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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 28 Digital 4

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 4 52 Smith's versatility gives Purdue op- tions, and obviously in the big picture he fits into the Boilermaker coaching staff's aim to get bigger and more physical in the secondary. But his physical attributes could jibe with safety, corner or nickel, though safety seems to be the most likely landing spot. Height: 6-0 Weight: 195 High School: Spencer Country Hometown: Taylorsville, Ky. Senior Stats: 59 tackles, four forced fumbles, 1 interception I n what Coach Mike Marksbury called a "rebuilding year" for Spencer County, he needed his best players at as many spots as possible. For Kadin Smith, that meant the 6-foot, 195-pounder played free safety, running back and wide receiver, plus returned punts and kickoffs. Oh, and quarter- back, when the team's starter was injured, despite dealing with an ankle injury of his own. "But he wouldn't take any time off," Marksbury said. "It wasn't a deal where he wasn't going to practice. He didn't want to miss any time." Smith brings that same determination to Purdue — he was an early commitment, doing so in June after receiv- ing an offer following a camp less than a week earlier — but will do so as a defensive back, probably safety. He had nearly 60 tackles and generated five turnovers. "In my opinion, we were lucky to get him that early," Jeff Brohm said on the December signing day. "He got on board. A terrific young man with a great family. He plays at a school that normally is not traditionally known for having outstanding football, but he carried the team. He played running back, he played defensive back, but he did a great job at our camp. He can run and hit and make plays and he's very versatile." It's possible, because of the Boilermakers' need, that Smith gets an early look at cornerback. Marksbury says Smith is long-armed and athletic "with tremendous straight-line speed." "He's extremely intelligent," Marksbury said, "and when he gets honed in on just one position and gets to spe- cialize his craft, he will take off. We had him in so many different positions. "Once you get him working on some of the finer things and spending all his time with that same coach, he'll get better and better. The physical tools are certainly there." The Purdue Fit Did You Know? Smith had more than 40 rushing touchdowns during his career. Kadin Smith Defensive back "Smith is a versatile athlete who played both ways in high school and was also an accomplished track athlete. His speed in the secondary will be a definite asset and he might also be able to contribute in the return game. Expect him to find a way onto the field early, even if it's just on special teams to start." — Southeast analyst Woody Wommack rivals.com take Action photo by Brian Neubert

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