In-depth coverage leading up to the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
LEARN MORE
THE BASICS
Name: Blake Smith
Position: MID
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 150 lbs.
College: New Mexico
Class: Senior
Citizenship: United States
BACKGROUND
After bursting onto the college scene during his junior season at New Mexico with 10 goals and five assists in 2011, Smith responded in 2012 to captain the Lobos with three goals and 13 assists to the NCAA Sweet 16. The two-time All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Teamer appeared in 68 matches over four seasons at New Mexico as an important cog in the Lobos' attack to score 13 goals and assist on 19 more.
FITTING WITH THE CREW
Smith is a speedy left winger who is at his best when he can get out wide and serve balls into the box. The Crew could always use more weapons in the attack, but with Dilly Duka, Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay and Ben Speas providing dangerous options on the wing, the Black & Gold could choose to pass on highly-touted prospect like Smith.
BLISS' TAKE
"Blake is a flank midfielder that is well-known by most MLS teams. He played in a decent conference, the Mountain Pacific. He's a speedy, fast guy who can get balls in from the flank. He's more of a wide guy who tends to go endline and cross balls as opposed to a wide guy who wants to be a playmaker and come inside. I think his stock will go up if he has a good combine, just because I think a lot of people are aware of him. He should rise to the top if he has a good combine. "
MOCK DRAFT PROJECTIONS
TopDrawerSoccer.com: 9TH - COLUMBUS CREW
Soccer By Ives: 8th - Montreal Impact
WVHooligan: 14th - Sporting Kansas City
