OXNARD, CA — Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy has voiced his positive outlook on Defensive Tackle Mazi Smith’s development during the 2024 training camp. He highlighted Smith’s notable progress, specifically emphasizing improvements in his physicality and explosiveness. McCarthy acknowledged the challenges Smith faced during his rookie year, particularly due to injuries, but commended his resilience in the offseason. “He’s a guy that had a setback and he’s done the work in the offseason. He’s doing the work and he’s trending where he needs to go,” McCarthy noted.
Smith, known for his remarkable combination of size, power, and agility from his tenure at the University of Michigan, stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs around 328 pounds. Praised for his athleticism and disruptive capabilities, he is expected to make a significant impact on the defensive line for the Cowboys.
McCarthy emphasized Smith’s pivotal role in anchoring the A-gaps and potentially playing the 3-technique, underscoring his suitability for the new system. “He has a new system that definitely suits him very well,” McCarthy remarked.
Smith’s performance in training camp and preseason games will be influential in determining his position within the defensive lineup, with McCarthy affirming, “He’s getting better. I think he’s done some good things, absolutely.” It’s evident that the coaching staff holds high expectations for Smith’s contributions in the upcoming season.
