2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Smith, DE, West Texas A&M University

• Name: Michael Smith 
• Position: Defensive End
• College:  West Texas A&M University 
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 254
• Twitter:  @msmith2018
• Instagram: @M.ik.e__

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect in my Position is my passion and IQ for the game. I can beak downplays based on film and formations. I focus on the key guys I go against and find out what are their weaknesses and strengths based on the film. I am a good pass rusher and I can get after the quarterback anywhere you put me. I can stop the run, and drop back in coverage and I am a very coachable player.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

My father was the first person who introduced me to the game of football. I started playing the game at the age of 8 and I have been in love with football since. He has been hard on me since I started, and he got me ready through the years of playing.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing that NFL teams should know about me is that I’m a hard-working player. I might not have all the accolades or the awards, but I have a heart for the game. I attack practice like a game situation and I go 100 mph at anything thrown at me. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

One cause in the world I would donate to is mental health awareness. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Hard work beats talent”

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was my dad because if I needed something, or was sad about anything he was there. If he is sick or tired after work he was going to be at every game. He is the definition of a hero and a great Dad.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

My underrated teammate was our back up quarterback.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when people say “huh” after they know what I said and then repeat what I said.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

One of the hardest moments in my life to overcome was my season-ending injury. I had to overcome a lot of mental health issues because playing football was the time to let all of my emotions out. This was my first serious injury and it took a lot out of me. The most important people in my life that helped me get through my injury were my family and my girlfriend. I believe that God has a lot of things planned for me.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The reason I transferred to West Texas A&M is that I love the family environment. The coaches there were great and they focused on our education instead of football first. Being there was a blessing and I love every second of it. West Texas is so special to me because I built lifelong teammates\friends and was able to play football in one of the best D2 stadiums.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food are fruit snacks.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football for me is preparation. I love the grind of the game and proving people wrong. I brace the grind and when my name is being called up I know that I will be ready for my opportunity.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

If you want a hard working, coachable, relentless player I am your guy.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare my play to James Harrison and  Elvis Dumervil. The reason I chose these two is that Elvis Dumervil is more like speed and finesse. James Harrison is more like speed to power or bull rush.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

The 3 people I would have dinner with that are alive or have passed is my grandfather on my father side because I never had the chance to meet him. I wish I could seat down and have dinner with my grandma because she passed when I was 6 and she was my best friend. The last person will be my dad because I love talking to him and I tell him everything.