You can’t tackle him.
Darrell Smith is a running back in the 2025 class who excels at making defenders look silly. He’s a hard runner, with an extremely low center of gravity, who’s almost impossible to bring down. Smith isn’t phased by contact, either, and is not afraid to go head on with a tackler.
He also knows how to punish defenders when they don’t respect him; arm tackles don’t phase him, even good tackles aren’t guaranteed to bring him down. His 5’8, 175 pound frame has the ability to pack on more weight, should whatever program he land with desire that. However, he’s playing outstanding football at his current size, showing shades of Tank Bigsby and Isiah Pacheco.
For starters, Smith has a unique center of gravity. He isn’t exactly low to the ground, but he glides across contact as if he were. He can shake off any kind of tackle, even two tacklers at once. And, with Smith being a running back, being able to shake off hits means his body is absorbing less contact. Availability is the best ability; Smith’s increased longevity and fresher legs will get him noticed by colleges. On top of maintaining health, having a low center of gravity also helps with efficiency.
Success rate is an advanced metric used to determine how efficient an offensive player is. Plays are deemed “successful” based on what down it is and how many yards are gained. For a play to be successful on first down, 40% of the yards required to move the chains need to be earned. On second down, it’s 60%, and on 3rd/4th down, it’s 100%. Smith averaged 8.8 yards per carry last season- 1.2 yards shy of being a walking first down. He embodies efficiency.
However, Smith might not only just get the first down. He might go all the way. He’s a big-play back; if you need a touchdown, he’ll get you one. Hard running is not based on size, it’s based upon determination. In Smith’s case, when he has the ball, it’s like he out wills the defense. However badly they want to tackle him, he wants to score that much more. When a defender makes contact with him, he keeps moving, almost if he isn’t allowing himself to go down until he’s hit pay-dirt.
On top of his ability to play through contact, Smith is also a tremendous athlete. While he was adamant he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash, his film shows him moving much quicker. His official speed is already fast, but when Smith is on the field, he’s a blur. When he has the ball, he can separate from the defense in an instant. He’s smooth on the field and equally fluid when he accelerates. Even if his top-end speed isn’t the fastest, nobody is going to be in their final gear before Smith.
It’s also worth noting that Smith’s field vision is incredible. He knows when to cut, where his blockers are and how the defense is shifting. Smith also shows potential as a pass-catcher, whether that’s lining up at receiver or catching from the backfield. He has nearly 500 receiving yards in his career, on limited receptions, but looks to have soft hands and tracks the ball well. He also has a 36″ vertical and a 9’4″ broad jump- good explosive numbers that could allow him to work from the slot.
Smith is a running back in the 2025 class. He possesses plenty of traits that will make him sought after this coming season, including his low center of gravity, ability to make big plays, consistently gain successful yards and potential as a receiver. He’s an electric playmaker who should captivate every major FBS institution with his senior season.
Below is a QnA between Smith and Myself:
What is your height and weight?
“I’m 5’8, 175 pounds.”
What are some things you have overcome in life?
“Learning to be humble, learning that no matter what somebody somewhere will always be better, and never give up.”
What are your biggest accomplishments?
“Winning back-to-back state championships.”
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
“Christian McCaffrey, because he’s an athlete, you can put him anywhere on an offense and he’ll make something happen.”
What are your plans once you’re done with football and why?
“Probably join the work force but most likely I want to coach, I love the game of football and the environment of it.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is a 3.4.”
What do you like about the sport of football and how is it significant to you?
“I love the physicality of the sport, the competitiveness, the urge to go make a play! I love the game and all the characteristics of it fits me”
Do you have any offers, if so where?
“Boston College, Ole Miss, Louisiana, and UNLV.”
Do you play any other sports, if so which ones?
“This was my last year playing basketball.”
What is an interesting fact about you outside of football?
“I am a pretty chill guy, very goofy, don’t talk much but I’ll laugh at anything.”
What are your stats throughout your football career?
“Throughout my varsity career my stats are: 2575 all purpose yards, 1815 rushing yards, 494 receiving yards 31 touchdowns.”
What is your 40 speed, Broad, Vert, Shuttle, ETC
“4.6 40-yard dash, 9’4″ broad, 36″ vert, N/A shuttle.”
What is your dream school to play for in college?
“Florida State.”
What are your current football goals?
“2,000+ rushing yards, 20+ tds, and a state championship.”
What’s something you’re working to improve ?
“My hips and my speed.”
What is a strength you have in the game?
“Fast reaction time and great vision.”
What’s something football taught you?
“How to always be humble no matter the situation!”
