The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has had some strong moments on the practice field since putting on the pads despite the losses the unit has endured. The coaches have raved about players such as linebacker Josh Allen and rookie edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. However, there is another unsung player who has stood out when it comes to aiding teammates and performing on the field in fourth-year defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot.
Jaguars defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich especially has taken note of Smoot’s efforts and praised him while meeting with the media this week. In particular, Rebrovich discussed his leadership and his growth as a player.
Last year @Bigsmoot_94 got to the quarterback 6 times.
Coach Rebrovich is excited about his growth as a player and a leader. pic.twitter.com/OELBwSmWWd
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 25, 2020
“He’s having one heck of a camp. Sometimes it takes some guys some learning curve and understanding what we are doing from a technique standpoint and scheme standpoint and Smoot is doing one heck of a job,” said Rebrovich.
“In the classroom and on the field he’s becoming one heck of a leader. Sometimes you look around the room and you try to figure out who is the leader in that room, but Dawuane Smoot is one heck of a leader in that room.”
Smoot has been with the Jags since 2017 and has amassed 41 tackles and six sacks, which ranked him fourth on the team. All six of his sacks came in 2019 in only 38% of the snaps. The interesting caveat is that he ended the 2019 campaign with 12 solo tackles meaning he had a sack on 50% of his tackles.
Smoot will undoubtedly receive more playtime this year when looking at the losses the Jags have endured on the defensive line. Add in the fact that he’ll be playing on a contract year and it’s possible he could see a tremendous jump in play this upcoming season.