Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith is among the most versatile secondary defenders in the 2024 NFL Draft. Smith recorded a career-high 70 tackles, six passes defensed, and four interceptions for the Bulldogs defense this season. Smith thrived in both man and zone coverage schemes.
Smith recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about taking a step forward at Georgia, waiting his turn behind older players in college, playing in two-high coverage shells, and more.
JM: You took a huge step forward this season, totaling career highs in tackles (70), tackles for loss (8.5), pass breakups (6), and interceptions (4). What led to the uptick in production?
Tykee Smith: I think the biggest thing was just getting my confidence back. I knew the ins and outs of our defensive system at Georgia. I trusted our scheme. I trusted our coaches to put me in good positions. I felt fully healthy after coming off a previous injury. I got my confidence back.
JM: The four interceptions especially stick out after not getting one in 2021 and 2022. We knew interceptions come in bunches, but where did the newfound ball production come from?
Tykee Smith: We spent the entire offseason preaching turnovers in practice. We knew we wanted to create more turnovers than we did in 2022. We had to create a certain amount of turnovers in practice. If we didn’t, we had to run at the end of practice (laughs). That definitely helped me and the whole defense take a step forward. We wanted to force turnovers.
JM: You played behind Chris Smith and Lewis Cine in 2021 and 2022. You had to wait your turn, like almost all players at Georgia do. What did you learn from playing behind those guys?
Tykee Smith: I was hurt that season when Chris Smith and Lewis Cine were there. The biggest lesson I learned was definitely patience. That’s the way the program is structured at Georgia. I was waiting to get back healthy. I watched how those guys went about their business.
JM: You played outstanding coverage this past season. Do you feel like you're versatile enough to play both man and zone?
Tykee Smith: Yeah, I definitely think I’m versatile enough to play both man and zone coverage at the next level. I can play safety or the nickel spot. I’m comfortable with all coverage schemes from either position.
JM: I'll put you in a fun scenario then. Say it's 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you rather be manned up in the slot, or playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball near the sticks?
Tykee Smith: It would depend on the down and distance. If it’s 3rd-and-long like you said, we should play zone coverage. I can keep my eyes on the quarterback and try to jump the route. Everybody is playing the sticks because we know where they’re trying to get to.
JM: Is that where the four interceptions came from this past season? It’s typically easier to create those turnovers in zone coverage.
Tykee Smith: Some of them actually came from man coverage. I do a great job getting my head turned around. I was fortunate enough to have good positioning on a lot of my man coverage reps. I turned my head around and made plays on the ball.
JM: Your ability to fit the run from the nickel or two-high looks is outstanding on film. It seems that allowed Georgia to play more favorable coverage looks.
Tykee Smith: It definitely did. I was able to fit the run from those spots. My coaches did a great job putting me in good situations to be successful. I just had to make those plays, make those tackles when they came my way. I love playing the run from the box. I could also set the edge. I was thankful to my coaching staff that they believed in my ability to do that.
JM: What do you enjoy about tackling and defending the run? You’re not one of those safeties that don’t like playing the run.
Tykee Smith: It’s a huge part of the game. My toughness comes from where and how I was raised. I’m from Philadelphia. I never let anybody overpower me growing up. I have way too much pride for that. I can’t let anybody dishonor me on the football field. I have too much pride for that.
JM: I love that. I thought you put forth a solid performance at the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.46 40 and had a 36-inch vertical. How did you feel about the overall performance?
Tykee Smith: I definitely felt good about my ability to go out there and put on a show. As far as my 40 and vertical jump goes, I don’t think anybody was surprised that I tested well in those departments. I went out there and answered all of those questions.
JM: You sure did. This is the busiest month of the draft. How are your pre-draft meetings going?
Tykee Smith: I was fortunate enough to meet with every team between the NFL Combine and the Senior Bowl. My agent Nicole and I are sorting through my schedule as we speak. We’re figuring out my pre-draft 30 visits right now. I’m looking forward to taking some trips.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Tykee Smith going to make at the next level?
Tykee Smith: I’m going to make a big impact through my versatility. I can play special teams, I can also play the nickel or safety on defense. I come from a winning culture at Georgia. I’m going to bring that winning mentality with me. I want to make a huge impact in the locker room.
I’m going to put my best foot forward in whatever role the team has for me.
