NFL Draft Network

The 2010 NFL Draft features star power (Ndamukong Suh and possibly, Gerald McCoy) and plenty of quality prospects at defensive tackle. If an NFL team needs to fortify the middle of their defense then this is their draft. Louisiana Tech's, D'Anthony Smith, has had an excellent career and is one of the top defensive tackles in this year's draft. I interviewed Louisiana Tech's defensive line coach, Jimmy Brumbaugh, and here is what he had to say about his star pupil:

Denis Krusos: How would you compare D’Anthony’s senior season to his junior year?

Coach Brumbaugh: D’Anthony encountered more slide protection and double-teams this year. We also played against more triple-option concepts this year. He had better stats in 2008, but there are a lot of factors that go into statistics.

Denis Krusos: What type of person is D’Anthony outside of football?

Coach Brumbaugh: He is a straight arrow and a responsible person. His father was in the military and he grew up in a solid family. He does not lack discipline and graduated in 3 ½ years.

Denis Krusos: What did you work with him on mostly this season?

Coach Brumbaugh: I emphasized hand use in a variety of drills. If you do not use your hands well then a defensive lineman will struggle to defeat blocks. I told him that everyone is big and strong in the NFL. The defensive linemen that standout, play with outstanding technique. D’Anthony is built like a sprinter. He has thick legs and is athletic. He will have to keep working on his technique.

Denis Krusos: Is there a type of coaching style (slap on the back or a kick in the pants) that he responds to best?

Coach Brumbaugh: He can take criticism, but I never had to get on his case. D’Anthony is a self-starter and will correct himself whenever possible.

Denis Krusos: Is there a certain offensive lineman (a quick technician or a powerful mauler) that presents more of a challenge to him?

Coach Brumbaugh: I would not say that there is one style of play that bothers him. The best offensive lineman that D’Anthony played against was Idaho’s, Mike Iupati. That kid is the biggest, quickest offensive lineman I have seen. He has great feet. D’Anthony had a strong game against Iupati and even beat him for a sack.

Denis Krusos: What type of leader is he?

Coach Brumbaugh: D’Anthony is quiet and prefers to lead by example. He is not a rah-rah type of guy. The players on the team would watch him work out and practice and try to emulate his example.

Denis Krusos: What are his film study habits?

Coach Brumbaugh: He is prepared and wants to be good. I was at LSU and worked with Glenn Dorsey (1^st round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft) and Tyson Jackson (1^st round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft). D’Anthony has that same mind-set.

Denis Krusos: How do you think he will do at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine?

Coach Brumbaugh: I think the Senior Bowl is a good opportunity for him to show NFL talent evaluators that he is not just big and strong. D’Anthony is an athlete. He can move. I expect him to do well at the Combine for that reason.