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Purdue

Smith Showcases Versatility

by: Dub Jellison09/06/25dubjellison
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Purdue commit Emoni Smith.

Whatever you need from Emoni Smith, he can likely do it for you. The 2026 three-star Galloway (Oh.) Westland standout and Purdue commit can do it all for the Cougars, who dominated Central Crossing in route to a 33-0 victory on Friday night. The showing was brief for Smith, who only played in the first half of the lopsided affair, but he made that half count.

The future Boilermaker has seen time lined up at several spots across all three phases, including wide receiver, kick and punt returner, cornerback, safety, and even under center in a Wildcat package.

“I mean I can do it all man. Wherever you want me at, I’m gonna give it my all no matter what,” Smith said.

The pure athleticism of Smith is what stands out most from watching him in person. It wasn’t seen much tonight, but he has the ability to blow past just about everybody and flies when he gets in the open field. His 11.66 second personal record in the 100-meter dash last spring? It translates to the gridiron.

Smith’s ball skills were also on full display, as he reeled in two contested catches for touchdowns on the night. I’d see his blazing speed on tape, but the ability to go up and get the football was impressive.

The offensive side of the ball is where Smith made his mark on Friday night, hauling in six catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Much of that came in the final 14 seconds of the first half, as Westland looked to their star wideout on three straight passes, marching 70+ yards for a touchdown. Smith capped off the sprint to the finish with a 51-yard Hail Mary touchdown catch, where he scooted past his defender and made an acrobatic grab to hand Westland a 26-0 advantage. His first score of the night was on a fade to the back of the end zone early in the second quarter.

“I had a pretty good day. It could have been better. I just did what I could do. When I got the ball I made it count,” Smith said.

Despite his first half explosion on Friday, Purdue views Smith as a defensive back that has position versatility at the collegiate level, likely finding a home at cornerback or nickel. Where he ultimately ends up depends on his fit when he arrives in West Lafayette in 2026. His well-rounded skillset makes him a natural fit at nickel back, however, where he can show off his versatility in Charles Clark’s secondary.

“Somewhere in the defensive back room, move around, corner, nickel, they said I can play anywhere,” Smith said. “I can get physical, play back, I can get up and press, I can do anything, and I can make plays when the ball is in the air.”

It’s really where the Purdue staff can best utilize his talents… and they’ll have options. He can thrive at cornerback and nickel with his speed, as an in the box at safety with his physicality and as a post safety with his instincts.

Smith played the vast majority of his snaps in the slot on Friday night, seeing no targets in his direction. Apart from Central Crossing potentially seeing his pick six a week ago and deciding against throwing his way, Smith was stuck like glue to his defender in man coverage. He stays disciplined in coverage and does not rely on his hands to keep with receivers.

As he looks ahead to his future home in West Lafayette, Smith was impressed with Purdue’s 31-0 victory over Ball State last Saturday, particularly the Mike Scherer’s defense flying around and making plays in the shutout win.

“I loved it, man. They were making plays a lot of running to the ball. So, I loved it. I love seeing it. Can’t wait for to see it this week,” Smith said.

Smith will have an opportunity to see that defense in person, as he will be in West Lafayette for the Boilermakers’ clash with USC next Saturday afternoon.

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