Michael Felder, Bleacher Report: “The best linebacker in the country is Cam Smith, and they have him at USC. He is the best player on this defense. He is the best player on this football team. Period.”
Kyle Bonagura, ESPN.com: “Despite missing the Trojans’ final four games, true freshman linebacker Cam Smith still managed to finish second on the team with 78 tackles in 2015 — just eight behind leader Su’a Cravens. For as productive as he was, Smith’s play didn’t catch much buzz and he’ll start his sophomore year relatively unknown. That should change quickly.”
Clay Helton, USC head football coach: "He keeps our culture intact."
Brian Cushing, Houston Texans linebacker: “He’s doing an incredible job. My freshman year, I started at strong side linebacker, and it’s not easy with the expectations and the increased level of play. He has done an unbelievable job of adjusting immediately and playing at an extremely high level.”
Lindsey Thiry, Los Angeles Times: “Freshman linebacker Cameron Smith is the future of the defense.”
Riki Ellison, former USC linebacker: “The greatest game played by an inside linebacker for USC in their over 100 year history was displayed to the nation last night by Cameron Smith…Cameron will be and should be forever a Trojan legend and Lore.”
Peter Sirmon, former USC linebackers coach: “I think you’re seeing him be productive because he’s a very mature young man. He has excellent football instincts. He’s very diligent about learning, and he’s improved every day.”
Cooper Perkins, Fox Sports: “Weighing in at 6’3” and 240 pounds, Smith certainly looks the part of a collegiate linebacker. While the Northern California native’s size and natural knack for stuffing the run were known qualities, the newcomer has surprised onlookers with his athleticism and the instincts in pass coverage that led him to interceptions in each of the final two practices before spring break. If the red-haired bulldozer can continue to build on his display thus far, Smith certainly could find himself in a position to steal first team reps from redshirt senior Lamar Dawson.”
Peter Sirmon, former USC linebackers coach: “He’s very respectful, and he’s humble. He is all the things that you like to see in a teammate and the type of guy that we try to recruit more of.”
Peter Sirmon, former USC linebackers coach: “Cameron is a conscientious guy. He takes a lot of pride in getting into his playbook, taking notes, and not being a repetitive mistake guy. That’s good for a young guy. And he’s pretty physical.”
