2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: D’Ante Smith, DB, Texas A&M University-Commerce

• Name: D’Ante Smith
• Position: DB
• College: Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 192 lbs
• Twitter: @dante_smith04
• Instagram: @dante_smith

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve been playing football since I was a kid it started in second grade with flag and when I got to tackle I played up a level and as I got older my game continued to grow its just something I grew to love and couldn’t get a way from.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

The friendships and brother hood I’ve made along the way I have family forever because of the game. People I know I’ll be able to call whenever outside of football.

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

Darius Slay for sure that’s my favorite corner in the league right now he’s a technician and he knows the game and learning and picking up tips from him I know could elevate me to be a better player and teammate. Also if you follow him on Twitter the dude is a comedian.

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

I feel like I bring a calm demeanor but a confident demeanor to myself and the guys around me knowing we can all play we all hype each other up no matter who makes the play we all celebrate as one and I feel I bring that to us it’s just letting them know we are all dogs.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I got two of them my momma and brother but I’ll give the edge to my mom just everything I saw her go through while I was growing up she never failed to make sure me and my siblings went without no matter what struggle she went through she kept that smile on her face while trying to hide it from us and for that I’m forever grateful for her and she’s my hero.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I think the defensive scheme I’m in now is my favorite the 4-2-5 scheme because it keeps a lot of speed on the field, a lot of cover guys and you’re able to run man alot because of the personnel.

What should we know about D’Ante Smith the person?

D’Ante Smith the person he’s a competitor in everything he does. I want to see anybody I’m around win, I’m a leader, I’m a lover and above all I’m a father. I’m God fearing and I just feel like there’s not a challenge that can’t be beat.

What stands out the most about your film?

My physicality and my will to win if you check the tape you won’t see a play I took off, I’m always trying to make a play no matter where we are standing at that point of the game.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Got to face all challenges head on. When I’m on the field I’m trying to be the best player and teammate I can be and when adversity hits us I’m trying to be a leader and bring us together to overcome. Outside of football I’m a father a son & sibling & friend it’s hard not being with my son everyday of the week but FaceTime is our bestfriend just trying to keep the friendships back home together is tough but everyone knows the task at hand and it’s all love they work with me on it as well and I think they do a great job of understanding that.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone that’s a leader, competitor and reliable. Someone that’s willing to show up to work everyday and make the team better in some type of way.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Honestly I just want to be the best football player I can be and I know I’m far from that, I want to be able to perfect my craft and continue to play the game I love in the NFL.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Darius Williams, my teammate right now, starting safety, he is a dog and he is not getting enough recognition right now his IQ is on a different level and he is a playmaker.