Fantasy Football

Who is Malcolm Smith? The MVP came that came from the unknown

Last night, Malcolm Smith of the Seahawks became the third linebacker in history to be named Super Bowl MVP. The major question is who is he? Where did he come from?

Malcolm Smith came from the USC Trojans, a team that Pete Carroll is very fond of. As a true freshman  in 2007 Smith played in all 13 games as a backup linebacker and special teams player. He finished the year with six tackles and a forced fumble. As a sophomore in 2008 he again spent time as a backup and on special teams. He finished the season with 18 tackles in 13 games.

In the 2009 game against cross-town rival UCLA Bruins, Smith led the strong Trojan defense for a 28-7 win. Smith returned the first UCLA interception 62 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. For his play, Smith was awarded the “Legend Nike Game Ball” for the National Defensive Player of the Week.[4]

Smith has been called “one of our most aggressive players on defense” by fellow Trojan,Taylor Mays.

In the 2011 #NFL draft the #Seahawks drafted LB Malcolm Smith (USC) in the 7th round with the 242nd pick. His signing bonus was $45,900. Smith was not given a NFL Combine invite, he did not have a draft grade. The kid came from out of nowhere, but this is not the first time he came up big for the Seahawks.

On January 19, 2014, Smith caught a game-ending interception in the end zone, tipped by Richard Sherman, in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. The interception locked up the Seahawks’ second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Well last night, during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLVIII, Smith intercepted a pass from Peyton Manning and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown to make the score 22-0. This was Smith’s fourth interception in the last five games, and the second interception returned for a touchdown. Later in that game, Smith recovered a fumble by Demaryius Thomas. He won the Super Bowl MVP award in recognition of his contributions to the Seahawks’ victory.

It just goes to show you that,  you do not need a combine invite, you do not need to be highly touted to make an impact at the next level.  Congrats Malcolm Smith, You deserved this type of award.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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