D'Ante Smith to IR

[*SHRacerX*]

(10-15-2021, 04:53 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-emerging-rookie-d-ante-smith-brings-it-factor-to-o-line



As I said, he opted out because of the weight loss as he probably couldn't hack it after losing it.

Not being snarky, but I find it amazing how nobody remembers this; it was mentioned CONSTANTLY on the boards and on Twitter and people were expecting him to indeed redshirt.

It was once he had the 2 good PS games, when people started to perk up and want him to play, but going into the season, it was NEVER the expectation that he would play in 2021.

Truth.  And he was a project for OT, which I think is a bit bigger challenge than OG for a rookie.

I also remember something about his college coaches trying to protect him by not allowing him to play during the Covid season.  If memory serves, it sounds like he was one of the early, very serious, cases that no one knew what he had.

The great part of his story is how he showed enough at the Senior Bowl to get drafted as the aforementioned project and he worked his ass off to put the weight on and get stronger.  The coaching staff absolutely loves the guy for his dedication and attitude. 

While he has had an unfortunate start to his rookie season, thus far he is still exceeding year 1 expectations and I wouldn't bet against a guy with his raw athleticism, dedication, and coachability.  

He may still end up being a very big part of this line this year. 

I am starting to think we may see him as the RT and Reiff pushed inside to guard.