushing by the Tide, delivering eight knockdowns with two touchdown-resulting blocks, earning SEC Lineman of the Week honors from The Gridiron Report … Midway through the first quarter, the left tackle took down defensive end Alex Carrington on a 9-yard touchdown run by tailback Terry Coffee, ending a 16-play, 89-yard series … At the start of the second half, Smith's down field block on linebacker Darius Glover led to a 30-yard gain off left end by tailback Mark Ingram, setting up Roy Upchurch's 22-yard scoring scamper, as Smith leveled defensive end Brian Flagg on the play … Head to Head Competition-DE#44-Brian Flagg (6:02-244)-No tackles … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 99% … Helped the team gain 205 yards with four touchdowns on 36 carries (5.69 ypc) and generate 357 total yards on 64 snaps (5.58 yards per play).

Louisiana State … The Tide coaches named Smith Player of the Week, as he registered nine knockdowns with two crucial touchdown-resulting blocks in a 27-21 overtime win … After Smith gave up a tackle for a loss (end Rahim Alem tackled Glen Coffee for minus 4 yards on third-&-7, forcing a Tide punt) late in the third quarter and was then penalized for holding in the fourth quarter (negating a 32-yard rushing attempt by QB John Parker Wilson), the left tackle blasted his way into the end zone, opening a path used by Wilson for a game-winning 1-yard scoring burst in overtime … Talking to the media after the game, Smith talked about the team's ability to overcome adversity, noting, "We just have to focus and capitalize like we did today. We were looking forward to playing this weekend. It was a great game." … Head to Head Competition-DE#84-Rahim Alem (6:03-252)-Six assisted tackles, 0.5 stop for a 2-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns and two touchdown-resulting blocks, but was penalized once, grading 87% … Helped the team gain 138 yards with three touchdowns on 37 carries (3.73 ypc) and generate 353 total yards on 68 snaps (5.19 yards per play).

Mississippi State … The left tackle delivered his fifth-straight game with at least eight knockdowns and for the fourth consecutive contest, he made two touchdown-resulting blocks, as the Tide's physically dominant offensive front held the ball for 35:33 and wore down the Bulldogs defensive front with a power running game in a 32-7 triumph … Smith made up for allowing a pressure earlier in the second quarter by clearing a path for a 1-yard touchdown run by QB John Parker Wilson with 4:47 left in the first half … With 7:58 remaining in the contest, Mark Ingram followed Wilson's act and used a block by Smith on defensive end Tim Bailey to go around the left side for a 1-yard score … Head to Head Competition-DE#39-Tim Bailey (6:03-254)-Three tackles (1 solo), two QB pressures … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and two touch-down-resulting blocks, grading 89% … Helped the team gain 198 yards with two touch-downs on 48 carries (4.13 ypc) and generate 364 total yards on 67 snaps (5.43 yards per play).

Auburn … The team gained 200 of its 234 yards on the ground over the left side, as Smith registered two touchdown-resulting blocks for the eighth time in 2008, helping the Tide offense account for 35:37 of possession time … He brought the crowd to its feet in the third quarter, as he simply flattened three defenders to see Mark Ingram squeeze between left tackle and guard for a 1-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-DE#49-Michael Goggans (6:03-254)-Four tackles (2 solos), one stop for a 4-yard loss, one QB pressure … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns and two touch-down-resulting blocks, grading 89% … Helped the team gain 234 yards with three touchdowns on 50 carries (4.68 ypc) and generate 412 total yards on 68 snaps (6.06 yards per play).

Florida (Southeastern Conference Championship Game) … In what would be Smith's final collegiate game, the left tackle was charged with allowing his first sack in 2008, coming up with nine knockdowns … On a fourth quarter third-&-8 snap, defensive end Jermaine Cunningham blasted past Smith to sack QB John Parker Wilson for an 11-yard loss that forced the Tide to punt … Head to Head Competition-DE#49-Jermaine Cunningham (6:03-241)-Five tackles (3 solos), one sack for an 11-yard loss, one QB pressure … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, grading 73% … Helped the team gain 136 yards with two touchdowns on 33 carries (4.12 ypc) and generate 323 total yards on 58 snaps (5.57 yards per play).

Utah (Sugar Bowl) … Smith was declared ineligible to play in the game due to a team rules violation.

The All-SEC first-team selection was also the recipient of the conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy … Second-team All-American choice by College Football News and a member of the Outland Trophy Watch List … Earned Alabama's Up-Front and Offensive Player of the Year Awards … One of just two offensive linemen to start every game, the left tackle registered a league-high 116 knockdowns and produced fifteen touchdown-resulting blocks, despite suffering ankle sprains in back-to-back games vs. Tennessee (left ankle) and Louisiana State (right ankle) later in the season … Earned team Player of the Game recognition vs. Vanderbilt, Houston, Mississippi State and Louisiana-Monroe … Recorded a solo tackle vs. Vanderbilt and recovered a fumble in the Florida State clash … Added nine blocks down field, grading 86.69% for blocking consistency … Graded 90% or better in each of the Western Carolina, Florida State, Mississippi and Louisiana-Monroe contests … Was penalized five times and allowed six QB pressures along with 1.5 sacks on 472 pass plays … Was one of the few bright spots for a struggling offense that ranked 75th in the nation in total offense (373.77 yards per game), 59th in passing (224.54 yards per game) and 60th in rushing (149.23) … The offensive line ranked tied for 51st in the major college ranks, allowing an average of 1.92 quarterback sacks per game.

Western Carolina … Smith opened the season in explosive fashion, registered ten knock-downs that included three touchdown-resulting blocks in a 52-6 victory … Tailback Terry Grant followed Smith around left end for a 1-yard scoring burst that capped a 10-play, 94-yard first quarter series … An 18-yard draw play by Mike Malone around left tackle set up a Tide 34-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter … After allowing defensive end Jeff Bradley to slip past him to tackle Grant for a 1-yard loss, Smith flattened the defender on a 1-yard touchdown run by Glen Coffee in the third stanza … Head to Head Competition-DE#41-Jeff Bradley (6:02-276)-Two tackles (1 solo), one stop for a 1-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded ten knockdowns, one down field block and three touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 98% … Helped the team gain 313 yards with six touchdowns on 44 carries (7.11 ypc) and generate 575 total yards on 78 snaps (7.37 yards per play) … Looking to improve his mobility, Smith shed over 25 pounds from his 370-pound frame prior to the season opener.

Vanderbilt … The team co-Player of the Week not only came up with eight knockdowns, but he also made a pair of touchdown-resulting blocks and recorded a solo tackle … He began the game by clobbering defensive end Curtis Gatewood on a 1-yard scoring plunge by Terry Grant early in the first quarter … His downfield block on linebacker Brandon Bryant helped spring Grant for a 27-yard first quarter scamper that set up an Alabama 20-yard field goal … Smith tackled Reshard Langford after the strong safety picked off a John Parker Wilson pass and returned it 17 yards to near mid field at the start of the second frame … Head to Head Competition-DE#48-Curtis Gatewood (6:03-248)-Seven tackles (5 solos), two stops for minus 3 yards … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 87% … Helped the team gain 221 yards with two touchdowns on 48 carries (4.60 ypc) and generate 371 total yards on 76 snaps (4.88 yards per play).

Arkansas … Despite producing a touchdown-resulting block on a 35-yard flag pass from John Parker Wilson to D.J. Hall late in the first quarter, Smith's day was marred by a pair of costly penalties … The left tackle was called for holding late in the opening stanza, negating a 14-yard reception by tight end Travis Hall at the Hogs' 20 … In the second quarter, defensive end Antwain Robinson got past Smith to tackle Terry Grant for a 4-yard loss on a rushing attempt and two plays later, Smith was called for holding on a first down run by Wilson … Head to Head Competition-DE#97-Antwain Robinson (6:03-257)-Three assisted tackles, one stop for minus 2 yards … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded five knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, but was penalized twice, grading 78% … Helped the team gain 123 yards with one touchdown on 34 carries (3.62 ypc) and generate 450 total yards on 79 snaps (5.70 yards per play).

Georgia … Smith posted eight knockdowns, but had first half problems containing speedy edge rusher Marcus Howard … On an early second quarter series, Howard tackled Terry Grant for no gain on a run around left end, beat Smith off the blocks to knock down a John Parker Wilson pass and again slip past the left tackle to pressure Wilson into throwing an incomplete pass … Smith got back at Howard, flattening the 231-pounder on a 30-yard jaunt by Grant in the third quarter, followed by Smith charging into the end zone with Wilson following on a 1-yard QB sneak for a score … Head to Head Competition-DE#38-Marcus Howard (6:02-231)-Four solo tackles, one pressure, one pass deflection … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 84% … Helped the team gain 164 yards with two touchdowns on 35 carries (4.69 ypc) and generate 349 total yards on 70 snaps (4.99 yards per play).

Florida State … Smith not only collected nine knockdowns with a touchdown-resulting block, but his alert play also prevented a turnover … Terry Grant fumbled a 6-yard catch at the 'Bama 41, but the left tackle pounced on the ball midway through the second quarter …

Tailback Glen Coffee used a rush lane created by Smith for an 11-yard gain, QB John Parker Wilson did likewise on a 10-yard run, followed by Coffee again going around left end for 8 yards, setting up Wilson's 7-yard scoring strike to D.J. Hall that ended a 13-play, 91-yard fourth quarter possession … Head to Head Competition-DE#98-Alex Boston (6:03-264)-Two assisted tackles … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 91% … Helped the team gain 89 yards with no touchdowns on 27 carries (3.30 ypc) and generate 329 total yards on 80 snaps (4.11 yards per play).

Houston … Smith earned Player of the Game honors, grading 85% with two touchdown-resulting blocks in a 30-24 decision … John Parker Wilson's third-&-goal QB sneak for a 1-yard score came as a result of Smith flattening defensive end Phillip Hunt to cap that 80-yard, 13-play game-opening possession … The left tackle made up for a late first quarter false start penalty by again attacking Hunt to clear room for a third quarter 4-yard scoring burst by Glen Coffee that staked the Tide to a 30-10 lead before Houston would rally to make the game interesting in the second half … Head to Head Competition-DE#53-Phillip Hunt (6:02-251)-Seven tackles (4 solos), one QB pressure … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, two touchdown-resulting blocks and was penalized once, grading 85% … Helped the team gain 190 yards with two touchdowns on 46 carries (4.13 ypc) and generate 347 total yards on 73 snaps (4.75 yards per play).

Mississippi … For the fourth time in seven games, Smith registered multiple touchdown-resulting blocks … The left tackle was again penalized (false start) on the team's game-opening drive, but he brought the crowd to its feet by shoving three defenders out of the way to clear a path used by Glen Coffee for a second quarter 2-yard touchdown run that finished off a 74-yard, 16-play series … Head to Head Competition-DE#40-Kentrell Lockett (6:05-231)-No tackles … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, two touch-down-resulting blocks and was penalized once, grading 95% … Helped the team gain 113 yards with three touchdowns on 40 carries (2.83 ypc) and generate 378 total yards on 80 snaps (4.73 yards per play).

Tennessee … Despite suffering a left ankle sprain, Smith posted nine knockdowns for the third time in his last four games … His down field block on linebacker Rico McCoy led to a 26-yard run by Terry Grant that set up QB John Parker Wilson's 16-yard scoring pass to D.J. Hall early in the second frame … Smith was charged with a penalty (false start) for the third-straight game in the second quarter, but made up for that miscue by clearing a path used by Grant on third-&-5 for a fourth quarter 8-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-DE#89-Antonio Reynolds (6:03-271)-One solo tackle … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block, one touchdown-resulting block and was penalized, grading 88% … Helped the team gain 147 yards with one touchdown on 38 carries (3.86 ypc) and generate 510 total yards on 84 snaps (6.07 yards per play).

Louisiana State … Smith had his worst performance for the season. Not only was he playing with a left ankle sprain, but he also sprained his right ankle trying to prevent defensive end Kirsten Pittman from sacking QB John Parker Wilson for a 2-yard loss in the second quarter … On the Tide's next series, Pittman pressured Wilson into throwing an incompletion and on the next snap, beat Smith off the line to tackle Terry Grant for a 3-yard loss at the LSU 42. Smith later left the game at the 6:44 mark of the second quarter due to his recent ankle sprain … Head to Head Competition-DE#49-Kirsten Pittman (6:04-260)-Four solo tackles, a 2-yard sack, two stops for minus 5 yards (Pittman added a 9-yard sack with Smith sidelined with his injury) … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded six knock-downs, grading 70% … Helped the team gain 20 yards with no touchdowns on 33 carries (0.61 ypc) and generate 254 total yards on 73 snaps (3.48 yards per play).

Louisiana-Monroe … Smith was selected team Player of the Game, delivering a season-high eleven knockdowns to go with two touchdown-resulting blocks … He led the charge on an 8-yard run around left end by Jonathan Lowe and then leveled defensive end Aaron Morgan on John Parker Wilson's 17-yard touchdown toss to Keith Brown to open the game's scoring … In the second quarter, Smith upended linebacker Josh Thomas on a 15-yard run by Terry Grant and pushed Morgan into Thomas to clear space for Grant's 12-yaerd burst around left tackle for a 12-yard touchdown … Head to Head Competition-DE#93-Aaron Morgan (6:05-217)-One solo tackle, one QB pressure … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eleven knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 96% … Helped the team gain 163 yards with one touchdown on 35 carries (4.66 ypc) and generate 409 total yards on 66 snaps (6.20 yards per play).

Auburn … Smith collected another nine knockdowns, the sixth time he reached that total in 2007 … He struggled early in the game, allowing a pressure and a 9-yard sack by defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks on a third-&-8 snap, forcing a Tide punt midway through the first quarter … In the second stanza, he took down defensive tackle Pat Sims on a 2-yard QB sneak for a score by John Parker Wilson … Head to Head Competition-DE#94-Sen'Derrick Marks (6:01-291)-Two assisted tackles, one QB pressure, 0.5 sack for minus 4 yards … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and one touch-down-resulting block, grading 86% … Helped the team gain 112 yards with one touchdown on 36 carries (3.11 ypc) and generate 225 total yards on 62 snaps (3.63 yards per play).

Colorado (Independence Bowl) … Smith finished his sophomore season with eight knock-downs … He took down defensive tackle George Hypolite on an 11-yard run by Terry Grant that set up a Tide 41-yard first quarter field goal … Later in that stanza, he flattened linebacker Jordon Dizon on a 24-yard QB keeper by John Parker Wilson and then held off rush end Alonzo Barrett on Wilson's 15-yard scoring strike to Keith Brown that ended that 55-yard, 6-play drive … Head to Head Competition-DE#47-Alonzo Barrett (6:03-235)-Four tackles (2 solos) … Offensive Impact-Smith recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 88% … Helped the team gain 137 yards with no touchdowns on 37 carries (3.57 ypc) and generate 388 total yards on 69 snaps (5.62 yards per play).

Smith was named Freshman All-American first-team by The Sporting News and Rivals.com, adding All-SEC first-team honors from the league's coaches … Started all thirteen games at left tackle, leading the team with 831 plays participated in while pacing the down linemen with 70 knockdown blocks that included thirteen touchdown-resulting blocks … Became just the seventh true freshman in school history to start a season opener, joining Larry Rose (1985), Jon Stevenson (1991), Terry Jones, Jr. (1988, Dante Ellington (1999, Saleem Rasheed (1999) and Tim Castille (2003) … Scored his first career touchdown on a lateral from QB John Parker Wilson in the Independence Bowl vs. Oklahoma State.

2007: Suffered a left ankle sprain vs. Tennessee (10/20) … Left the Louisiana State game (11/03) in the second quarter after spraining his right ankle.

2008: Left the Clemson game (8/30) in the third quarter and sat out the following week vs. Tulane with a right knee medial collateral ligament sprain … Suffered an elbow strain in the Kentucky clash (10/04) … Played with a flu-like virus vs. Mississippi (10/18).

Campus: 5.28 in the 40-yard dash … 1.78 10-yard dash … 2.94 20-yard dash … 4.88 20-yard shuttle … 7.62 three-cone drill … 26 1/2-inch vertical jump … 8'6" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times.

Combine: 5.28 in the 40-yard dash … Chose not to lift or work out and left the even early, saying he had switched trainers only a week before the Combine.

Attended Huffman (Birmingham, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Curtis Coleman … The three-year starter was the consensus top-rated offensive lineman in the country as a senior … The first-team All-American choice by USA Today and the U.S. Army, he was also a two-time All-State selection … In 2005, he was the recipient of the Bobby Dodd Award and was selected Alabama's Mr. Football by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, becoming the only offensive lineman to ever win the honor … Also named Mr. Football and the state's best collegiate prospect by The Birmingham News … The Rivals.com Alabama Offensive Lineman of the Year recorded 88 knockdown blocks and was named the Class 6A Lineman of the Year in 2005 … One of four finalists for the Walter Peyton Award, given to the best prep player in the nation.

General Studies major … Born Andre D. Smith on 1/25/87 … Resides in Birmingham, Alabama.