NFL Draft 2017: Tanzel Smart, Tulane Look For Strong Stretch Run
2017 NFL Draft prospect Tanzel Smart is hoping to lead the Tulane Green Wave to a strong run down the stretch.
The Tulane Green Wave are entering the home stretch of their 2016 season, meaning Tanzel Smart and company are going to need a strong finish to become bowl-eligible. At 3-5 with four games remaining, the Green Wave need to win at least three of their final four games to have the opportunity to play in a bowl game this year.
Tulane is coming off three-consecutive losses—all coming in-conference. The test does not get any easier this week as they travel to UCF for another conference matchup. Despite the gravity of the situation, Tanzel Smart and his teammates are not panicking.
“We know it’s a big week,” Smart said when asked about the upcoming matchup. “We just need to get back to doing us. Get back to dominating.”
The Green Wave are one of the better defensive units in the nation in terms of yards allowed, conceding just 368.6 total yards per game. This mark is 36th in the country, but their 66th ranked scoring defense has been their downfall. After allowing 24, 50 and 35 points in the past three weeks, respectively, there is a concerted effort being made to keep teams out of the end zone.
“We need to finish,” Smart said when asked about the defensive play. “Need to finish plays, finish drives and finish games.”
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The Knights have exceeded expectations this season en route to their 4-4 record. They have the 88th ranked offense, but are 54th in the nation in scoring. Their defense has been their strong suit, allowing just 24.6 points per game.
Their offensive line allows a stable of running back and quarterbacks get into the open field and make plays in the run game, a challenge Smart is looking forward to taking on. The battle of the Green Wave defensive front and the Knights offensive line will likely determine the result of the game. If Tulane can slow down the UCF rushing attack, they have a much better opportunity to take home their first conference win of the season.
Smart is on track to set career-highs in nearly every statistical category and will play a huge part in trying to slow down the UFC rushing game. He has already set career-highs in sacks while tying his high in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. If he continues his current pace, his tackles mark and tackles for loss mark would also fall.
Even though he is seeing personal success in his final season, Smart stays humble and hard at work.
“My grandmother always told me that you have to keep working hard no matter how much success you have,” Smart said when asked about the current success. “I’m not satisfied yet, I just want to get better and help my team get better.”
His current form has him scouted by many as a Day 3 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft as a run-stuffing defensive tackle. His stature does not translate to him moving inside to a nose tackle position, but could benefit him in a team that struggles to defend the run in a 4-3 or a 3-4. He has been noted as one of the quicker players off the line of scrimmage and has worked on improving his hand strike. With all of these improvements, Smart could find his way higher on Day 3—possibly in the fifth round or higher.