Iowa gets JUCO CB to walk on

[ 1 ] March 31, 2011 | Ryan Suchomel

Gavin Smith could have taken a full-ride scholarship at several FCS schools, but instead opted for the chance to walk on at Iowa.

Smith, a 2009 West High graduate, will walk on this fall at the University of Iowa after spending the last two years at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

“That says quite a bit,” ICCC coach Kevin Twait said. “To pay your own to walk on and try to earn a scholarship.”

Twait said that Smith had full ride offers from Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, South Dakota State and South Carolina State.

Smith, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback, heads to Iowa after an eye-popping career at ICCC.

“He’s a very explosive athlete,” Twait said. “He returned two interceptions for touchdowns this year, and returned kickoffs for us as well.”

After compiling 50 tackles and five interceptions this fall, Smith put together a highlight film (which you can find on YouTube.com) and the Iowa coaches took notice.

The film shows Smith making big plays, including several big hits.

“He was a good cover guy when he got here, but not as physical,” Twait said. “Now he’s a tremendous tackler. He’s really improved his tackling.”

Smith lines up at several different spots in the secondary because when he wasn’t slotted at left cornerback, he would match up against the oppositions’ best receiver.

Twait sees a high ceiling for Smith. “The average height of an NFL corner is 5-10,” Twait said. “He can run a mid 4.4 40-yard dash, and has great leaping ability.”