OTF Premium Film Room: RB Hollywood Smothers in the Texas Offense | Thursday 10:45 a.m.

[CJ Vogel]

Taking a Look at Hollywood Smothers' Fit in the Texas Offense

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Earlier in the week, we took a look at Raleek Brown's fit in the Texas offense. Today, it is Hollywood Smothers' turn.

Smothers was a 1st Team All-ACC honoree at NC State.

In 2025, Smothers ran for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 rush attempts. Out of the backfield, Smothers also hauled in 37 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. Enjoy some highlights here.

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I wanted to share some All 22 clips from the 2025 season showcasing Smothers', while also giving an idea of how it may translate to the Steve Sarkisian offense in 2026.

[CJ Vogel]

I would love to see the reverse end zone shot here. Because how did Smothers find a way out of this one in the backfield?

Regardless, patience is going to be a common theme here  

 

[CJ Vogel]

 

the vision and cutback here is great. Smothers behind last year’s offensive line would have helped tremendously, given this was common place off the LOS.

Add in the breakaway speed. 

[CJ Vogel]

You will notice Smothers is at his best reading and setting up blocks once he gets to the second level. Another instance here. 

[CJ Vogel]

 

Split zone. Find your lane, cut and go. 

Could easily see Goosby & Siani with that kickout block in space. 

[CJ Vogel]

A lot of credit to the NC State OL here. Great duo and climb from the LG & C, but the TE and LT create a massive running lane. 

All smothers has to do here is make the alley safety miss, which he does and he’s off to the races. 

[CJ Vogel]

Don't let Smothers play Campbell again...

[CJ Vogel]

Love this vision 

[CJ Vogel]

I think Arch will enjoy Smothers as a checkdown option. 

Catch and run for a score. 

[Alex Butler]

9 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Don't let Smothers play Campbell again...

May he do that to SWTSU

[akhookem]

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

[Joe Zura]

I love this RB I know otf keeps reporting on brown but he is going to be RB1 for me 

[CJ Vogel]

16 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

I love this RB I know otf keeps reporting on brown but he is going to be RB1 for me 

Absolutely loved him on the first half of last year 

[Hookem72]

29 minutes ago, akhookem said:

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

What I am excited about is the versatility of this RB room with Derek Cooper waiting in the wings.   

[CJ Vogel]

28 minutes ago, akhookem said:

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

My favorite thing about the two is they should absolutely coincide together. 

Smothers in the 1st six games last year:

• 4 100-yard games
• 31 missed tackles forced
• 20 rush attempts of 10+ yards

Smothers in the final five games of the year:

• 0 100-yard games
• 18 missed tackles forced
• 4 rush attempts of 10+ yards