South Carolina football: Shi Smith elevates draft stock at Senior Bowl

One South Carolina football player is on the rise following the Senior Bowl.

Former South Carolina wideout Shi Smith participated in the Senior Bowl last weekend, and his performance throughout the week turned the heads of some NFL draft analysts. The four-year starter for the Gamecocks was one of the week’s top practice performers, and turned in a solid outing in the game itself, producing the longest play from scrimmage by either team.

In Saturday’s contest, Smith tallied three catches, which he turned into 57 receiving yards. His longest reception of the day came on a deep post from quarterback Kellen Mond, which Smith took for 32 yards. He also nabbed a sliding catch on a low throw which went for 21 yards.

His game performance alone was enough for scouts to take notice, but he was also one of the most consistent practice players throughout the week. Here’s what Alec Pulido of Fan Nation had to say about Smith, who he tabbed as one of the ‘risers’ for the upcoming NFL draft.

"As a slot receiving option, Smith showed an ability to win quickly with his feet. His route running was excellent and he separated well. He also showed off strong hands. Considering he showed everything you want from a slot receiver, expect him to be taken late day two or early day three."

Pulido wasn’t the only one impressed by Smith’s Senior Bowl outing. Jordan Reid of the Draft Network ranked Smith as one of the top offensive players in the first day of practice, while Pro Football Focus analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Chase Goodbread went as far as to say that Smith “will be a Day 1 starter in the slot at the next level.”

Smith was a four-year standout with the Gamecocks from 2017 to 2020. He notched at least 400 receiving yards in each of his four seasons, culminating with a team-leading 633 yards on 45 catches this past year. He finished his career with the fourth most catches in school history (174).

Smith projects to be a slot receiver at the next level, a position he spent three years in with the Gamecocks. As of now, he is rated as a top 20 receiver prospect and projects to be a third to fourth round selection. After that Senior Bowl showing, we’ll see just how high his stock soars leading up to draft day.