Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: De’Veon Smith

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: De’Veon Smith


April 2, 2019

Surprise, surprise! Orlando Apollos running back De’Veon Smith wins the award again after helping achieve a 34-31 victory over the Memphis Express. Smith had 10 carries for 27 yards (2.7 YPC), including a game-winning 1-yard touchdown run with 1:51 left in the contest.

HONORABLE MENTION

  • Matt Godin, DL (San Antonio Commanders): Godin made 2 tackles in a 23-6 loss to the Arizona Hotshots.
  • Ty Isaac, RB (Birmingham Iron): Isaac was a scratch.
  • Denard Robinson, RB (Atlanta Legends): Robinson had 1 carry for 1 yard in a 17-9 loss to the Birmingham Iron.
  • Channing Stribling, CB (Memphis Express): Stribling made 1 tackle in the 34-31 loss to the Apollos.

5 comments

  1. Comments: 6285
    Joined: 8/11/2015
    Lanknows
    Apr 02, 2019 at 12:33 PM

    Good to see Deveon doing well. I’m not surprised that he’s a decent back at this level. I AM surprised he’s outperforming Denard Robinson. Maybe it’ll be enough to get him another shot in the NFL.

    • Comments: 3844
      Joined: 7/13/2015
      Apr 02, 2019 at 12:51 PM

      Not to bash Smith, but the numbers for him have not been great on a per carry basis, other than one or two games. He’s definitely still a grinder, even in the AAF. The vast majority of his scores have been from 1 to 3 yards out. In fact, off the top of my head, the longest TD run he’s had is from 7 yards. That being said, the run blocking in the AAF is not great in general, and nobody’s putting up great numbers on the ground. I expected one or two guys to emerge as playmakers from the backfield, but they’re all meh.

      • Comments: 6285
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        Lanknows
        Apr 02, 2019 at 3:43 PM

        Def a grinder, but we knew that. Historically, a lot of guys like that in the NFL too. I don’t know if he offers enough reliable blocking or pass-catching to make that worthwhile at the NFL level but at least his AAF play seems like a better foundation than sitting the bench.

  2. Comments: 1863
    Joined: 1/19/2016
    je93
    Apr 02, 2019 at 2:35 PM

    Yeah, Smith is not doing well – nor is the League

  3. Comments: 1863
    Joined: 1/19/2016

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