Why Kansas safety Smithson will play in the NFL
By Stan Unruh
Kansas senior safety Fish Smithson got his wish in last week’s NFL Draft. The former Jayhawk defensive playmaker is headed to the NFC East.
In the first place, you probably won’t find Kansas Jayhawk Fish Smithson’s name mentioned on the Washington Redskins website.
Over the weekend, he agreed to a free agent deal with the Skins. Fourth round pick, Oklahoma star running back Samaje Perine is prominently featured. Smithson is not included.
He is living a dream. How many college athletes dream of simply getting a chance with an NFL team? This is an opportunity to show up, wear the uniform and perform?
For most, that opportunity never happens. I can think of dozens of student athletes with skills who never get the call.
He won’t care that the Redskins also picked up a couple of other defensive backs-one from Auburn and another from Louisville in the final round of the draft.
Considering the few Big 12 players taken –only 14 – of the 250 or more players in this year’s NFL draft, Smithson has nothing to lose.
Furthermore, nobody expects much from him or anyone else in the conference.
I love being the underdog.
— Fish Smithson (@fannishthem) May 1, 2017
Going into the draft, NFL.com reported the Redskins needed help at defensive back. A player they signed prior to the draft was described as “below average in coverage”. As a matter of fact, some describe the Kansas safety the same way.
On the other hand, this young man brings some intangibles to the field that will set him apart from others. He has a nose for the football. He picked off six passes the past two seasons and is one of the best tacklers in the conference.
His 16 stops in that 44-20 loss to Oklahoma State were impressive.
Smithson didn’t quit when Kansas was losing big. He had 93 tackles for David Beaty last season. This situation in Washing is ideal for Smithson. With a name like Fish, he’ll get plenty of attention.