Anthony Smith attended Hubbard High School in Hubbard, Ohio. He played running back and defensive back for the Hubbard football team. As a junior, Smith rushed for 1,475 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. He had 45 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 10 pass break-ups on defense on his way to first team all-district, all-county, and all-state honors. He was also received the team’s “best offensive back” award. As a senior he rushed for 1,787 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on offense while picking off 6 passes on defense, helping his team to an 11-1 record. He was named first team all-district and all-county for his play as a senior. He received the team’s “best offensive back” award for the second consecutive season. He accepted a scholarship to play for Syracuse where he served primarily as a special teams player and reserve safety as a true freshman, totaling 31 tackles on the year. He earned a starting job as a sophomore and had a breakout year with 5 interceptions and a forced fumble. His career high 106 tackles ranked sixth on Syracuse’s all-time single season tackle list. As a junior he totaled 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble on his way to second team all-big east honors. As a senior, Smith finished with 71 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and career highs in sacks (3) and interceptions (6). He was named first team all-big east for his performance as a senior.

Anthony Smith has been a playmaker in the Syracuse secondary for the past three seasons as a starter. He has great instincts and always seems to put himself in position to make a big play. He is a hard worker and a tough player who will play through minor injuries. He has pretty good cover skills and soft hands but he could still improve his technique. His biggest strength is his ability to support the run. He is very aggressive, a hard hitter, and a sure tackler. He can be a bit overaggressive at times though when going for the big hit. He is good on the blitz and came up with three sacks as a senior. His biggest problem is his lack of ideal size and speed for the position. He is an excellent special teams player which will help his draft day value. He set the school record for career blocked kicks with 5 blocks in his four seasons at Syracuse. Anthony Smith was a playmaker at the college level but will need a good showing at the combine to move into the first day of the draft. At this point he looks to be a second day prospect with limited upside due to his lack of ideal size and athletic ability. He could come in and contribute on special teams immediately and has a chance to develop into a solid safety in time.