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Kobe Smith
Freshman
Defensive Tackle
Lawrenceville GA
6'2" / 298 lbs.
Recruitment
It wasn't the straightest of paths to Columbia, but we're happy to have the Archer High School graduate on campus. Per 247, Smith is listed as a three-star prospect listed as the 45th best defensive tackle in the nation and 53rd best player in the state of Georgia for his class.
Before a late surge from new defensive coaches Travaris Robinson and Lance Thompson, Smith was a University of Kentucky commit. Before that, he was committed to NC State.
College Career
An early enrollee, Smith graduated from Archer High School in December to enroll in South Carolina in January, where he was able to participate in spring practice. The true freshman wasn't listed on the first or second team units in the post spring depth chart.
2016 Outlook
Smith has the height and weight to compete for playing time in his first season. Whether he'll get that opportunity remains to be seen. With his near 300 lb. frame, he was able to blow up offensive lines on his own his high school, even against AAAAAA competition.
Going up against SEC lines, he won't yield the same results immediately, but he is a guy, that if he can keep his weight in check, could develop into a much need plug up front for the Gamecocks in seasons to come.