Brandon

Smith

Not the shiniest of times for Smith on Monday, especially considering that it was reported that he notched a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the HOA Scouting Combine earlier this offseason. While a repeat of that HOA time would have been preferable for the wideout, his pro day sprint shouldn’t be considered disqualifying. Just a touch disappointing. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Iowa product tested strong elsewhere, though, particularly on his jumps -- 39.5 inches vertically, 130 inches broad. Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline ranks Smith as his No. 131 overall prospect in the 2021 draft class. A later Day 3 selection could be in the cards, here, in a few weeks.

His vertical jump would place Smith (6'2/218) in the 99th percentile for all wideouts and would have been the fourth highest vertical since 1999 if it had occurred at the regular NFL Scouting Combine. What makes the jump even more impressive is the Iowa receiver weighs almost 220-pounds, that’s a whole lotta beef he has to propel to reach the 44-inch plateau. Smith projects as a late Day 2 - early Day 3 selection, but his impressive combine showing could bump the Hawkeye’s draft position up another round or so if things break right.

Smith (6'2"/218) was battling Tyrone Tracy for the starting spot opposite Ihmir Smith-Marsette and was able to fend off the challenge from the talented sophomore. He started off strong last year, catching 33 passes for 407 yards and four touchdowns in only seven games before suffering a season ending right leg injury. He will look to pick up where he left off last year when Iowa plays Purdue in their season opener.

Smith (6'2/218) has not appeared in a game since the Hawkeyes’ October 19 win over Purdue, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to play against the Cornhuskers. According to Scott Dochterman of The Athletic, the junior wide receiver has not taken part in any team drills during pregame warmups. Smith appeared in each of Iowa’s first seven games this season, catching 33 passes for 407 yards and four touchdowns.

Smith (6'2/218) last saw the field against Purdue on Oct. 19. He has been in rehab limbo ever since. The Hawkeyes were crossing their fingers that the junior wideout would be able to take the field versus Illinois this past Saturday, but he ended up sitting out that contest. We’ll have a better idea on Smith’s availability for Friday a little closer to kickoff. Should Smith end up missing that contest, he’ll (presumably) have a shot at bowl action later this winter.

Smith (6'2/218) had looked to be on track to play during the practice week, but it would appear that that was a bit of false optimism. The junior wideout was initially injured against Purdue on Oct. 19 and has not played in the interim. Assuming he can’t go on Saturday, his final chance for regular-season action will come in next Friday’s finale against Nebraska.

Smith (6'2/218) dressed prior to Saturday’s win over Minnesota, but did not ultimately play in that contest. He has been out of commission for the past three games due to a right leg injury sustained against Purdue on Oct. 19. The junior wideout owns a 33-407-4 receiving line in seven games this season.

Smith (6'2/218) has not appeared in a game since the Hawkeyes’ October 19 win over Purdue, a game in which he caught nine passes for 106 yards. For the season he’s caught 33 passes for 407 yards and four touchdowns, and the junior wide receiver has the playmaking ability to open things up offensively for the Hawkeyes. Whether or not he’ll be able to play, and how effective he’ll be, remains to be seen but Smith being dressed out is a positive sign.

“He’s making progress, and we’ll take that day by day and see where that goes,” Ferentz said of the 6-foot-2, 218-pound Smith. Ferentz indicated that he is at least hopeful that Smith will be able to dress and warm pregame, which gives a slight sliver of light toward his potentially being able to play against the undefeated Gophers. Not looking likely, but still, a slight sliver of light.

Smith (6'2/218) injured his leg against Purdue on Oct. 19 and has not played in either of the past two contests. You can safely assume he’ll be sidelined for Saturday’s showdown with Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes close out the regular season with contests against the Badgers, Minnesota, Illinois and Nebraska. We’ll have to wait and see if Smith can return at some point down the stretch.