Shawn Smith is the deep bench DB with Big Ten polish and upside
In the 2024 season, Michigan State DB Shawn Smith remained a development piece rather than a rotation regular, but his profile still pops: a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back with multi-position secondary experience, all-league high school credentials, and two straight Academic All-Big Ten honors. He’s the kind of player coaches like for roster stability and football IQ, with added athletic markers from his high-jump background. The fit question is simple: he looks best as a depth-and-development add, not an instant-impact starter.
