2018 Raiders Draft Prospect Interview: CB Tremon Smith

2018 Raiders Draft Profile/Interview

Name: Tremon Smith

Position: CB

School: Central Arkansas

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 190 pounds

Stats

146 tackles

9 TFL

15 INT, one returned for a touchdown

38 deflected passes

1 PR TD

2 FF

While Tremon Smith plied his trade at Central Arkansas, his numbers raises eyebrows. Although not on the radar, Smith could give the Raiders a versatile player that helps immediately. Smith is a ballhawk that finds his way to the ball. When he secured it, his first move is downfield, looking to score. FPC Raiders sat down with him.

What defenses do you excel in? What are your favorites? 

Smith: I ran 80 percent man coverage throughout my 4 years at Central Arkansas. I have to go with cover one or 2. Just gives me the key to play as aggressive as needed in situations.

When making the switch from man to zone is a tough one. What four things do you focus on?

Smith: Eyes, play recognition, your zone, & threats in your zone.

At UCA, you played primarily outside. In Oakland, you could see time in the slot. How difficult is the change and how do you adjust?

Smith: I would actually practice and do my one on one in the slots just because my position coach was always telling me I would end up playing nickel. I actually like it a little better than playing on the outside and I am familiar with it from practicing it.

As a corner, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Smith: Some of my main strengths are playing man-to-man coverage, turn & run ability, ball skills and physical play. My weaknesses are guessing on routes & working on keeping my eyes on the hip every time.

The new Oakland defense will rely on rushing four, counting on the DBs to cover longer. From snap to whistle, what goes through your mind?

Smith: Making sure the man I am covering does not get open. Also, trusting in the defensive line to get a good rush.

In your career, you pulled down 15 interceptions and 38 deflected passes, what is your secret? How do you find the ball so often?

Smith: Being able to turn & run but also being able to turn around and find the ball. Always played offense (WR, QB) growing up.

You also return kicks and punts. Which is more difficult? 

Smith: Kicks, I like punt returns more but very capable/willing to do both.

Give five reasons why the Raiders should draft/sign you.

Smith:  I am an unselfish team player willing to do whatever it takes to better the organization, on and off the field. Plus, I will not do anything to jeopardize this opportunity.

I am very competitive and durable, have not missed a game. Also, I am willing to take it to the extreme and compete at the highest level there is and by doing that, it gets the people around me better.

My athletic ability allows me to adapt to the speed of game or to play nickel, slot or return specialist.

My passion for the game is like no other. This is something I always dream about, and opportunities that I will never let pass me up.

I put in the extra time in the weight room, fieldwork, and film study. My goal is to be as good as I possibly can, learning my craft and always improving.

Raiders Fit: With a new coaching staff, arrives some form of roster turnover. Moreover, new DB coach Derrick Ansley prefers corners with versatility and return ability. With that said, the Raiders could find themselves a gem in Smith due to his nose for the ball and ability to flip field position. Additionally, Smith could give Oakland a core special teamer that would help new coach Rich Bisaccia.