Kani Smith is a rising FIU linebacker with edge-defender traits and early flashes
Kani Smith has mostly played a depth role for FIU so far, but his profile is intriguing: in the 2025 season, he appeared in seven games and recorded 3 tackles, including 2 solo stops, while carrying the explosive, high-upside frame of a former Pahokee edge defender. His recruiting background points to real disruptive potential—he posted 31 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks over his final two high school seasons—and that kind of backfield violence is why he’s worth a look. He looks like a developmental fit for teams that value twitch, pursuit speed, and special-teams attitude over instant polish.
