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Andre Smith (offensive tackle)

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Andre Smith
refer to caption
Smith with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017
No. 76
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1987-01-25) January 25, 1987 (age 37)
Birmingham, Alabama
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school:Huffman
(Birmingham, Alabama)
College:Alabama
NFL draft:2009 / round: 1 / pick: 6
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2019
Games played:116
Games started:98
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Andre Dewayne Smith Jr. (born January 25, 1987) is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the University of Alabama, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2009 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

Early years

Smith was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Huffman High School in Birmingham, where he played football and competed in track. In football, he was a three-year starter, a two-time All-State selection, and Class 6A Lineman of the Year in 2005. After registering 88 pancake blocks his senior season, Smith was selected "Mr. Football" by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, becoming the only offensive lineman to ever win the honor in the association's 23-year history. Smith earned High School All-American honors by USA Today and was selected to play in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was also one of four finalists for the 2005 Walter Payton Trophy, given to the nation’s most athletic high school football player.

In addition to football, Smith also participated in track and field at Huffman. As a senior in 2006, Smith competed in the throwing events at the State Track & Field Meet, where he registered throws of 14.81 meters (48'7.25") in the shot put and 39.62 meters in the discus throw (126'8") that earned him sixth and eleventh-place finishes, respectively.[1]

Recruiting

Regarded as a five-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com,[2][3] Smith was listed as the No. 1 offensive lineman by both recruiting services.[4][5] Rivals described him as "one of the most dominant offensive line prospects in the last 10 years,"[6] and—after reevaluating their 2005–'09 rankings in February 2009—considered him the best offensive tackle prospect of that period.[7] Mike Farrell of The Sporting News called Smith "the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace."[8]

College career

Smith attended the University of Alabama beginning in 2006. He played for coach Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2006 to 2008. In his initial year at Alabama, he started all 13 games at left tackle, becoming only the fourth true freshman offensive lineman to start for the Crimson Tide.[9] Smith played at least 65 snaps in 10 of 13 games and played more than 70 snaps five times, while leading the Crimson Tide with 62 pancake blocks. He also scored a touchdown off of a lateral in the 34–31 Independence Bowl loss against Oklahoma State.[10] Smith earned Freshman All-American honors by the Football Writers Association of America.[11]

In 2007, Smith was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection, after starting every game at the left tackle position.[12] He was named Alabama Co-Player of the Week four times during the season.[12]

Smith was recognized as a unanimous All-American in 2008, as well as the 2008 Outland Trophy winner. He was also considered to be one of the best underclassmen for the 2009 NFL Draft.[13][14] He was also a first-team All-SEC selection and shared the league's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs.[15] He led the team with 103 key knockdowns and added seven blocks downfield. He was penalized just twice and he allowed just one QB sack and six pressures on 334 pass plays.[12]

On December 29, 2008, Smith was suspended from playing in the 2009 Sugar Bowl,[16]—a game Alabama lost 31–17 to the Utah Utes—, reportedly because he dealt with an agent.[17] A few days later, Smith declared himself eligible for the 2009 NFL Draft, and at the time he was considered a lock to be a Top 5 pick.[18]

College awards and honors

Professional career

2009 NFL Draft

Widely believed to be the best run-blocking tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith drew comparisons to Jason Peters.[34] At the 2009 NFL Combine, Smith weighed 332 pounds.[35] He also looked out of shape as he ran 40 yards shirtless, clocking at a slow 5.28, and had a disappointing 19 repetitions on the bench with 225 pounds.[36]

He decided to leave the combine early in order to prepare for Alabama's Pro Day on March 11, 2009. Smith, however, did not inform his group leader at the combine before he left, and later apologized, stating: "If I had the chance to do it all over, I wouldn't have handled it the way I did. I should have told my group leader that I was leaving, and I didn't. I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers or step on any toes. I didn't mean to grandstand anyone at the combine. That was not my intention at all, and I apologize for my mistake." Smith also admitted that he wasn't prepared or in shape.[17][37]

His Pro Day performance at Alabama on March 11, 2009, was equally unimpressive, although his weight was down to 325 pounds. It was expected that his poor performances at the Combine and at Pro Day would strongly impact his draft positioning.[38][39] Initially thought of as the best offensive tackle in the draft and a possible No. 1 pick,[40][41] Smith was moved to third among offensive tackles (commonly behind Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe) after the combine.[36][42]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 4 in
(1.93 m) 		332 lb
(151 kg) 		5.28 s 1.79 s 3.01 s 4.93 s 7.88 s 28+1⁄2 in
(0.72 m)		 7 ft 10 in
(2.39 m)		 19 reps 17
Height, weight, and Wonderlic from NFL Combine, all others from Alabama Pro Day[43]

Cincinnati Bengals

2009 season

Smith was eventually drafted sixth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.[44] He was the first Alabama offensive lineman selected in the first round of an NFL Draft since Chris Samuels in 2000. With run-blocking being his premier quality, Smith was projected to start at right tackle for the Bengals.[45][46] However, after a 30-day contract impasse, Smith missed all of training camp and three preseason games, before eventually signing his contract on August 30, 2009.[47] It is believed that Smith was looking for a five-year, $40 million deal,[48] but was signed to a four-year contract with only $21 million guaranteed. The Bengals also had an option in his contract after the 2010 season to make it a six-year, $42 million agreement.[49]

Just days after ending his holdout, Smith fractured his left foot during a non-contact drill at training camp in his first week of practice after missing most of preseason. He was on roster exemption for the season opener game against the Denver Broncos on September 13, then was added to the active roster the next day and returned to practice in week 7, being inactive for Games 2-10. He played in Games 11-16, and was credited with one start. He made his NFL debut on November 29 against the Cleveland Browns. On December 13, 2009, Smith was credited with his first official start when usual starting right tackle Dennis Roland lined up as the extra tight end in the Bengals unbalanced line. He supported three individual 100-yard rushing efforts over the season’s final six games, and aided a Bengals playoff record of 169 rushing yards by running back Cedric Benson in the wild card playoff game against the New York Jets.

2010 season

In his second season with the Bengals, Smith claimed the starting right tackle position, playing in Weeks 6, 7, and 8, but then suffered a foot fracture (fifth metatarsal) in practice on November 10, forcing the Bengals to place him on injured reserve with a broken foot and effectively ending his season after playing in seven of the eight regular season games to that date.[50]

2011 season

In the 2011 preseason, it was reported that Smith was working out and getting fully fit. It was also reported that in the preseason, he spoke with the Bengals starting left tackle, Andrew Whitworth, about how "it's my time to step up." The 2011 season became Smith's breakout year, and he became the starting right tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. He started there in games 1-12 and 15-16, as well as the wild card playoff game, contributing to pass protection that ranked tied for fourth in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed (25). He was inactive for games 13-14 due to an ankle injury. In week 1 at Cleveland, he averted a giveaway by recovering an Andy Dalton fumble at the Bengals eight-yard line. In week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, he supported a pass-protection effort that held the Colts for the first time on the season without a sack, playing primarily against All-Pro defensive end Robert Mathis. He aided a 165-yard rushing effort in week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.

2012 season

In 2012, Smith started all 16 games, including the wild card playoff game. He helped running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis rank first in the league in third-and-one rushing conversions (93.3 percent success rate, on 14 of 15) and was part of a run-blocking effort for Green-Ellis to gain at least 100 yards four times in a five-game stretch (Games 10-12 and 14), with 168.2 team average in that span. He also supported a season-best 221 rushing yards, with 6.5 average, on November 25 against the Oakland Raiders.

2013 season

Smith with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013.

On April 26, 2013, Smith re-signed with the Bengals. It was reported by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport that Smith agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract during the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.[51] He started in games 1-11 and 13-16 at right tackle, and came off bench in week 12, helping the Bengals rank tied for sixth in scoring and tenth in net offense. He was a key cog in pass protection, allowing only one sack over games 11-14, tying a team record for fewest sacks allowed in a four-game span. On September 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he helped the offensive line allow no sacks with 407 net yards. He aided a blocking effort in week 6 at Buffalo in which the Bengals offense tallied a season-high in total net yards with 483 yards, including season-highs in both rushing (165) and passing (318). On October 27 against the New York Jets, he contributed to pass protection allowing only one sack for two yards as Andy Dalton threw for a career-best five touchdown passes. In week 14 against Indianapolis, he helped keep Dalton sack-free for the third straight game and supported a 155-yard rushing effort, and Dalton was named AFC Offensive Player of Week with a 120.5 passer rating. In the wild card playoff game on January 5, 2014, he contributed to a 439-yard offensive output against the San Diego Chargers.

2014 season

Smith missed all of the 2014 preseason while rehabbing from a concussion, but was able to start in the season opener game. He played and started in nine games played on the season. He was inactive for games 9-10, and was placed on Reserve/Injured list on November 25, following a triceps injury suffered in week 11. He played a key role in the Bengals pass protection for the nine games he played, helping the Bengals finish the season ranked third in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed with 23 and in least sack yardage allowed (123 yards). He was part of an offensive line that allowed no sacks in the first three weeks of the season for first time in franchise history. He was credited by coaches with the key block on Giovani Bernard’s 89-yard touchdown run, the second-longest in Bengals history, on October 12 against the Carolina Panthers. He helped pave the way for three one-yard touchdown runs in goal line situations in week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, including the game-winning touchdown by Andy Dalton on a fourth-and-one situation late in the fourth quarter.

2015 season

Smith started in 14 games (Games 1-7 and 10-16) at right tackle, and also started wild card playoff game. He missed games 8-9 due to a concussion suffered on November 1 at Pittsburgh. On September 13 at Oakland, he helped lead pass protection that allowed no sacks and supported 396 yards of net offense. The following week, he contributed with a second straight sack-free game against the San Diego Chargers, in which the rushing offense put up 175 yards on the ground. In week 3, he provided pass protection for Andy Dalton to register a career-high 383 yards on September 27 against the Baltimore Ravens. The next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, he provided a key block for a 13-yard touchdown run by Giovani Bernard and helped allow no sacks as Bengals posted the first game in franchise history with more than 300 net passing yards (321) and four rushing touchdowns. On October 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, he helped the offense accumulate 419 total yards and score 17 points in the fourth quarter to overcome a 24-7 deficit. In week 6 at Buffalo, he helped allow no sacks as Andy Dalton posted 118.6 passer rating, with three scores and no interceptions. He supported a season-high passer rating (146.8) for Andy Dalton on December 6 at Cleveland, with only one sack allowed. On Dec 20 at San Francisco, he supported a 115.6 passer rating for AJ McCarron in his first NFL start.

Minnesota Vikings

On March 18, 2016, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings worth up to $3.5 million with $500,000 guaranteed.[52]

Smith's first season with the Vikings was cut short after suffering a season-ending triceps injury in Week 4. On October 11, 2016, he was placed on injured reserve.[53]

Return to Cincinnati Bengals

On March 14, 2017, Smith signed a one-year contract to return to the Bengals.[54] He began the season as a backup after losing the starting right guard spot to Trey Hopkins. He became the team's starting right tackle in Week 10 after losing Jake Fisher to injury. He was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2017 with a knee injury.[55]

Arizona Cardinals

On March 16, 2018, Smith signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.[56] He started eight games at right tackle, missing three with an elbow injury, before being released on November 26, 2018.[57]

Cincinnati Bengals (third stint)

On November 29, 2018, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.[58]

He signed another one-year contract with them on July 25, 2019.[59] He started the first five games at left tackle following an injury to Cordy Glenn. On November 30, 2019, Smith was waived by the Bengals.[60]

Baltimore Ravens

On January 8, 2020, the Ravens signed Smith due to a much needed depth on the offensive line.[61]

On February 6, 2020, Smith signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens.[62]

Personal life

His younger brother, Christian Smith, formerly played wide receiver and cornerback at Hampton University.[63] He is also a cousin of Dominic Lee, a former defensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide[64] and Desmond Jennings, a professional baseball outfielder.[65]

References

  1. ^ http://dnn.ahsaa.com/Sports/IndividualSports/TrackField/History/StateTrackFieldResults/StateTrackField2006Results/2006StateTrackFieldMeetResultsClass6AB/tabid/2328/Default.aspx 2006 State Track & Field Meet Results - 6A Boys
  2. ^ "Andre Smith Recruiting Profile". Rivals.com.
  3. ^ "Andre Smith Recruiting Profile". Scout.com.
  4. ^ "Offensive guards 2006". Rivals.com. January 30, 2006.
  5. ^ "Offensive linemen ranking 2006". Scout.com.
  6. ^ "The Rivals100 2006". Rivals.com. April 22, 2006.
  7. ^ Burton, Bobby (February 1, 2009). "Past vs. Present: Look back at the best". Rivals.com.
  8. ^ Farrell, Mike (August 31, 2006). "Freshmen who will make an impact this season". Sporting News. Archived from the original on February 13, 2007.
  9. ^ "Notebooking the SEC Western Division". The Sporting News. August 30, 2006.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "Ricks' field goal with 8.9 seconds left lifts Oklahoma State". Associated Press. ESPN. December 28, 2006. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  11. ^ Griffith, Mike (January 8, 2007). "Scripps/FWAA Freshman All-America Team". FWAA.
  12. ^ a b c "Player Bio: Andre Smith". University of Alabama Athletics. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
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  14. ^ McShay, Todd (September 3, 2008). "Linemen, linebackers dominate Scouts Inc.'s top 32 senior prospects". Scouts Inc. Retrieved December 5, 2008.
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  21. ^ "Andre Smith Recognized as A Playboy All-American". University of Alabama Athletics. June 14, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
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  27. ^ Maisel, Ivan (2008). "2008 All-America Team". ESPN. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  28. ^ "Smith, Cody named FWAA All-Americans". The Tuscaloosa News. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  29. ^ Nawrocki, Nolan (December 22, 2008). "Pro Football Weekly's 2008 All-America team". Pro Football Weekly. Retrieved January 1, 2009.[permanent dead link]
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  33. ^ "2008 Walter Camp All-American Team Announced". Walter Camp Football Foundation. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  34. ^ "Pro Football War Room: Amdre Smith". SportingNews.com. April 25, 2009.
  35. ^ "Alabama's Smith sorry after going AWOL from combine". USA Today. February 21, 2009. Archived from the original on February 25, 2009. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
  36. ^ a b Cooney, Frank (March 29, 2009). "Peak performers: O-line likely to produce bumper draft class again". USA Today.
  37. ^ Farmer, Sam (February 22, 2009). "Tackle Andre Smith leaves without notice". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
  38. ^ Lande, Ross (March 11, 2009). "Alabama OT Smith bombs in pro day workout". Sporting News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2009. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
  39. ^ Trotter, Jim (March 23, 2009). "Andre Smith Is A Riddle". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on April 28, 2009. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
  40. ^ Pauline, Tony (October 28, 2008). "Halfway mark: Six months 'til draft, how the top 45 prospects stack up". Sports Illustrated.
  41. ^ Pauline, Tony (December 18, 2008). "Underclassmen will upgrade draft talent pool". Sports Illustrated.
  42. ^ Pompei, Dan (April 12, 2009). "NFL Draft 2009: Dan Pompei's top offensive tackles". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 28, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  43. ^ Nawrocki, Nolan (April 21, 2009). "The Way We Hear It — draft edition". Pro Football Weekly website. Retrieved April 25, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  44. ^ Kay, Joe (April 25, 2009). "Bengals take OT Andre Smith in first round". Associated Press. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  45. ^ "Bengals' top pick Andre Smith misses workout", The Sporting News, July 31, 2009, archived from the original on September 12, 2012
  46. ^ Tucker, Ross (August 28, 2009), "Cincinnati Bengals are right not to overpay Andre Smith", Sports Illustrated
  47. ^ Reedy, Joe (August 30, 2009). "Smith finally signs with Bengals". Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on September 3, 2009.
  48. ^ Reedy, Joe (August 12, 2009). "Smith's agent sends proposal to Bengals". Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on August 16, 2009. Retrieved August 14, 2009.
  49. ^ Walker, James (August 30, 2009). "Cincinnati Bengals finally sign holdout top pick Andre Smith". ESPN.com.
  50. ^ http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/13/bengals-officially-end-andre-smiths-season/
  51. ^ Sessler, Marc (April 26, 2013). "Andre Smith signs contract with Cincinnati Bengals". NFL.com. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  52. ^ "Vikings Sign T Andre Smith". Vikings.com. March 18, 2016. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  53. ^ Peters, Craig (October 11, 2016). "Vikings Sign Jake Long, Place Andre Smith on IR". Vikings.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016.
  54. ^ Darlington, Jeff (March 14, 2017). "Source: OT Andre Smith set for Cincinnati homecoming". ESPN.com.
  55. ^ Marcum, Jason (December 20, 2017). "Bengals put Andre Smith on IR and sign Justin Murray; Connor Harris joins practice squad". CincyJungle.com.
  56. ^ Urban, Darren (March 16, 2018). "Offensive Line Help With Andre Smith Signing". AZCardinals.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2018.
  57. ^ Urban, Darren (November 26, 2018). "Cardinals Cut Andre Smith, Bené Benwikere; Put Phil Dawson, Josh Bynes on IR". AZCardinals.com.
  58. ^ "Free agent OT Andre Smith is back with the Bengals". CincyJungle.com. November 29, 2018.
  59. ^ Reardon, Logan. "Bengals bring back offensive tackle Andre Smith". NFL.com. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  60. ^ "Bengals Waive Smith, Sign Schreck From Practice Squad". Bengals.com. November 30, 2019.
  61. ^ Henley, Jamison (January 8, 2020). "Ravens add depth to offensive line with veteran Andre Smith". ESPN.
  62. ^ Brown, Clifton (February 6, 2020). "Ravens Re-Sign Veteran Tackle Andre Smith to One-Year Deal". BaltimoreRavens.com.
  63. ^ "Andre Smith". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 27, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  64. ^ Veazey, Kyle (August 8, 2006). "Tide counting on freshmen: Andre Smith leads 'fine looking group' of offensive line recruits". Decatur Daily. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  65. ^ "Rays Tales: Meet Desmond Jennings". Tampa Bay Times. July 31, 2011. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
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