Kevin Smith's work in hills evident early in Lions' training camp
by Tom Kowalski
Tuesday August 04, 2009, 2:11 PM
ALLEN PARK -- Running back Kevin Smith has looked very good in camp, particularly with his lower-body power. It has shown up when he runs the ball, when he goes through individual drills and when he is pass protecting against blitzing linebackers in a one-on-one drill.
"I ran the hills a lot more in the offseason. I wanted more lower-body explosion. I have to break more arm tackles -- I left a lot of yards out there last season,'' Smith said.
While Aveion Cason is the most experienced pass protector of the backs, Smith quickly is showing he is the most effective.
Smith has been solid in attacking and engaging the linebacker with power -- without lunging and losing his leverage. He wants to carry that attitude into his running game as well.
"I want to be more like DeAngelo Williams in Carolina, with those short, powerful bursts that break tackles,'' Smith said.
Williams exploded into the NFL scene last season -- his third year in the league -- when he rushed for 1,515 yards, scored 18 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. He was effective by combing power and speed, using his leg drive to break arm tackles at the line of scrimmage and hitting another gear when he got into the open.
"I want to improve those short bursts, run with power and break through those tackles that shouldn't bring me down," Smith said.