The Viking Age
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How the Vikings can best utilize Irv Smith Jr. in 2019

By Chris Schad

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 29: Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) enters the field prior to the start of the CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl between Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 29, 2018, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 29: Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) enters the field prior to the start of the CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl between Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 29, 2018, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Irv Smith Jr.
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Irv Smith Jr. /

Using Smith as a blocker

Perhaps the underrated aspect of Smith’s game is his ability to block. While his senior season run blocking grade (79.6) wasn’t as high as his junior season (59.9) was by Pro Football Focus (subscription required), that may have been because Smith was asked to run more routes with the installation of Tagovailoa at quarterback.

While nobody will confuse Smith for an offensive lineman, he does an adequate job getting dirty in the trenches and played a big role in an Alabama rushing attack that saw two of its running backs (Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris) get drafted this spring.

A couple of pieces of evidence come from his work last fall including the beginning of the Mississippi State tape. Thanks to his blocking and getting up to the second level, Alabama was able to establish the running game which in turn led to Smith’s touchdown later on the opening drive.

A similar effort by Smith led to Alabama’s first touchdown in the SEC Championship Game. At the 1:50 mark of the game film, Smith helps create the seal that springs Jacobs for a 14-yard gain that would lead to Alabama tying the game late in the first quarter.

The ability for Smith to block is something that can entice Kevin Stefanski to use Smith in situations other than being a receiver. If Smith lines up at fullback, it could create an interesting goal line package along with Morgan, which could lead to a more effective performance up front.

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