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Interesting comments by Kiper on Andre Smith

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peteswell4

1st Team
Oct 26, 2005
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Rome, GA
• Andre Smith came of out of Birmingham (Ala.)'s Huffman High School in 2006 as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country, and he arrived at Alabama as the most talented player up front since Chris Samuels. His play last season earned Smith freshman All-American honors; however, the beginning of his sophomore season has been a mixed bag of good and not-so-good moments.

Two weeks ago against Arkansas, Smith struggled, getting flagged for a couple of holding penalties. Against Georgia, Smith wasn't performing at the dominating level I came to expect from him following his play as a true freshman. Don't get me wrong, Smith is very good, but he's definitely capable of playing better than when what I've seen the past two games. A left tackle with the Crimson Tide, his best position in the NFL could ultimately end up being inside at guard.
 
peteswell4 said:
• Andre Smith came of out of Birmingham (Ala.)'s Huffman High School in 2006 as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country, and he arrived at Alabama as the most talented player up front since Chris Samuels. His play last season earned Smith freshman All-American honors; however, the beginning of his sophomore season has been a mixed bag of good and not-so-good moments.

Two weeks ago against Arkansas, Smith struggled, getting flagged for a couple of holding penalties. Against Georgia, Smith wasn't performing at the dominating level I came to expect from him following his play as a true freshman. Don't get me wrong, Smith is very good, but he's definitely capable of playing better than when what I've seen the past two games. A left tackle with the Crimson Tide, his best position in the NFL could ultimately end up being inside at guard.
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Mel Kiper needs to keep Big Andre's name out of his mouth!!! Until at least the 2010 NFL draft;)
 
At least he is not saying, "If this guy does not declare for the fraft after the season then He has lost his mind."
 
peteswell4 said:
• Andre Smith came of out of Birmingham (Ala.)'s Huffman High School in 2006 as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country, and he arrived at Alabama as the most talented player up front since Chris Samuels. His play last season earned Smith freshman All-American honors; however, the beginning of his sophomore season has been a mixed bag of good and not-so-good moments.

Two weeks ago against Arkansas, Smith struggled, getting flagged for a couple of holding penalties. Against Georgia, Smith wasn't performing at the dominating level I came to expect from him following his play as a true freshman. Don't get me wrong, Smith is very good, but he's definitely capable of playing better than when what I've seen the past two games. A left tackle with the Crimson Tide, his best position in the NFL could ultimately end up being inside at guard.
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Valid point by Kiper. It was widely discussed during his recruitment by fans, recruiting services and the former staff.
 
A pulling guard with his size (OK, maybe 10 lb lighter) and mobility would be a dream - or a nightmare, depending on which side of the ball you're on...
 
Tide&True said:
While the line play is improved I have to admit it hasn't lived up to being the "strength" of the team either.
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I'm not sure who said that our "O" line was THE STRENGTH of the team, but they were dilusional. They have cohesiveness now, which is great; however, they are still learning a new system and new techniques. They'll be MUCH improved by this time next year.
 
Alanbama27 said:
I'm not sure who said that our "O" line was THE STRENGTH of the team, but they were dilusional. They have cohesiveness now, which is great; however, they are still learning a new system and new techniques. They'll be MUCH improved by this time next year.
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I may be mistaken, but I think it was CNS early on. But again, that is relative. Strenth compared to the other parts? That certainly makes you question other areas. And again, that was during fall camp if I remember correctly.
 
Eshad said:
I may be mistaken, but I think it was CNS early on. But again, that is relative. Strenth compared to the other parts? That certainly makes you question other areas. And again, that was during fall camp if I remember correctly.
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That sentiment was also echoed on the board fol spring and our first game. In comparison, the comment is probably valid. Its one of the few "parts" of the team where we have a good combination of skill, experience, and depth.
 
Eshad said:
I may be mistaken, but I think it was CNS early on. But again, that is relative. Strenth compared to the other parts? That certainly makes you question other areas. And again, that was during fall camp if I remember correctly.
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Actually, it was one of his comments coming out of spring practices... but it was stated. Overall, I think everyone has to remember this is a brand new system for people on both sides of the ball... in terms of philosophy and technique (to a degree).
 
TIDE-HSV said:
A pulling guard with his size (OK, maybe 10 lb lighter) and mobility would be a dream - or a nightmare, depending on which side of the ball you're on...
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I have heard for some time that he would be better suited to play guard in the NFL. Kiper's criticism is legit. Anyone that has watched AS this season has seen him get beat on the outside time after time by speed rushers, hence the holding penalties. JPW has done a great job avoiding the sack, but AS is really struggling with fast DEs. But he is a dominant north/south blocker. He is one of the best OL in the country, but not one of the best LTs (IMO)...
 
I told you guys he would be best inside (NFL) a few months back and got rocked. At lest me and Mel agree!!

RTR beat F$U
 
NYBamaFan said:
Anyone that has watched AS this season has seen him get beat on the outside time after time by speed rushers, hence the holding penalties. JPW has done a great job avoiding the sack, but AS is really struggling with fast DEs. But he is a dominant north/south blocker. He is one of the best OL in the country, but not one of the best LTs (IMO)...
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I agree with you to a point but if you watch other college games and the NFL, you will notice that there are a lot of good tackles getting beat by Real quick DE's. Usually you offset that with a TE or a back to help chip at the guy rushing off the end. In the game against GA., CNS put the TE and the back in position to give AS some help and they missed the blocks also. That is what I love about our new staff. They make adjustments throughout the game. Some we notice, others we don't. AS is going to be fine and definitely a future NFL'er at G or T.
 
RAM said:
I told you guys he would be best inside (NFL) a few months back and got rocked. At lest me and Mel agree!!

RTR beat F$U
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Nice job of trying to point out "I was right and you were wrong." Don't mean it personally, but putting it that way comes across as crass and arrogant.

Regarding Smith and his position, I don't believe anyone would doubt that he could play either position in the League... he's certainly talented enough for both. However, to peg him into one hole is to deny the fact that all offenses are not the same. In a trapping/pulling scheme that calls for superior interior OL, he would be better suited inside because his "talent" would be wasted on the outside. However, in a pass-heavy offense, his footwork/ability might be better suited at the tackle spot. In short, it depends on whose offense that may be under discussion.
 
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