Blake Smith
6'4" 252"lbs TE
RS Junior
Transfer from Oklahoma
Allow me to provide a brief introduction for those who may not be familiar with Blake. He spent his high school years at powerhouse Southlake Carroll, primarily playing tight end (TE) while also taking a few snaps at quarterback his junior year. Blake played point guard on the basketball team, which is impressive to me for a kid of his size in high school. Other than his versatility as an athlete, his production on the field as a junior paled in comparison to his senior year, where he improved from 6 recs and 2TDs to 40recs and 11TDs.
While some of his progress can be credited to individual development, it's noteworthy that his senior year coincided with Quin Ewers taking the helm as the starting quarterback at Southlake. Neverthelesss, Blake went on to sign with Texas A&M in 2020, where he ended with 2 recs for 1 yard in 3 years before transferring to Oklahoma for the 2023 season.
2023 was a better year for Blake, where he scored his first collegiate TD in his second game against SMU. However, and I think somewhat unfairly, he saw little action the remainder of the year playing behind coach and fan favorite Austin Stogner. Though Austin Stogner is bigger, faster and stronger than Blake, I didn't see much difference in their performance during the SMU game. Blake ended 2023 with the lone TD and 2 recs for the year before transferring to Texas State.
What should we anticipate from Blake? Physically, he meets the height and weight requirements to compete in the Sun Belt. However, in my opinion, he is loose around the waist and hips and needs to focus on improving his strength and conditioning. Konner Fox, our current starting TE, impressed me last year with his physicality and aggressive play. Despite my initial skepticism, Fox blew me away and I expect an expanded role for him in the passing game this season. Behind Konner is Tytus Lyons, whose intensity and commitment make him an important contributor to the team. However, Blake could have an early opportunity if Konner continues to struggle to stay healthy.
It's intriguing to see a player of Blake's size showcasing skills typically associated with smaller athletes, such as playing point guard. However, the time has come for Blake to commit to preparing and performing like a true big man. The potential is evident, but the question remains whether his habits align with the coaching staff's mission.
My rating: 3.5 stars.
He has substantial work ahead of him.
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