The New Class: Tyrell Smith
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 284
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Ramsey, NJ
Prep School: Cushing Academy (Mass.)
Rivals.com Rating: 5.6, three stars
Rivals.com Prep Ranking: No. 10
Recruited by: Stacy Searels
Has your size changed at all?
No, that's still the same.
What does your workout routine entail?
I'm just running as much as I can now and still lifting the weights I've been lifting. Nothing's really changed. I'm just trying to run a little bit more, so when I get down there, I can be in the best shape I can be. So when winter workouts start, I won't be completely dead.
When do you plan on reporting to Virginia Tech?
Jan. 16.
What do you plan on working or improving on through this summer?
It's just understanding the offense and understanding the game better. I need to continue to strengthen my pass-blocking and my run-blocking. I just need to do whatever I can to get myself to the level where I can help this team and play.
How would you describe your playing style?
I would say aggressive, mean, just all the time, I love to get down there and beat up on some defensive lineman. Especially getting out on screen passes, I love to beat up on those corners. There's nothing better.
What are some of your goals for your freshman season at Virginia Tech?
I'm just trying to help the team as much as I can. If I do play, I'm just gonna do everything I can to stay there and continue to help the team get wins. If not, I'm just gonna continue to help the team practice and help those guys out so we can win games.
What player or team are you most looking forward to going up against?
I would probably say Boston College just for the fact that a few of my former teammates start for Boston College. Going up against them is gonna be pretty competitive. Also, Miami, because a kid that I went up against in high school, he played for Don Bosco as well, is their defensive end. Seeing those guys is gonna be good, so hopefully we can get a win against them.
What's your favorite food?
I'd probably say steak. I just love steak. I love A-1 sauce.
What is your favorite movie?
Probably 'Friday' or 'Friday After Next.'.
What is your favorite TV show?
Besides always watching 'Sports Center,' I'd probably say 'Criminal Minds.' I love shows where you figure out crimes and stuff like that.
What's the one song you're getting amped up to before a game?
I like 'Lose Yourself,' by Eminem. That's a classic. Anything rap, really, gets me going. That gets me hyped up.
What would be three words to describe you?
Determined, hungry and a hard-worker.
If you could date any celebrity, who would it be?
I'd probably go with Kate Upton. She's something else.
If you could go toe to toe in the ring with anybody, who would it be?
I'd say J.J. Watt. He's a freak of nature, so just to say how I stand up against him.
What's been your most memorable experience playing football?
Definitely my senior year at Don Bosco (NJ). We went into triple overtime and we ended up winning the game. We battled the whole way. It was a low-scoring game going into overtime and then after three overtimes, we pulled out a great win over our biggest rival, Bergen Catholic (NJ). They're always good.
What's the one thing you learned from your recruitment that you would pass on as advice to a future recruit?
Certain high schools might not pay much attention. They might just see you get all these offers, but make sure you pay attention to your academics and the sliding scale. You don't wanna have to do an extra year because you can't qualify academically. We know, most kids can play football, so put all your effort towards academics and you'll be good.
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