College Years: Irv Smith Jr.'s Path To The NFL
Who is Irv Smith Jr.?
Irv Smith Jr. is an American football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).
He played college football at Alabama, where he was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion. Smith was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|| Name | Irv Smith Jr. || Born | August 14, 1998 (age 25) || Birth Place | Moss Point, Mississippi || Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) || Weight | 242 lb (110 kg) || Position | Tight End || Team | Minnesota Vikings || College | Alabama |
Smith is a versatile tight end who can line up in-line, as an H-back, or in the slot. He is a good receiver with soft hands and is also a willing blocker.
In his rookie season, Smith caught 36 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 54 yards on six carries.
Smith is expected to play a bigger role in the Vikings' offense in 2020. He is a talented player with a lot of potential.
Irv Smith Jr. College
Irv Smith Jr. is a talented tight end who played college football at Alabama. He was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion with the Crimson Tide. Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
- Position: Tight end
- College: Alabama
- Draft: 2nd round, 2019
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 242 lbs
Smith is a versatile tight end who can line up in-line, as an H-back, or in the slot. He is a good receiver with soft hands and is also a willing blocker. In his rookie season, Smith caught 36 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 54 yards on six carries.
Smith is expected to play a bigger role in the Vikings' offense in 2020. He is a talented player with a lot of potential.
1. Position
Irv Smith Jr. played the position of tight end during his college football career at Alabama. A tight end is a versatile position that can line up in a variety of formations and perform a variety of tasks.
- Blocking: Tight ends are often responsible for blocking defensive players to create running lanes for running backs or to protect the quarterback during passing plays.
- Receiving: Tight ends can also be used as receivers, running routes and catching passes from the quarterback. They can be a valuable target for quarterbacks, especially in short-yardage situations or in the red zone.
- Hybrid: Some tight ends are known as "hybrid" tight ends because they can do both blocking and receiving at a high level. These players are often very valuable to their teams because they can be used in a variety of ways.
Smith is a talented tight end who can do both blocking and receiving at a high level. He is expected to play a bigger role in the Vikings' offense in 2020.
2. College
Irv Smith Jr. played college football at the University of Alabama. Alabama is one of the most successful college football programs in the country, having won 18 national championships, including two during Smith's time there.
- Winning Tradition: Alabama has a long and storied history of success, which can be a major draw for recruits like Smith. The program's winning tradition and high level of competition can help players develop their skills and reach their full potential.
- Coaching Staff: Alabama has a top-notch coaching staff led by Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches in college football history. Saban is known for his ability to develop players and prepare them for the NFL.
- Facilities: Alabama has some of the best facilities in the country, which can give players access to the resources they need to succeed.
- Tradition: Alabama has a rich tradition of producing NFL players, which can be another draw for recruits. Smith is one of many former Alabama players who have gone on to have successful NFL careers.
Overall, Alabama is a great place for players to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Smith's decision to attend Alabama was a wise one, and it helped him become the player he is today.
3. Draft
Irv Smith Jr. was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This was a significant moment in his career, as it marked his transition from college football to the professional ranks.
Smith's draft position was a reflection of his talent and potential. He was one of the top tight end prospects in the country coming out of Alabama, and many experts believed that he could be a star in the NFL.
Being drafted in the second round also gave Smith a significant financial boost. He signed a four-year contract with the Vikings worth $6.5 million, including a $3.2 million signing bonus.
Overall, Smith's draft position was a major step forward in his career. It gave him the opportunity to play in the NFL and pursue his dream of becoming a professional football player.
4. Team
Irv Smith Jr.'s decision to attend the University of Alabama was a major factor in his eventual selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Smith's success at Alabama, both on and off the field, made him an attractive prospect for the Vikings, who were looking for a young, talented tight end to add to their offense.
Smith's time at Alabama helped him develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the NFL. He learned how to block, catch passes, and run routes effectively. He also gained valuable experience playing in big games and against top competition. This experience helped him make a smooth transition to the NFL.
In addition to his on-field development, Smith also benefited from the guidance and support of the Alabama coaching staff. Head coach Nick Saban is known for his ability to develop players both on and off the field. Smith credits Saban with helping him become a better player and a better person.
Smith's success at Alabama also helped him build a strong relationship with the Vikings' coaching staff. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was impressed with Smith's talent and character. He believed that Smith could be a valuable addition to the Vikings' offense.
Overall, Smith's decision to attend the University of Alabama was a major factor in his eventual selection by the Minnesota Vikings. His success at Alabama, both on and off the field, made him an attractive prospect for the Vikings, who were looking for a young, talented tight end to add to their offense.
5. Height
Irv Smith Jr. stands 6'2" tall, which is a notable height for a tight end. Height is an important physical attribute for tight ends, as it gives them an advantage in catching passes over defenders. Taller tight ends can also be more effective blockers, as they can use their height to seal off defenders and create running lanes for running backs.
- Blocking: Taller tight ends can be more effective blockers because they can use their height to seal off defenders and create running lanes for running backs. This is an important role for tight ends, as it helps the offense move the ball down the field.
- Receiving: Taller tight ends also have an advantage in catching passes over defenders. This is because they can reach higher than shorter defenders, making it more difficult for defenders to intercept the pass. Smith's height makes him a dangerous target for quarterbacks, especially in the red zone.
- Run Blocking: In addition to pass blocking, tight ends are also responsible for run blocking. Taller tight ends can be more effective run blockers because they can use their height to seal off defenders and create running lanes for running backs.
- Overall: Overall, Irv Smith Jr.'s height is a major asset to him as a tight end. It gives him an advantage in both blocking and receiving, making him a valuable player for the Minnesota Vikings.
In conclusion, Irv Smith Jr.'s height of 6'2" is a significant physical attribute that gives him an advantage in both blocking and receiving. It makes him a more effective player overall and helps the Vikings move the ball down the field.
6. Weight
Irv Smith Jr.'s weight of 242 lbs is a significant physical attribute that contributes to his success as a tight end. Weight is an important factor for tight ends, as it gives them the strength and power to block and catch passes effectively. Heavier tight ends can also be more difficult for defenders to tackle.
Smith's weight helps him to be a more effective blocker. He is able to use his weight to seal off defenders and create running lanes for running backs. This is an important role for tight ends, as it helps the offense move the ball down the field. Smith's weight also helps him to be a more effective receiver. He is able to use his weight to shield defenders and make catches in traffic. This makes him a dangerous target for quarterbacks, especially in the red zone.
Overall, Irv Smith Jr.'s weight of 242 lbs is a major asset to him as a tight end. It gives him the strength and power to block and catch passes effectively, making him a valuable player for the Minnesota Vikings.
FAQs on Irv Smith Jr.'s College Career
This section addresses commonly asked questions and provides informative answers about Irv Smith Jr.'s college football career.
Question 1: Which college did Irv Smith Jr. attend?
Answer: Irv Smith Jr. played college football at the University of Alabama.
Question 2: What position did Irv Smith Jr. play in college?
Answer: Irv Smith Jr. played the position of tight end during his college football career at Alabama.
Question 3: What were Irv Smith Jr.'s accomplishments during his college career?
Answer: During his college career at Alabama, Irv Smith Jr. was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion and was named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2018.
Question 4: What are Irv Smith Jr.'s strengths and weaknesses as a tight end?
Answer: Irv Smith Jr. is a versatile tight end who is known for his soft hands, athleticism, and ability to block. He is also a willing blocker and has good speed for his size.
Question 5: What are Irv Smith Jr.'s NFL Draft prospects?
Answer: Irv Smith Jr. is projected to be a mid-to-late round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is considered to be one of the top tight end prospects in the draft.
Summary: Irv Smith Jr. is a talented tight end who had a successful college career at Alabama. He is expected to be a valuable addition to an NFL team and has the potential to be a star in the league.
Transition to the next article section: For more information on Irv Smith Jr.'s NFL career, please see the next section.
Conclusion
Irv Smith Jr. is a talented tight end who had a successful college career at Alabama. He was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion and was named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2018.
Smith is a versatile tight end who is known for his soft hands, athleticism, and ability to block. He is also a willing blocker and has good speed for his size. Smith is expected to be a valuable addition to an NFL team and has the potential to be a star in the league.
Article Recommendations
