Position: Wide Receiver
College: Southern Methodist (Previously Miami)
High School: LINCOLN
Height/Weight: 6'1", 191lbs
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Born in San Diego, California, Keyshawn Smith’s football journey reflects resilience, from earning his stripes at Miami to transferring to SMU for a fresh start. His high school accolades and college growth highlight a player dedicated to refining his craft.
As a senior, he recorded 46 receptions for 808 yards and eight receiving touchdowns, showcasing his speed, reliable hands, and playmaking ability. Beyond receiving, he added versatility with three rushing touchdowns and returned both a punt and a kickoff for scores. A consensus three-star prospect, he was ranked among the top 100 players in California by ESPN (No. 78), Rivals (No. 84), and 247Sports (No. 86). His performance drew offers from schools like Washington State, Boise State, San Diego State, Tennessee, and UNLV, but he ultimately committed to the University of Miami on January 21, 2020.
Smith redshirted his first year at Miami, seeing limited action as he adjusted to the college game during the COVID-affected season. Granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Smith broke out as a key contributor, starting all 12 games for the Hurricanes. He finished with 33 receptions for 405 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third on the team in catches and receiving yards. Notable games included a career-high seven catches for 73 yards against North Carolina (Oct. 16) and 82 yards on three receptions at Pittsburgh (Oct. 30).
As a sophomore, his role diminished as he dropped to seventh among Miami receivers, recording 13 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Seeking greater opportunity, he entered the transfer portal and committed to SMU in December 2022.
At SMU, Smith appeared in all 14 games, starting six, and contributed to the Mustangs’ successful season. He tallied 25 receptions for 392 yards and three touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the offense.
Smith continued to shine his senior year, playing a key role in SMU’s run to the 2024 ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff. He recorded 33 receptions for 527 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 16.0 yards per catch. His efficiency was remarkable, with zero drops on 85 targets over his final two seasons and a team-leading 127.8 passer rating when targeted against man coverage in 2024. Standout performances included 89 yards on three catches against Pittsburgh and a 35-yard touchdown against Houston Christian.
Collegiate Career Stats:
Receptions: 104
Receiving Yards: 1,523
Touchdowns: 13
Yards per Catch: 14.6 (career average)
Additional: 14 rushing yards on three carries (Miami, 2022)
NFL Draft Outlook:
As of early 2025, Smith’s consistent production, elite catch reliability, and ability to perform against man coverage have positioned him as a potential late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His versatility and big-play potential make him an intriguing prospect, though he competes in a deep wide receiver class.
No comments:
Post a Comment