Smith shocked everyone with a complete performance at the Carolinas Coaches Combine in the spring, handily winning defensive line MVP over a strong group of established players. He had only 12 tackles last season, but Northern Guilford loses most of its defensive front, and the massive nose guard could have a huge, late-breakout season.

Michael Smith, a rising senior from Northern Guilford, delivered the most impressive strength performance of the entire 910 Classic combine. Smith powered through an incredible 25 repetitions of 225 pounds, making him the strongest prospect at the camp regardless of position. While he has primarily been utilized on the offensive line for Northern Guilford, he chose to compete as a defensive lineman and showed why he can be a dominant force in the trenches. A true interior lineman, Smith is a space-eater who commands double teams and creates opportunities for those around him. His combination of strength, size, and physicality makes him a valuable asset on either side of the ball and one of the most powerful prospects in the region.

When I planned these Deep Dives out a few weeks ago, I didn’t have Smith’s name on this list. However, a fantastic showing at the Carolina Coaches Combine sent me back to his film. Assuming he earns more opportunities (The Nighthawks graduate several interior seniors). Smith broad jumped nearly nine feet, ran a laser-timed 5.16 40, and threw up 185 pounds 36 times, all at 315 pounds. That rare athleticism should work at the 6A level.