2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zack Smith, WR, SE Missouri State University

• Name: Zack Smith
• Position: WR
• College: SE Missouri State University 
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 200 lbs 
• Twitter: @zsmitty98

1.What are your favorite things about playing football for SE Missouri State?

My favorite things about playing football for SEMO are the relationships I have built with my teammates over the years and the lifelong brotherhood I will have.

2.What sets you apart from other wide receivers?

What sets me apart from other wide receivers is my attention to detail, work ethic, and always finding something in my game I can improve.

3.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Tom Brady, because he has been competing at the highest level football has to offer for 20 years. Being able to pick his brain and understand what it takes a week in and week out, year in and year out to consistently make a 53 man roster.

4. What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset when I am on the football field is my guy will not make this play. Also having the utmost confidence in who I am as a player and my ability to make plays when the opportunity presents itself. I am going to do everything I can to outwork my opponent.

5. What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is squat because it really makes you dig deep in order to get the results you want. Being able to push through the pain and know your body can also give more than your mind thinks it can.

6.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The key to success on game day is weekly preparation. This includes film study on your opponent, taking care of your body (cryotherapy), and paying attention to the game plan the coaches are trying to execute. You play how you practice. Treating practice how you would a game is the only way to go.

7.What are you still learning as a football player?

I am still learning how to understand all aspects of the game from a defensive perspective. Knowing what a defense is going to do before it happens can always give you an upper hand. 

8.What are you looking forward to in the upcoming season?

I am looking forward to making plays when the ball comes my way and being able to play each week like it could be my last game. Not taking advantage of any opportunity and giving it my all every week.

9.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from my football life are earning 1st team all-conference WR in the OVC this past spring season and winning a high school state championship as a senior and going 15-0.

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a team-first player, a hard worker, someone who is always looking to encourage somebody and compete every day and never settle for being average.

11.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The type of energy I bring onto the field is contagious. I have never been a guy that yells or gets hyped by doing crazy things. I usually just let my game do the talking for me. My teammates always feed off of my energy and see how I am moving and follow suit.

12. What are your biggest traits on the football field?

My biggest traits on the field are my heart, playing with a chip on my shoulder, and my will to win. Being strong at the reception point has always been a huge emphasis of my game. Speed kills and that I have. Being able to change direction quickly and breaking defenders down in order to make a move on them. I am very versatile. I can line up in the slot, outside WR, the backfield. I return kicks and punts. I have forced many fair catches on the punt team being a gunner and I have also blocked punts on the punt block team.