Thankful for . . . Vincent Smith

Submitted by jmblue on

The Pahokee jitterbug has never gotten too much love, but he's been an integral cog in the offensive machine the past two years.  A year ago, he distinguished himself so much in pass protection that he became our regular 3rd-down back by season's end, even on those rare occasions when Minor and Brown were available.  He scored our lone TD in the OSU game (making him the only player on the current roster to have scored against the Bucks), only to tear his ACL a handful of plays later.

A year later, guess who's the only back on the team to have played in all 11 games?  Yep, it's the guy coming off knee surgery.  They make 'em tough in Pahokee.  Even after that nasty blow to the head he took against UW, he passed his concussion test this week.  It's a good thing, because he's quietly coming into his own as a runner.  The past three games, he's rushed 42 times for 222 yards (5.3 avg) and a TD, and - believe it or not - is a perfect 5 for 5 on third-down conversions.  (Notice how there suddenly haven't been any "Why is Smith carrying the ball on 3rd down" complaints lately?)  For the second year in a row, he's our leading receiver among tailbacks.   And on many an occasion, a long Denard run has been preceded by #2 clearing the way upfront. 

We've got a nice pair of RB commitments, and it's exciting to think about what they might do, but don't count out the little guy in the Woodson jersey just yet.  He's a gamer. 

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Plegerize

November 25th, 2010 at 1:14 AM ^

I had my doubts like many in the beginning of the season as well as during the season watching him play I was critical of him. But seeing him persevere and get back to form has been amazing and I am so glad for him. He is a true Michigan man in my eyes. I hope we never have to pass one time against OSU if it means a 200 yard game for Vincent AND Denard (Individually of course, not total).

Joined: 03/26/2009

MGoPoints: 1807

willywill9

November 25th, 2010 at 1:25 AM ^

I don't know why, but when he went down... i thought to myself... I really want him to be ready for Ohio State.  Maybe it was based on last year's performance... but I've really warmed up to him.

Joined: 09/22/2008

MGoPoints: 13162

DreadedBackfield

November 25th, 2010 at 1:31 AM ^

Hopefully he can repay OSU with a great game on saturday. I'm so happy he's perservered from all the haters and a torn acl to become our #1 back. Here's to a big game on saturday Vincent!

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 326

BlueFish

November 25th, 2010 at 2:29 AM ^

...for the strawberry blonde who keeps showing up in the Down with Detroit ads on the left.  She makes me wanna buy a Lions shirt.  Wouldn't mind debating Harbaugh with her.

Joined: 08/21/2009

MGoPoints: 4651

HokeHogan

November 25th, 2010 at 3:03 AM ^

Need to know about him you can see when he throws his body at that wisco monster in the 4th. And afterward how hard he fought to get to the sideline without going down. All heart!! This guys going to play no matter what recruits come in.

Joined: 01/10/2009

MGoPoints: 1328

bluenyc

November 25th, 2010 at 8:34 AM ^

Couldn't have said it better myself.  All heart.  Guy just keeps on fighting.  After seeing him stumble, as much as I love the kid and want to beat OSU, I think maybe he needs to sit.  He looked real bad and I am worried about him. 

To the OP, thank you for a post not about this coach against that coach and posting on a player that doesn't get the credit but works hard all out.  Quickly becoming my favorite player, still love Denard.

Joined: 06/25/2010

MGoPoints: 7044

Hoken's Heroes

November 25th, 2010 at 8:09 AM ^

Vincent Smith has a lot on his plate and he's been asked to do a very difficult task. And while I written that I don't believe he's the answer at the RB position because of his size, his effort and determination is very much appreciated and admired. If there is one guy that has really stepped up and actually improved as the season has gone on, it's Smith. And the fact he's doing this off of knee surgery is even more impressive. The kid is a gamer. I tip my hat to him and I hope he continues to perform to the point where he makes me look like a fool (yes, I know many of you already think I am a fool) for doubting he could prosper at the RB position.

Joined: 04/14/2009

MGoPoints: -97672

Blue in Yarmouth

November 25th, 2010 at 8:34 AM ^

"Why is Smith carrying the ball on 3rd down" complaints lately?)"

The complaint has always been (as far as I have seen on this board) "Why are we running V. Smith on an I-form Iso on third down". We haven't been doing that lately which may be why he is doing better on third down.

The past few games when a third down i-form iso is called it has been Hopkins running it iirc.

Just saying, no one had a problem with Smith getting the ball on third down, it was the play call that was questionable as I remember it.

Joined: 02/18/2009

MGoPoints: 6522

dietzbballs

November 25th, 2010 at 10:37 AM ^

Vince is one of our most important players on and off the field. If he's not running through linebackers he is picking up a blitz on the back side to protect Denard. I was at the Penn State game right behind our bench and he was by far our vocal leader on the sidelines, getting in the defense and Denards ass!! He has also made it clear to kids in Florida that Michigan feels like home due to all the Florida players. He will teach Dee Hart the offense and how to be accountable..............

 

Michigan football should be very thankfull we have "Vincent Smith!!!!!!!!( GO BLUE!!)

Joined: 11/24/2010

MGoPoints: 55