We were counting too much on the "silent commits" in that class of 2007, and ended up getting burnt by it. Supposedly, Martez Wilson, Chris Donald, Aurellius Benn, Chris Little and Greg Little were committed, but reneged close to the end or even on signing day. Justin Trattou had de-committed before that as well.
Brian Smith was a last second pickup for us, since Charlie Weis had correctly guessed that Chris Donald (our main target at LB) wouldn't commit, and ended up playing a good bit all four of his years.
He wasn't the best, but given his situation, did a decent job for us, and wasn't solely to blame for Michigan's win. There were plenty of opportunities to win 2009's game against Michigan.
The biggest one, arguably, was when Michael Floyd had to leave the game to get his knee stitched up, and Robby Toma came in his place. Toma missed an easy 4th down catch that would have iced the game because he ran the short route incorrectly.
Also, Brian Smith was mostly a solid player for us
Replies to: "Also, Brian Smith was mostly a solid player for us"
- Z. Martin retiring. HOF is next. More Pro Bowls than career holding penalties [NT]
- Hensou - 6:43pm 2/20/25
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- Re: Z. Martin retiring. HOF is next. More Pro Bowls than career holding penalties - goirish1984 - 5:23pm 2/21/25
- He was a total beast and only 7 holding calls in his entire pro career. That is incredible. [NT]
- jray - 10:02pm 2/20/25
- Most of those happened while playing injured this past year. [NT] - BaronVonZemo - 11:54pm 2/20/25
- Yup. Harrison Smith another likely HOFer. - Nigel Tufnel - 8:23pm 2/20/25
- Both should be first ballot [NT] - Frankx - 11:11am 2/21/25
- Man, there's a guy who made a liar out of me....I thought he stunk at ND. Still recall - NEPA Irish - 3:36am 2/21/25
- He was ND's Rodney Harrison - Girard - 7:32pm 2/22/25
- Also, Brian Smith was mostly a solid player for us - ndunabomber - 3:02pm 2/22/25
- Brian Smith??? You gotta be kidding me....he was at best a Division II prospect. [NT] - NEPA Irish - 9:33am 3/12/25
- It was Shaq Evans who ran the wrong route on the play you're referring to. And yes, it was a killer. - jakers - 4:30pm 2/24/25
- That was Darius Fleming. Smith (Brian), as usual, blew his responsibility and crashed down. - jakers - 12:20pm 2/21/25
- Wrong Smith - ndunabomber - 10:59am 2/21/25
- Stunk? You gotta be kidding? Watch this vid. [NT]
[LINK]
- faircatchcorby - 9:21am 2/21/25
- Also a true team player - ndunabomber - 4:42pm 2/23/25
- You mean 2009 [NT] - IrishChristopher - 8:31am 2/21/25
- You were wrong then and you are wrong now - Nigel Tufnel - 8:23am 2/21/25
- He's got the wrong guy. He's thinking of Brian Smith. [NT] - jakers - 12:20pm 2/21/25