Arizona Football: The Top 5 local recruiting blunders

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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 08: Running back Michael Smith #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 8, 2013 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – RB Michael Smith

Position: Running Back
Class: 2009
High School: Sunnyside (Tucson, AZ)/ Eastern Arizona Community College (Thatcher, AZ)
College: Utah State

The younger brother to former Wildcat running back Xavier Smith, how do you not offer his younger brother, Michael?

A standout at Sunnyside High School as well, Michael went on to play at Eastern Arizona, before receiving an offer to play at Utah State in 2009.

From there, he would become a standout running back with the Aggies.

Appearing in 28 games, Michael would total 1,313 yards on 184 carries (7.1 avg.), with 15 touchdowns rushing. Receiving he was just as talented, as he added another 424 yards through the air with four touchdowns on 38 receptions.

Michael would eventually go on to be drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th Round as the 212th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

His pro career may not have turned out so well, however, his production at the collegiate level makes this is a big recruiting miss by the Wildcats in my opinion.

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